SBR Shortcomings?
Since the dawn of modern firearms, larger-platformed guns have been downsizing.
The SBR is no different.
The most significant aspect of what makes the SBR smaller is the shortening of its barrel.
Obviously thats where the name comes from after all.
And this is the one major shortcoming that prospective buyers may be concerned with.
So exactly what is the cost of that shortened barrel?
The V Factor
Well, the cost of the shorter barrel is primarilyvelocity.
The 11.5 barrel gives the bullet less time to accelerate down the barrel.
As with most ammunition designed for .223 / 5.56, a 20-inch or 16-inch barrel wasexpected.
The shorter barrel on an SBR equates to less travel distance and therefore less velocity.
But how much velocity do you lose?
As usual, that depends.
V stands for vague also.
That seems like a lot, but let me put it into perspective.
Thats a loss of 366 FPS.
Most of us would be perfectly happy with that performance out of a .223 at 100 yards.
The SBR, though, comes pretty close to checking ALL of the boxes.
Jack of All Weapons
And what does an SBR do better than almost any other long gun?
An SBR doesA LOT of thingsreally well, meeting many criteria for a variety of needs and uses.
An SBR is far smaller and lighter than either a rifle or carbine notably smaller.
This allows for its use in places and spaces in which its larger family members physically do not fit.
This has to be its greatest feature.
An SBR is also easy to handle / maneuver and its fairly easy to learn to shoot.
It is a way of tipping the odds in your favor.
Specifically, an SBR would be my first choice as a truck gun or a home defense gun.
Check back for our SBR Episode 3: Springfield Armorys SAINTTM and SAINTTM Edge SBRs.
