AR 11.5" Carbine vs 12.5" Mid-Length

[Hoser]

With a brake, 12.5. Flash hider or a can, 11.5.

I like to keep loud noises as far away from me as possible.

[electronman1729]

With a brake, 12.5. Flash hider or a can, 11.5.

I like to keep loud noises as far away from me as possible.

Is the blow gas in the face any different between the two?

[zimagold]

Is the blow gas in the face any different between the two?

I?ve been through several barrels in both lengths. Gas in face is mostly port size, charging handle, suppressor, and timing. I prefer 12.5 with carbine gas. The difference with the other variables optimized is small. Now 10.5 starts to get sporty as you start to get noticeably less flexibility in tuning.

12.5 is the shortest I will go with a K type suppressor. 11.5 gets a full size. Something to consider. For reference, I don?t do brakes on barrels under 14.5 without a suppressor.

[Great-Kazoo]

Is the blow gas in the face any different between the two?

No. not with the ones i run, even with spartan / gibbs style side charging uppers. I went from brakes, to hiders, which lessens that small blowback. The only way i noticed to reduce, to almost zero blowback. Was running a piston system.

[kidicarus13]

With a brake, 12.5. Flash hider or a can, 11.5.

I like to keep loud noises as far away from me as possible.

"Loud" is directly proportional to age. But ya, I vote for 12.5"