Need some .223 help

H

Hans

New member
All --

I am considering purchasing a Mossberg MVP Predator in .223, and would like to buy either the 20 or 18.5" version. The rifle will be used for several purposes, not only as a coyote and varmint rifle, but also as a first centerfire rifle for my 4 kids.

I personally don't like the stock on the 24" varmint version of the MVP, which is why I would like to stick with the 20" sporter or 18.5" bull barrell.

Problem is, I don't know if one would be better than the other. How much velocity would I be losing with a shorter barrel? Is there a benefit to the 18.5 bull, or would the 20" be better? What about muzzle blast?

I likely won't have a chance to handle both side by side before purchasing, so I'm looking for some help. Thanks in advance.
 
Ok, so I watched some more YouTube videos, and there appears to be a HUGE difference in the muzzle blast between the 18.5 and 24" barrels. I think I might go with the 24" anyway, unless someone thinks otherwise.
 
Well, it only comes in 5.56... I think it would be a great rifle for yotes and such. Punch paper would be enjoyable. Just keep your eye on the weight...
 
In my experience the 24" AR is an unwieldy beast. Likewise, a 20" bull barrel is excessively muzzle heavy but at least it's more manageable. I've found that the shooter doesn't notice much difference in muzzleblast(20' vs 16") but spectators certainly do. Removing the muzzle brake will help with the side blast and make it easier to be close when the rifle is fired.
My 16" carbines lose around 200-300 fps compared to 20" barrels but this isn't a valid comparison since no two barrels will give the same velocity even in the same length.
 
I'd go with the 20". You'll get a little more velocity, a little less flash, and the sporter barrel will be easier for the kids to handle than a bull barrel.
 
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