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Posted: 8/22/2006 5:24:26 PM EST
Sorry for bringing up a topic that has been beaten to death, but so far all I've seen is the cons of the CAR length gas system.  There have to be some positives?  The ones I though up:
1.) Weighs slightly less.
2.) Cheaper railed forends.
3.) Greater selection of forends.
Link Posted: 8/22/2006 5:38:13 PM EST
[#1]

Quoted:
Sorry for bringing up a topic that has been beaten to death, but so far all I've seen is the cons of the CAR length gas system.  There have to be some positives?  The ones I though up:
1.) Weighs slightly less.
2.) Cheaper railed forends.
3.) Greater selection of forends.


Technically, a gov't profiled Middy will weigh less than than a gov't profiled CAR barrel because there's more steel under the handguards to take off and the added handguard length and gas tube length don't make up the difference in weight.

#2 is a no brainer becuase more material is needed to get that additional 2" of rail space.

#3 used to be a big issue, but the midlength has closed up the gap and there are many, many rail systems available for the mid-length now.

Just my $.02

WIZZO
Link Posted: 8/22/2006 8:04:08 PM EST
[#2]
Lots of new and used handguards in the EE fit carbines only.  Carbine uppers are cheaper (used) than middies.  Retro/military M4 and CAR clone builds REQUIRE carbine barrels to look authentic.  
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 9:53:01 AM EST
[#3]
Other than the few points already mentioned on this thread, I really can't think of any advantages offered by the CAR system. I'm sorry, but the midlength system is just an improved design. It's not a lot better, but it is better. I really have no interest in CARs anymore.


Oh...this isn't an advantage to the CAR gas system per say, but but the M4 (which obviously is a CAR) has a step in the barrel for mounting a 203. So that's an advantage if you actually have access to 40mm grenades
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 10:05:27 AM EST
[#4]
Or a 37mm flare launcher.  It just doesn't look right strapped on an HBAR middy.  If you want to look like Rambo with your "M203" attached to your shorty, you've got to have that M4 step-down in the barrel.

www.motionpicturearmourer.com/ColtM4-M203-NSN.jpg



Seriously, though, the middy craze is making used carbine uppers cheaper.  My CAR upper has almost no recoil at all, just like my 20" rifle upper.  It was as cheap as dirt ($300 total, used in the EE), while the new middies I was considering were ~500 bucks each.  I like the mid-length craze!  It's almost as good for used uppers as the Magpul/VLTOR crazes are for used stocks.  I just KEEP finding super-cheap M4/CAR/A2 stocks where they were replaced by some fancy rig.  Being a bottom feeder really pays off when the top feeders get a better diet.  
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 10:18:08 AM EST
[#5]
The rails are usually cheaper in the car length
JR
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 10:21:37 AM EST
[#6]
CAR is best for SBR's.
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 11:52:47 AM EST
[#7]
The few dollars you may save in CAR rifles/parts vs. a midlength is a pittance compared to what you will spend on your new AR habit.  

Weight is not a real issue once you load it up with latch-on goodies and a full mag.

There are plenty of accessories for middy's--you will not go lacking.

Get what you want, what fits your needs, be it CAR, Middy or whatever.  

Enjoy!
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 12:28:31 PM EST
[#8]

Quoted:
CAR is best for SBR's.


+1   It's easier to cut down a "car" to an SBR.  It can be done with a "middy", but you'd have to make a new gas port.

I also like the fact that the barrels are cheaper in the "car" configuration.

Edit - Get both if your trying to decide between the two.
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 12:48:38 PM EST
[#9]
I like middies for 16 inch bbls.
If you have a 14.5 or shorter bbl, CAR is fine as wine.
Then again, I only like a light on my carbines, so rail systems are not a consideration for me.


What I would like to see for middies though are the following.
Hand guards with double heatshields.
Surefire M500s in Midlength size.
Link Posted: 8/23/2006 1:34:04 PM EST
[#10]

Quoted:
I like middies for 16 inch bbls.
If you have a 14.5 or shorter bbl, CAR is fine as wine.
Then again, I only like a light on my carbines, so rail systems are not a consideration for me.


What I would like to see for middies though are the following.
Hand guards with double heatshields.
Surefire M500s in Midlength size.


14.5" mids are great, too...and sexier, IMHO.
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