AR Carbine vs Mid-Length

[goon]

So my initial plan was to get a good mid-length AR. I'd settled on one from Bravo Company, but judging from their site, they are unable to meet demand. This would have been my first choice, but it seems it's practically unavailable.
So I've been doing a little searching and it's come to my attention that if one wants what's essentially a true mil-spec M-4 in terms of everything but having burst capability, one would be hard pressed to beat the Colt 6920 in the $1K price range. And unlike Bravo Company's stuff, they seem to actually be available.

Still, I was liking the mid-length...
I'm not at all concerned with the quality of the Colt, but what would I be giving up by going with a carbine length upper instead?

 

[Gtscotty]

Unless you are an operator type and spend a decent portion of your time deployed in austere locations..... with your civilian rifle, I don't think the carbine length vs mid length gas system is really an issue. I whole heartedly believe that the mid-length system results in lower stress levels all around; I just don't think the vast majority of people are going to put enough rounds through their rifle for the difference to amount to a hill of beans. If you do however manage to wear out a carbine upper, only god knows much money you will have spent on ammo, but i'll bet you'll be able to pony up for another upper.

Also, I've heard/read consistently positive feedback on the Colt 6920, I think you would be hard pressed to go wrong there.

 

[kwelz]

Paul is getting slammed with order right now to be sure. If you really want a kiddy I suggest just waiting. Or look at a DD or Noveske. Don't settle for something you don't want just because you want it now.

 

[Rexster]

Middy is my solution, because I have very long arms. Any other advantages, related to functioning, are icing on the cake. I purchased a BCM Lightweight Middy upper. It changed my whole way of looking at 16"-barreled AR15s, and in fact caused me to look more favorably at the whole M16/AR15/M4 family.

 

[Hocka Louis]

I agree you should wait and get a "middy" if that is what you really want (and I can't blame you) which I'm sure you realize refers to a carbine length barrel with a midlength gas system. This was to be declared my "one-gun" and is, in fact, a BCM middy 16" stainless medium contour 1:8 almost complete upper (sure 'nough, outta stock) on another name-brand lower.

At the time I was also looking at a nice Del-Ton.
http://www.del-ton.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CU104&CartID=1

 

[Safety First]

Love my Spikes Tactical Middy and good price to boot....

 

[Gtscotty]

I'd like to add an addendum to my original answer, I was just speaking to the carbine vs mid-length gas system discussion. I agree with the other posters, in guns (amongst other things) it usually pays to just get what you want to start off with. No point in paying $1k for something that you don't really want.

 

[benEzra]

In addition to the theoretically lower stress on parts, a midlength gives you more handguard length (very handy) and handguards that are more proportional to the overall barrel length than is the case for a carbine.

I have fairly short arms (I'm just under 5'7") and even I find that I run a midlength best with my hand right at the front of the handguard. A carbine-length handguard would be too short for me.

 

[goon]

Thanks. You all are right - I should buy what I want rather than what's easy to get. Guess I'll have to wait it out or explore other options in a mid-length. Who else makes one of comparable quality?