Carbine vs Mid-length 16"

[iamhunter]

I was looking at buying a 16" mid-length upper with a DD rail that would've ran me about $870 total.

I now have the opportunity to get the same thing, except with a carbine-length gas system for $750.

I know the mid-length gas system is better for 16" barrels... but what do you guys think? Is it worth the price difference?

I could also get the carbine-length in 14.5" with a pinned flash hider...

let me know your opinions.

[mutt]

I think the real question is 'what do you really want?'. In 6 months you'll probably won't miss the $120 dollars. But if you really want a mid-length and you settle for a carbine you'll always be wishing you had the mid-length. Just my humble opinion.

[tmckay2]

isnt the biggest difference with gas lengths the ejection angle? i thought the only big difference was carbine length tends to eject forwardish. other than that, id say whatever front set you plan to use should be the determining factor

[rhineoshott]

isnt the biggest difference with gas lengths the ejection angle? i thought the only big difference was carbine length tends to eject forwardish. other than that, id say whatever front set you plan to use should be the determining factor

How does a forend effect ejection?

[tmckay2]

it doesn't but it can effect the type of gas length. some fore ends have specific lengths of gas systems required. i ran into this when getting a new front set. the ejection pattern was a different issue. i will say though, if you shoot left handed and don't want to buy a left handed upper, carbine is better. well, usually anyways

[Graves]

I thought the car will cycle the bcg faster thus the need for m4 ramps.

[iamhunter]

Well the carbine length gas system is intended for carbine length (14.5 inch) barrels.

The mid-length gas system supposedly generates 50% the gas port pressure and 75% as much bolt pressure as a carbine length system on a 16" barrel.

the theory is that the mid-length gas-system will produce increased longevity in your barrel's life... Probably a non-issue for me....

Supposedly the mid-length also produces greater accuracy as well as less recoil.

The longer site radius would be nice as well.

However, I have little experience in the mid-length vs carbine category so I came here for input. Anyone have any experience with what I mentioned above?

[Graves]

Seems like you have all the input you need lol.

[iamhunter]

Seems like you have all the input you need lol.

Well I have internet facts. but I've always preferred REAL experience.

So if anyone could provide me some I'd be much appreciated.

haha.

[gnihcraes]

If it helps, I have a mid length and it seems to be harder to find hand guards and rails for it... not impossible, but a little more difficult. Everyone at the gun show has parts for the carbine models... maybe everyone has a mid-length and they are always sold out of parts... :)

my 2 cents...

[Hoser]

I have a couple of each. The recoil impulse from a mid is smoother and the front sight/dot is easier to track in recoil.

Give me a mid over a carbine length gas system anyday.

Now a 17 inch with a rifle gas system... That is a easy to shoot rifle.

[tmckay2]

thats right, i had forgotten about the less recoil. im not sure how noticeable it is normally, but i have heard that

[sniper7]

i have a couple of each and find the middy much smoother. the front sight is also further giving better accuracy if using iron sights. just depends on what suits you. the rifles have proven themselves for quite a while so you dont have anything to worry about with either one.

[Tora]

I have a couple of each. The recoil impulse from a mid is smoother and the front sight/dot is easier to track in recoil.

Give me a mid over a carbine length gas system anyday.


That's what I was going to post. Get the Middy, you'll love it.

[iamhunter]

Alright you guys convinced me... I'll spend the extra cash haha.

Now I just gotta decide between a $300 12" DD lite... or a $250 9" DD lite.

Decisions decisions...

[55fmj]

I also have both and I tend to like the mid length better. It has a a smoother feel to it versus the sharper feel of the carbine gas system. The slightly longer site radius is a plus. Good luck