TracerSpies
Member
Amen to firestar's comments on the original handguards! To me, the original setup with them and the 20" barrel still is the match made in heaven (and is exactly how my Colt remains today).
Does anybody own 20" AR-15s anymore?
- Thread starter Nightcrawler
- Start date
- Status
HBars have a fatter profile under than handguards than the A2's. I think they'd be much better if they were the same diameter all the way, rather than the extra fat under the guards...
A2 Profile:
16" HBAR:
Here's some handy weight info from the Bushmaster FAQ's
BARREL WEIGHTS...
For informative purposes (and because we answer these questions all the time!) here are the comparative weights of our barrels.
All weights are in pounds (for a milled front sight, subtract 0.2 lbs.)
10" - Heavy Bbl. - 2.0 / Fluted Bbl. - 1.9
11.5 " - Heavy Bbl. - 2.2 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.0
11.5x5.5" - Heavy Bbl. - 2.6 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.5
14.5" - Heavy Bbl. - 2.5 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.2
14AK" - Heavy Bbl. - 2.7 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.4
14VO" - Heavy Bbl. - 2.7 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.4
16" - Heavy Bbl. - 2.7 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.3
16 Dissipator" - Heavy Bbl. - 3.0 / Fluted Bbl. - 2.6
20" - Heavy Bbl. - 3.5 / Fluted Bbl. - 3.0
24" - Heavy Bbl. - 3.9 / Fluted Bbl. - 3.1
26" - Heavy Bbl. - 4.0 / Fluted Bbl. - 3.2
And our Military style barrels...
XM177 Bbl. - 1.7 lbs.
M4 Bbl. - 2.0
M4AK Bbl. - 2.2
M4VO Bbl. - 2.2
M4 Dissipator Bbl. - 2.3
20A2 Bbl. - 2.5
Poodleshooter
Member
I've got a 20"Colt HBAR. I have an AK for my lightweight carbine. The OAL on the AK is MUCH shorter than my AR, and shorter than most 16" barreled AR's with the full size post ban stock sets.
I'll buy a 16" if the ban goes away, but I just happen to think that they look silly with the full size stocks attached.
I'll buy a 16" if the ban goes away, but I just happen to think that they look silly with the full size stocks attached.
gun-fucious
Member
Most barrels are HBARS
because less time on the lathe
is more money in the makers pocket
because less time on the lathe
is more money in the makers pocket
Hkmp5sd
Member
20" barrels on both my AR-15 SP1 and M16A1. Of course, I *DO* have a 14" Bushmaster M4 upper and Collapsible buttstock for my M16. Gotta have that coolness factor! 
Nightcrawler
Member
A friend of mine wants to build an AR-15. Wants a 20" barrel, he says, but would prefer an old school A1 profile barreled upper.
Does anyone make such a critter anymore? A complete upper receiver with an A1 profile barrel (post ban)?
Does anyone make such a critter anymore? A complete upper receiver with an A1 profile barrel (post ban)?
BerettaNut92
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2002
- Messages
- 9,723
My shotgun reply was in reference to the original posts:
Rob96
Member
During my time as an Air Force SP I carried a 20" M-16 pre-forward assist with triangular handguards. I own a 16" carbine with a heavy barrel. I just prefer the feel of it. I like the handiness of the carbine length, and for me the little extra weight seems to balance it all out just right. Like I say, that is why there are so many different firearms, something that fits and appeals to everyone.
SodaPop
member
I have big ape arms and my Bushmaster XM15E2 feels like a toy compared to my FAL. I still find the M1A and my Winchester Model 70 to be my ideal firearms. Everything else feels small.
bad_dad_brad
Member
I opted for the 16" hbar. Almost a pound less than the 20" hbar. My intent was to replace my Mini-14, so I went with the carbine. I really like the way my shorty handles.
A friend of mine was a Lt. in the Gulf War, and he recently bought a 20" hbar. He commented on it's heavier weight than his service M-16. He still likes it though.
I plan on someday getting an upper in 20" or 24" for target and varminting.
A friend of mine was a Lt. in the Gulf War, and he recently bought a 20" hbar. He commented on it's heavier weight than his service M-16. He still likes it though.
I plan on someday getting an upper in 20" or 24" for target and varminting.
Robby from Long Island
Member
Ten years ago bought a pre-ban Colt Sporter HBAR, but that's the way I wanted it.
I liked the heavy barrel, but maybe that's because I already had 5 bolt action heavy barreled varmint rifles.
I liked the heavy barrel, but maybe that's because I already had 5 bolt action heavy barreled varmint rifles.
thumbtack
Member
Mine's 20 inches.
Nightcrawler
Member
Asking again
Does ANYBODY make an M16A1 or M16A2 (prefer in that order) weight barreled upper receiver anymore? ANYBODY?
Or are they all these heavy barrels that are heavier than M16A2 ones?
Does ANYBODY make an M16A1 or M16A2 (prefer in that order) weight barreled upper receiver anymore? ANYBODY?
Or are they all these heavy barrels that are heavier than M16A2 ones?
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Bushmaster sells the A2 profile barrel. They also have their lightweight barrel profile (A1) and are announcing an expansion of that line of barrels at the upcoming SHOT show from what I understand.
There are also plenty of surplus A1 barrels out there if you don't mind being limited to 55gr by the 1/12 twist. I think Century Arms has a big bundle of A1 parts from down south.
There are also plenty of surplus A1 barrels out there if you don't mind being limited to 55gr by the 1/12 twist. I think Century Arms has a big bundle of A1 parts from down south.
I have one 20" A2 profile (Colt) and one 20" very-HBar profile from Oly (a full 1" diameter under the guards, not tapered like Bushmaster's HBars). Everyone needs at least one 20" A2-sighted rifle (barrel contour is up to the user).
Kharn
Kharn
I have four....
...20" barreled AR15s. Only one heavy barrel though. One Colt AR15 SP1 (original light barrel), one Colt AR15A2 HBAR, one EA lower, Bushmaster V-Max upper with Colt USGI contour 20" barrel, one Bushmaster lower, A2 upper with Diemaco C7 20" barrel.
I think that the whole M4gery thing is what's selling the short barrelled ARs right now. Everyone wants a kewl looking carbine like they see our SOF troopers carrying on the news.
Jeff
...20" barreled AR15s. Only one heavy barrel though. One Colt AR15 SP1 (original light barrel), one Colt AR15A2 HBAR, one EA lower, Bushmaster V-Max upper with Colt USGI contour 20" barrel, one Bushmaster lower, A2 upper with Diemaco C7 20" barrel.
I think that the whole M4gery thing is what's selling the short barrelled ARs right now. Everyone wants a kewl looking carbine like they see our SOF troopers carrying on the news.
Jeff
trvlr905
Member
Got a Rock River 20 incher. Like it a lot and can shoot it relatively well. I do eventually want to get a RR 16" carbine with midlength handguards and an ACE stock. No, it won't be as light as an M4, but I'm sure I can make it hit what I'm aiming at.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
I bought my Comp HBAR in '96 or so...time flies when you're having fun. Looks a lot like Gewehr98's, except mine has no bayonet lug so I can't do any drive-by bayonetings on the rifle range. It also has the removeable carry handle, which I like. I have a 6x24 mil dot mounted on mine, which adds even more weight.
He's right about it being as heavy (or maybe heavier) than a Garand, too. Seems to me like it 'feels' heavier.
Regards,
Rabbit.
He's right about it being as heavy (or maybe heavier) than a Garand, too. Seems to me like it 'feels' heavier.
Regards,
Rabbit.
I own two 20" rifles. A Bushmaster, and a Colt SP1.
I enjoy them, but life doesn't stop there. I also have several 16" rifles. They all have their place. If I could only have one, it would be a 16", but I certainly enjoy shooting my 20" rifles also. I also have an M4orgery. I like the look of it. Heck, after the first couple you are buying the rest for looks.
Oh, and I have three shotguns with 18" barrels.
I enjoy them, but life doesn't stop there. I also have several 16" rifles. They all have their place. If I could only have one, it would be a 16", but I certainly enjoy shooting my 20" rifles also. I also have an M4orgery. I like the look of it. Heck, after the first couple you are buying the rest for looks.
Oh, and I have three shotguns with 18" barrels.
slick slidestop
Member
Count me in as another 20 incher..... I love mine
- Status
