AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/2/2007 6:43:24 AM EDT
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I know this is a perception based kind of question and everybody's mileage kinda varies here, but how much difference in handling/weight should I expect between a 16" AR Carbine (medium length gas system, not that it matters) with a government profiled barrel, versus the same rifle with a medium profiled barrel? I thinking about issues such as balance and quickness of the weapon. What advantages (if any) would the medium contour barrel have over the government profile anyway? Thanks, Dave |
Try CMMG. They have a good selection. |
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I apologise for the thread hijack. Let me answer you question in exchange. The light CAR pencil barrels are a bit difficult to control in rapid aimed fire. That was the first thing I ever shot in an ar. I mean a true lightweight CAR. I really didn't like it that much, as I didn't like it bouncing about so much. I always built heavy barreled carbines for myself when I did a 16" gun after that experience. They are pretty unpleasant to carry if you are carrying them for a few hours. Hiking with a HBAR carbine is not so much fun. Also, shooting in a competition where you are moving a lot makes the HBAR a bit of overkill. The barrel doesn't rise too badly, but it is like shooting clays...you tend to swing past your target. A lighter barrel with a compensator works much better if that is allowed in whatever you are shooting. I am looking for a 14.5 inch medium contour barrel with a CAR length gas system. I am trying to convince CMMG to do one for me. Thanks to the poster who replied to me, as that was my first idea, too. I just wish they did a 1 in 8 or 9 inch twist, as I like the 55 grain bullets for a lot of carbine work. Good luck. |
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(Hijacking my own thread here): Do you think 1:7 is too fast for the 55 grain?
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No, it's not, and it will give you the ability to shoot heavier bullets when you want. It may be too fast for certain real light varmint bullets- 40 gr, etc., but for FMJ 55, it will work real well. |
| I haven't personally owned a 1:7 gun, but I have shot them. I haven't had any problems, but I am probably never going to be shooting any tracers through my guns. I prefer the 55 grain bullet out of the carbine at the shorter ranges I am likely to use it. Ammo is less expensive, &c. I have seen 1:7 guns that were not quite as accurate as otherwise identical 1:9 guns with 55 grain bullets. They were still good, but they were noticeably different, like maybe .5 MOA worse. Even with a "better" barrel, some were not quite as good. You do hear about some issues with really thin jacketed ammo or lighter bullets, so there is that downside. Does that really matter? Probably not, but we choose the best rate of twist for so many other guns, why not AR's? It really just depends on what you are going to be shooting. The 1:8 guns really do a good job on 69gr bullets, and that is what I prefer in a 20 inch barrel for a bit longer range shooting. For a military gun I would certainly want 1:7 for the tracers, and even for some of the 75-77+grain 5.56 bullets that are being used by some units, but I am satisfied with what I have always had good results with. I suppose I am just getting passed up by the younger generation. Remember 1:12 and 1:14? |
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I remember 1/12 in the M16A1. I still have TM9-1005-249-10 as a keepsake (it's operator manual for the M16A1 from 1972, the one that was drawn up like a comic book). David
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They will do it for you if you ask nicely. I know because they send me barrels every couple weeks for me to do things like this for them.  I recommend the mid-length gas system though. |
| CMMG got back to me yesterday afternoon, and they said the same. They wouldn't do it themselves, but they would send it to you to do. I can do it here in town, but I have always been hesitant to cut a chrome lined barrel. I know that done right it is no problem, but I have always thought it would be best to have the lining done last. Who knows, if I can't find anything factory, I might have to give in. Thanks. |
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Here's a link that might give a little insight to your question. I've been thinking about having my RRA middy turned down like ElIntocable did in the linked thread.....my holdup is deciding whether to also have it cut down to a 14.7 and having the FH pinned. Reprofiled Middy Best to ya! |
How strongly would you recommend Midlength gas over CAR for a 14.5"? |
People in the artic using any ammo or people in alaska or the northern territories who want to run wolf ammo should not run a 14.5" mid-length. Everyone else is OK. Don't expect to run a heavy buffer or a 9mm buffer. Carbine buffer is all you will need. |
You are a member of that group and the 14.5" mid-length barrel is NOT for you... 
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Not exactly a rininging endorsement. What happens if it gets cold? |
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