AR-15 carbine - mid-length or not?

[DirksterG30]

I'm planning to buy an AR-15 soon (probably RRA). I'm partial to the looks of the mid-length carbines rather than the shorter handguard. Aside from a slight increase in sight radius, are there any other advantages to mid-length handguards? Are there disadvantages compared to the shorter handguard?

 

[brentwal]

I love mine, and get a lot of comments about it at the range.

 

[BusMaster007]

May I suggest:
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa3s20.asp

An ideal start for a 1st AR15.


The basic platform affords immediate rewards for accuracy, and the option of adding different uppers for caliber change; range for 'rules of engagement'; etc.
I'd go for a RIFLE 1st.

 

[Zak Smith]

The midlength ought to be more reliable than the carbine length, due to timing.

 

[DirksterG30]

The midlength ought to be more reliable than the carbine length, due to timing.

Is that because of the longer gas tube?

 

[Fingolfin]

Midlengths have a longer, higher volume gas system than the shorter "CAR" or "M4" length systems. Many feel this lower pressure system makes the gun cycle slower, smoother, and more reliably.

Also, you can still attach a bayonet on a midlength gun, fwiw.

My AR will definitely be a mid, biggest downside for me is there aren't many manufacturers who offer one. I will be going with a Rock River Arms gun though.

 

[GoRon]

RRA Elite CAR with EOTech

Shoots a little softer than a regular CAR.

If you put a railed handgaurd on it you have more room to hang stuff

If you want to put a bayonet on it you can, unlike a standard CAR.

Your support hand can get a little farther out toward the muzzle for stability (especially for distance shots free hand).

The NM trigger and chrome lined barrel are two options I would recommend.

 

[Zak Smith]

The longer gas system have considerably lower chamber pressure when the bolt starts to unlock, compared to a carbine gas system. This puts less strain on the extractor and the bolt.

Even a 14.5" will work with a mid-length gas system.

[ link to LARGER image ]

 

[rfurtkamp]

When I went looking for an AR again, the mid-length was the only one that looked and felt right - the traditional bayonet mounting distance eliminated the M4 or standard CAR "pencil barrel" effect, and the additional gas pressure and sight radius was an added bonus.

Another point in its favor in my book was an actual 16" (ok, 16.25") barrel - if I'm going to have a 16" barrel in accordance with gov't regulations without paying extra for it, I don't want 14.5" with a fancy tube, or 11.5" with the same. I have my AR pistol for that.

My RRA is extremely handy, hasnt missed a beat, and was 100% on with the standard mount on my night vision gear, which is what I own the AR for in the first place. Coyotes and varmints don't like it much.

 

[rbernie]

Armalite makes a mid-length non-HBAR 16" chromed carbine barrel, if you're interested in bolting an upper together yourself that's a bit mo' lightweight than the RRA offering.

 

[Correia]

My next group buy (February) is going to be on Rock River guns. And the mid-length was one of the ones that we were going to be getting. I should have them for pretty darn good prices too. I think I'm going to get myself a midlength.

 

[dleong]

The mid-length handguards on a 16" upper allow my support hand to grasp the rifle farther forward for greater comfort (I have rather long arms).

Here is an image of my RRA upper with the midlength handguards:



I mounted the el-cheapo BSA red-dot sight on a whim, and found that it held its zero surprisingly well. It's on longer on the rifle, though.


DL

 

[DMK]

Aside from a slight increase in sight radius, are there any other advantages to mid-length handguards? Are there disadvantages compared to the shorter handguard?

Think about it the other way. Other than the fact that it looks more like the carbines the military uses(which is debatable since the mil. guns don't have that long Pinoccio barrel), are there any advantages to the shorter gas system and shorter handguards of the M4 or CAR? The disadvantages of the M4/CAR are clear: shorter sight radius, high gas pressure spike.

 

[dolanp]

I think aesthetics (if you like the look) and a possibly better sight radius are the realistic benefits. Tons of people have CAR systems (just go look on arfcom) and no real problems have crept up due to the higher pressure. It might be a little snappier but I think if you have a quality mfgr then you'll be fine either way.

dleong - how is that cheapie BSA other than holding zero well? I was thinking of throwing one on mine when I get it built up. Can't see spending several hundred on a fancy red dot or 1x really. I'd just put a scope if I was going to spend that coin.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Aside from a slight increase in sight radius, are there any other advantages to mid-length handguards?

Another side benefit of the longer gas system is that the cyclic rate is reduced so marginal magazines with worn springs have a tiny bit longer to position the next round, this can help reliability in some circumstances.

Are there disadvantages compared to the shorter handguard?

Not really. Maybe a tiny weight difference from the longer handguards (<2oz?). The only parts that are different are the gas tube and handguards. There are more manufacturers of carbine gas system parts; but there are still a dozen or so manufacturers of the above two midlength parts. Practically every rail system made comes in midlength version.

 

[dleong]

dleong - how is that cheapie BSA other than holding zero well? I was thinking of throwing one on mine when I get it built up. Can't see spending several hundred on a fancy red dot or 1x really. I'd just put a scope if I was going to spend that coin.

Well, for a $25 optic, it is made pretty well. I have not banged it around or mounted it on a heavy-recoiling firearm, so I do not know how well it holds up to physical abuse. The field of view is surprisingly bright and clear, although there is a teeeeeeny bit of optical distortion around the very edges.

My only minor complaint I have is that the knob controlling the brightness of the dot is a little vague in that it does not "click" positively into each setting.


DL

 

[Mute]

Definitely. I'm a big fan of the mid-length gas system. Softer recoil impulse so it's less harsh on your gun. More room for a rail system without having to put in a low profile gas block. What's not to like?

 

[Beren]

BravoCompanyUSA has a promising mid-length product coming to market soon, along with other formats.

* M4 Feed Ramp Barrel Extension
* M4 Feed Ramp Flat Top Receiver
* T-Marked Upper Receivers
* USGI 1/7 Twist Rates
* USGI 5.56 NATO Chambers
* Mil-Spec 11595 - 4150 Grade Barrel Steel
* Chrome Lined Bore and Chamber
* Manganese Phosphate Barrel Finish
* Mil-Spec F-Marked Forged Front Sights
* USGI Government Profile Barrels
* HPT (High Pressure Test) Barrels
* MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) Barrels

http://bravocompanyusa.com/BCM.html

 

[dolanp]

Yeah that BCM upper is going to be sweet.

 

[BusMaster007]

Perhaps the Bushmaster Dissispator would work for you?

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa3s16d.asp

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2s16d.asp

I bought the A2 ("pre-ban"). It's got a bunch of 'stuff' on it in this old picture, but I love the gun. It's a blast to shoot. Long sight radius like the rifle, with the shorter bbl. The gas tube is mid-way under the handguards, so it's really a 'carbine' gas system. The front sight is just that --- the front sight with no gas tube going into it.
This may not be exactly what you're looking for, but it's another alternative.

 

[f4t9r]

I realy like the mid-length
its my fav.

 

[Zak Smith]

The Bushmaster Dissipator does NOT have a mid-length gas system. (Nor is it rifle length)

 

[Coronach]

I'm forced to admit two things:

1. The Dissy seems to be a really logical development. You get the longest possible sight radius for given barrel length.

2. It is really, really ugly.

Mike