SBR vs Standard Length

I am referring to the barrel length on an AR 15.   One of the questions I get asked often is "Should I build an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) or a standard AR?"   In another state than California,  I would probably suggest a SBR, but in California I suggest against it.

In California, a rifle is considered an SBR if the barrel is less than 16" or the total rifle length is less than 30".

It makes no sense  to pay a $200 ATF tax stamp and build an AR 15 with a 14.5" barrel.  You have to add a 1.5" muzzle brake to make it legal. Other than the "looks cool" factor, there is no major ballistic advantage between a 14.5" vs 16" barrel.

A 16" barrel is more than enough for the average shooter.   Now, jumping from a 16" to a 18",20", or 24" barrel, that is a different story.

Educate yourself on  the kind of shooting you are going to do,  that will steer you in the right direction to find out what style of barrel you will  need.