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SwedMike
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Posted: 5/8/2012 2:14:41 AM

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How about a 18" AR15 in a tactical class, is that too long to handle or does it really matter?
What do you think and have you done it? Pictures?
macman37
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Posted: 5/8/2012 3:00:30 PM
Run what you got! i think the more important thing is, does the gun run?
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Gamma762
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Posted: 5/9/2012 3:46:51 AM
Really is going to depend on the weight and balance, your fitness/strength level, and how much you want your shoulders to burn every night.

Take your rifle configuration and do about 500 presentations from low ready up to shooting stance some evening, then check back with us.
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macman37
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Posted: 5/9/2012 4:03:20 PM
2" of barrel isn't going to weigh that much more ...
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Gamma762
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Posted: 5/9/2012 4:27:58 PM
Originally Posted By macman37:
2" of barrel isn't going to weigh that much more ...

No, it's not. It's more a factor of the overall barrel profile and rifle configuration which is what I was trying to allude to. If you bring an 18" bull barrel you will probably be hating life. If you bring an 18" barrel which is cut down from a 20" A1 style barrel, you'll have a lot easier time. I'd much rather have that latter configuration than a 16" (or 14.5) carbine HBAR.

The longer the barrel the more leverage that weight has to add to the effort needed to handle the rifle, so profile becomes more important as the length increases.
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Nick710
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Posted: 5/10/2012 12:05:10 PM
I ran an 18" mid-length in a Jim Smith class once, It sports a 1.5x5 Leupold optic as well.

I did fine at closer distances and really well at 50yds + .

Learn how to run it and you'll be fine.

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macman37
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Posted: 5/10/2012 5:35:04 PM
Originally Posted By Gamma762:
Originally Posted By macman37:
2" of barrel isn't going to weigh that much more ...

No, it's not. It's more a factor of the overall barrel profile and rifle configuration which is what I was trying to allude to. If you bring an 18" bull barrel you will probably be hating life. If you bring an 18" barrel which is cut down from a 20" A1 style barrel, you'll have a lot easier time. I'd much rather have that latter configuration than a 16" (or 14.5) carbine HBAR.

The longer the barrel the more leverage that weight has to add to the effort needed to handle the rifle, so profile becomes more important as the length increases.


Understood and still it's not that bad. I had an 18" SPRish rifle and while I never took it to a class (mainly because it was the optic that was heavy ), I wouldn't have hesitated to take it if it had something like an Aimpoint Micro on it...

Point/counterpoint. I hope the OP sees this and understands where we're going with it. Personally I don't think it's an issue so long as the overall weight of the gun (especially including optic) isn't too bad.
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drifts14x
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Posted: 5/18/2012 2:15:10 PM
I regularly compete with a 20" rifle, no complaints, and sometimes there are courses of fire that benefit me (see: 300-500 yard engagement).

Your barrel profile and handguards will be everything. If you have some kind of bull barrel, you're going to hate life even with a 16" gun.

If you have a big quad rail, with every mall ninja accessory on it, you will likely also hate life.

I run a stripped blend of M16A1/A2, with the lighter A1 barrel and stock, but the improved A2 upper and some Magpul MOE handguards, and my rifle is often much lighter than those of people I compete against.

My wife's 16" upper weighs as much as mine, as her barrel is standard profile, whereas mine is lightweight.

You should not be worried about the gun, as much as your shooting. Nothing is more embarassing for me to watch, than the guy who has a $3000 LWRC build with all the toys, missing the 75 yard targets while I clear the same stage on irons.

All that being said, good luck and have fun!
chuck1022
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Posted: 5/22/2012 8:02:36 PM
Somehow soldiers cleared buildings w/garands. Just saying
bbull311
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Posted: 5/26/2012 7:19:31 AM
Originally Posted By chuck1022:
Somehow soldiers cleared buildings w/garands. Just saying


Thank you. I have been saying that for years now.
Combat_Jack
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Posted: 5/28/2012 3:53:56 PM
[Last Edit: 5/28/2012 3:55:31 PM by Combat_Jack]
Originally Posted By bbull311:
Originally Posted By chuck1022:
Somehow soldiers cleared buildings w/garands. Just saying


Thank you. I have been saying that for years now.


Doesn't mean it was good for that.

ETA: They also used hand grenades to initiate, or leveled the area with artillery first.
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jeepinbanditrider
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Posted: 5/31/2012 7:00:22 AM
Originally Posted By Combat_Jack:
Originally Posted By bbull311:
Originally Posted By chuck1022:
Somehow soldiers cleared buildings w/garands. Just saying


Thank you. I have been saying that for years now.


Doesn't mean it was good for that.

ETA: They also used hand grenades to initiate, or leveled the area with artillery first.


+1