A rifle featuring a 14.5-inch barrel permanently attached to a muzzle device, bringing the overall length to 16 inches, is a common configuration for civilian AR-15 platform rifles. This configuration is often chosen to comply with regulations regarding barrel length while retaining the benefits of a shorter barrel, like maneuverability. This permanent attachment method ensures the barrel cannot be easily shortened without specialized tools, maintaining legal compliance.
Permanently affixing a muzzle device to a 14.5-inch barrel provides a balance between portability and ballistic performance. The shorter barrel enhances maneuverability in close quarters, while the pinned and welded extension ensures the weapon meets legal length requirements. This approach has become increasingly popular as a way to achieve a specific combination of handling characteristics and regulatory compliance. Historically, this method gained traction as a means of legally owning and operating particular weapon configurations.
