I've ordered "the Mouse that roared" I should get it in a day or so.
Current status "screwed" the dog might need surgery.. I saved out some cash though and picked up an A2 20" HBAR in 223, I'll be looking forward to shooting it this weekend with some reloads a friend has offered up.
Once the dog has (hopefully) passed what shouldn't be in his belly I'll be looking to build a "tactical" type rifle with a 16" barrel that I can still mess with at distance.
This brings up a question about the length of the gas system. Wanting a short barrel but also wanting the sight radius to be as long as possible AND also wanting a front sight fixed to the barrel would put the gas port way out on the barrel (rifle length gas port). To me this would subject the bolt to less pressure and likely lessen the "violence" felt as the bolt unlocks and move's. And maybe improve accuracy.
I'm sure a barrel guy could tell me if I was barking up the wrong tree but the thought came to mind and now here it is.