AR Sponsor
Posted: 3/17/2009 10:27:48 AM EDT
| is there a noticeable difference in maneuverability between a 14.5" and 16" barrel (both of which would have a 1.5" FH)? |
|
Quoted:
Opinions will differ on this question. And really, only you can make the final determination. I like 16's and think the disadvantage of having a permanently attatched FS worse than the disadvantage of an extra 1.5". Tex78 this. Having the freedom to remove the flash hider at any time easily is worth an extra 1.5 inches. |
|
This sounds silly and redneck/hick-ish, but a 14.5" AR rides on my lap when I'm on the tractor, and doesn't bang the fenderwells. A 16" barrel constantly bumps the fenderwells. YMMV
(Both have similar FH;s, the 14.5" is permanently attached, of course) FWIW, my understanding is that the popularity of 10.5"-11.5" M4's in Iraq is due to the fact that they're easier to get in and out of vehicles with when you're in a hurry. |
There's a lot of women out there who appreciate the extra 1.5 inches.....
Personally, I prefer the 14.5 as I don't really see a need to be switching out FH's on a regular basis. My personal belief is that once you get a rifle that works, leave it be. Playing tinker-toys with your rifle is a good way to make it not work anymore. And a new flash hider is a perfectly acceptable reason to start building a new rifle anyways. Just try and convince your SO of this though.... |
|
Quoted:
This sounds silly and redneck/hick-ish, but a 14.5" AR rides on my lap when I'm on the tractor, and doesn't bang the fenderwells. A 16" barrel constantly bumps the fenderwells. YMMV (Both have similar FH;s, the 14.5" is permanently attached, of course) FWIW, my understanding is that the popularity of 10.5"-11.5" M4's in Iraq is due to the fact that they're easier to get in and out of vehicles with when you're in a hurry. this... its comes into play during slicing the pie situations (taking and moving around corners) during urban warfare. The shorter the gun the quicker you can cut the corner and the less you'll be exposed. If you want a big difference its only going to be seen in big changes of length. ie from a 14.5 to a 10.5 is when youll see the difference not 14.5 and 16 |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
This sounds silly and redneck/hick-ish, but a 14.5" AR rides on my lap when I'm on the tractor, and doesn't bang the fenderwells. A 16" barrel constantly bumps the fenderwells. YMMV (Both have similar FH;s, the 14.5" is permanently attached, of course) FWIW, my understanding is that the popularity of 10.5"-11.5" M4's in Iraq is due to the fact that they're easier to get in and out of vehicles with when you're in a hurry. this... its comes into play during slicing the pie situations (taking and moving around corners) during urban warfare. The shorter the gun the quicker you can cut the corner and the less you'll be exposed. If you want a big difference its only going to be seen in big changes of length. ie from a 14.5 to a 10.5 is when youll see the difference not 14.5 and 16 "QFT" ... whatever that means. 
|
AR Sponsor