Due to recent developments, I may have the opportunity to build an AR sooner than I thought. I have a pair of questions:
1) Barrel length: 14.5" vs. 16". I'd like something as short as possible without the Title II hassle. Apart from the velocity drop, what are the disadvantages of a 14.5" barrel (w/ pinned flash suppressor) over the 16"? From a maintainance standpoint (cleaning the gas system, I imagine), how much of a difficulty is it to have a permanently attached flash suppressor?
2) Mid-length carbines. If 16" ends up being my choice, I'm considering a mid-length gas system. Compared to the easily-available complete carbine uppers, how available and expensive are mid-length uppers? Is there a mid-length Larue float tube available?
1) Barrel length: 14.5" vs. 16". I'd like something as short as possible without the Title II hassle. Apart from the velocity drop, what are the disadvantages of a 14.5" barrel (w/ pinned flash suppressor) over the 16"? From a maintainance standpoint (cleaning the gas system, I imagine), how much of a difficulty is it to have a permanently attached flash suppressor?
2) Mid-length carbines. If 16" ends up being my choice, I'm considering a mid-length gas system. Compared to the easily-available complete carbine uppers, how available and expensive are mid-length uppers? Is there a mid-length Larue float tube available?