One MIDLENGTH ar15: 16" or 14.5" ???

One AR15 Middie: 16" or 14.5"?

  • 16" Middie

    Votes: 25 78.1%

  • 14.5" Middie

    Votes: 7 21.9%
  • Total voters
    32
  • Poll closed .
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T

TrailWolf

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Jul 30, 2009
Messages
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Location
AZ
Baby on the way and can only keep one AR15. Yes, I can only keep one AR.

Both are midlength gas sysytem, but I cannot decide on the barrel length - either a 16" or 14.5" with permanently attached A2.

16" - less aesthetically pleasing, more unwieldy, more velocity, maybe a little more cheap ammo tolerable w out having to change up buffers.

14.5" - looks badass, better balance/lighter, more compact, permanently attached muzzle device.

I don't mind a permanantly attached A2 - it is a good all around muzzle device and there are enough two-piece rails now that removing the front sight base is a non issue...

I really, really want the 14.5", but it seems that I want it for more aesthetic and badass reasons - am I an idiot?

What would you choose?
 
Get the 16 inch. That way you get the extra velocity, minimal though it may be, you don't lose anything in maneuverability (and the 14.5 inch isn't going to have any noticeable weight difference), and you can swap out muzzle devices.
 
16" and midlength gas are meant for each other just like 20" and rifle length gas, about 7" of barrel past the gas port just the way Eugene Stoner meant it to be. You will have a more reliable rifle with various ammo. Carbine length gas is meant for the 14.5" barrel (and under).

Also, why bother with the legal issues of a short barrel when an extra 1.5" allows you to have a removable muzzle device.
 
Flip the coin. Whatever you prefer.
I personally prefer the 14.5+pinned FH. Better balanced for me, and I have no plan on switching out FH.
 
If you like the 14.5, keep the 14.5. After all, its not our rifle, its yours. I do think the 16" makes more sense, but it seems you like the 14.5 a lot more, so its only make sense to keep that one, since it does make you happy.
 
TrailWolf said:
Baby on the way and can only keep one AR15. Yes, I can only keep one AR.

Both are midlength gas sysytem, but I cannot decide on the barrel length - either a 16" or 14.5" with permanently attached A2.

16" - less aesthetically pleasing, more unwieldy, more velocity, maybe a little more cheap ammo tolerable w out having to change up buffers.

14.5" - looks badass, better balance/lighter, more compact, permanently attached muzzle device.

I don't mind a permanantly attached A2 - it is a good all around muzzle device and there are enough two-piece rails now that removing the front sight base is a non issue...

I really, really want the 14.5", but it seems that I want it for more aesthetic and badass reasons - am I an idiot?

What would you choose?
Click to expand...

Who are the manufacturers?

How many rounds do you have through each?
 
Perhaps let the market decide for you.

Which one is more "valuable?" Which one is likely to sell most quickly? This way you can keep both until the baby is here. Place both on sale and first to go, or the one to bring the most money, gets to go, you keep the other.

Or, which do you shoot most often? Then that's the one to keep, as the other is more of a backup perhaps?
 
14.5

You have already gone the thru the trouble to pin the FH. The difference in velocity isn't a big deal. A 14.5 mid is a nice set up. The reasons you have listed should sell it to your inner gun nut.
 
Unless the 14.5" was a SBR ,I would go with the 16" mid-length gas tube.They are just more reliable.
I'm now actually in the process of assembling a 18" upper with a rifle-length tube. Should be the best of all worlds.

Sorry , didn't catch the first post that both were midlength.
 
Last edited:
I would keep the 16.
That said what is the maker and specs for each upper, if the 14.5 is a heavy barrel and the 16 a skinny old skool barrel that would make a difference.
 
In the same order:

Congrats on the new baby.

"14.5" with permanently attached A2" - not a deal killer.

"more unwieldy, more velocity, maybe a little more cheap ammo tolerable" - unwieldy! how long is what ever is stuck on the end? Change in velocity is minimal, concussion/noise is slightly greater with the shorter but very little. Both should handle the same ammo very close to the same, why the concern?

"14.5" - looks badass, better balance/lighter" - subjective, but you have made your choice and are looking for conformation.

So, are you and idiot? For what? Life is for enjoyment and choices to gain the same.
 
I'd keep the 16".

Frankly, I think the military missed the boat when they selected 14.5" and CL gas system. I find 16" Middys to be the best balanced, and even though I'm doing a 7.5/11.0" SBR (already built as a pistol, waiting on stamp to add stock), if I actually had to go fight with one of my ARs, it would be my Armalite M15A2C.
 
Thanks guys - long term update... Sold both and went with a BCM 16" lightweight middy.

Been loving it so far and seems to be the best of all worlds: good velocity, well balanced and quick, no pinned muzzle and reliable.

3 weeks or less until my daughter arrives, btw :)

Thanks again!
 
TrailWolf said:
Thanks guys - long term update... Sold both and went with a BCM 16" lightweight middy.

Been loving it so far and seems to be the best of all worlds: good velocity, well balanced and quick, no pinned muzzle and reliable.

3 weeks or less until my daughter arrives, btw :)

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Congrats!

Stock up on sleep now.

Seriously.
 
Good luck with your new rifle. You'll learn to appreciate the 16" barrel. Congrats on the baby. Enjoy her while you can. They have a bad habit of growing up to be teenagers... you do remember what that's like don't you? ;)
 
I see no reason to lose 1 1/2" of working bore only to add that back on as a worthless cosmetic.
 
I have a Spikes 16" and BCM 14.5" and I prefer the 14.5 for range fun.
 
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