I have decided to build my first AR, and go with RRA parts.  I'm buying the stripped lower, parts kit, CAR postban stock, and upper.  However with the upper I am torn between the postban 16" CAR A4 flattop, with either the CAR length or mid length handgaurds.  I really like the shorter amount of visible barrel and the increased sight radius, but I don't want to sell myself short with different handgaurds etc.  What are your thoughts?  I really like the new mid length SIR, but at $399, it will be a while before I can get one.  Thanks for your input!

You can get mid-length handguards from Cavalry Arms; hell, get a whole furniture set in the color of your choice, mid-length too.

[url]www.cavalryarms.com/furniture.html[/url]

Their furniture is pretty sturdy, the new coyote brown color is kickass. If you don't want that, they got a whole rainbow available.

Armalite sells mid-length too, green and black.

[url]www.armalite.com/sales/catalog/components/carbines.htm[/url]

I think handguard lenght and style are a personal choice ,along with fit and feel. Handle as many types as you can to get a feel of what feels good to you . Good luck

SaFe ShOoTiNg
 Jerry   [):)]

Thanks guys for the info, but what about rail systems?

As far as rail systems, I would stick with either carbine or standard length. I do not see much sense in putting so much money on something that is, admittedly, nonstandard, which you may want to change later on. Handguards are cheap, a $399 rail system is kind of hard on the wallet. More accessories and such designed for carbine or standard, so that's the size I would get if I were going to pay $400. But that's just my personal opinion.

I think in the not too distant future you're going to see the mid-length [i]become[/i] the new standard in 16" configuration. It's popularity is growing quickly, and tactical accessories are beginning to catch up to demand. I think the mid-length gives you the best of both worlds; manageable length, longer sight radius.

I don't remember whether the midlength has the gas block at the carbine position or somewhere in the middle.  If the gas block is at the carbine position, then I would pick whatever you prefer, even for rail systems because if you want a short, middle or long system, the gas block will just fit under the guards anyway.  Then you just have to reposition the front site.  This is ASSUMING A FF RAIL/GUARD system.

Just FYI:  ALL CavArms furniture is not available in midlength.  My wife wants pink (bleh) furniture on yer 9mm upper, and it's midlength.  CavArms doesn't stock it, and it would probably take a minimum order of 100 sets or so to get any produced.  I would guess the same is true for most of the non-common colors.  So, think of what you'll wanna do with your rifle beforehand.

I'll have to use some Krylon on the wife's. [:D]

i have a RRA mid A4 upper on my eagle arms lower and i couldnt be happier.  i haven taken the guards off yet but i read here that the gas block is NOT at car position.  plus theres the sight radius as a bonus, and it look good too.[:D]

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