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Posted: 4/10/2011 2:00:21 PM EDT
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Newbie here. Just bought a Smith & Wesson M&P15 TS and was told at the shop it was a middy. But when I measure the distance from the bore to the gas port, it's 7 1/2 inches. Unless I'm mistaken that makes it a carbine length.
I understand that it is accepted as fact that a mid-length gas system in a 14.5" to 16" barrel produces a smoother felt recoil pulse, less wear and tear on the weapon, as well as enhanced reliability than a carbine length gas system. My M&P has a 14 1/2 inch barrel and with the supressor is 16.1 inches. the distance from the gas port to the muzzle end is about 7 1/2 inches which is good I believe. But my concern remains that the middy is really the right length for me vs my trust in Smith and Wesson in putting together a first rate gun. I should add I haven't fired it yet since I'm not sure I'll keep it since I was told it was a middy. Any advice would be helpful. |
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As I understand it the Mid-length system is two inches longer than the carbine..
I have owned a few of both. I have said in the past that the recoil is slightly milder in the mid length,however after allot of side by side sessions with both. I feel the recoil( might) be a tiny bit smoother on the middy,but I have a definite perceived smoothness or less violent cycling on the middy.. I like the feel of a middy way more than I do the carbine as far as hand placement and sight radius.. I am 6'3" and my arms are long YMMV |
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Thanks for th input. I gather that you didn't find a dramatic recoil difference in the two. I really like the features on the M&P but worry about some of the negative comments I've read about carbine systems. But on the other hand I'm really looking for a fighting gun and carbine length seems to be the most common system in that arena.
Appreciate the input. Thanks |
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If your barrel is a 14.5" barrel, then the carbine length gas system is correct, however, how are you measuring the barrel?
I was not aware that the M&P15Ts were coming with 14.5" barrels and pinned flash suppressors; however I could be out of the loop on this one. In order to properly measure the barrel, you don't just measure from the receiver out, you have to drop a dowel down the barrel on a closed bolt and measure to accurately determine length. With that being said, if your barrel is in fact 14.5", the carbine length gas system is not only acceptable, but IMHO more desirable. The "need" for midlength and intermediate gas systems was brought about by using carbine length gas systems on 16" barrels without proper gas port sizing and gas system timing. A 16" barrel with a 7" gas system essentially results in excessive dwell time compared to a 20" rifle with 12" gas system, or 14.5" barrel with 7" gas system. Midlength is the new "in" thing, however thousands of M4s, M4A1s, and C8s in service all over the world say 14.5" barrels with 7" gas systems are the very definition of a "fighting gun." ~Augee |
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Thanks for that. I appreciate the input.Yeah, I have sort of begun to draw that same conclusion from what I'be read so far. And since a fighting gun is not my only consideration, but it is my first , I think the TS is a good fit. The 13 inch forehead TRX Extreme rail makes left hand placement a good fit too.
Thanks again |
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