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1/5/2007 7:11:11 AM EDT
I want to build an upper and was wondering if a mid gas system will work with a 16 inch barrel or if I should use a carbine length system.
1/5/2007 7:26:10 AM EDT
[#1]
I have a 16" middy from Del-ton and it works.
Be warned that some midlength barrels are a little heavy. Mine appears to have a 1" diameter under the handguards and .750" after the gas block. It's not bad, but noticably heavier than a Gov't Profile M4 barrel.

Here is the Del-Ton upper that I bought.

I have read that the midlength gas system on a 16" barrel is more reliable than the carbine gas system. There are threads on this subject, including links to data on how it all works.
1/5/2007 7:47:09 AM EDT
[#2]
Carbine-length free float handguards are cheaper.  If you are like me and go for the plain old plastic guards, there's not really much of a difference.  The middy is supposed to have less recoil, but the AR has almost no recoil anyway.

Oh, on a 16" barrel, a bayonet will work with a middy but not with a carbine.
1/5/2007 1:36:42 PM EDT
[#3]
I was thinking of getting one of the custom barrels from AR15barrels.com and having a lightweight one with a midlength gas system.  I want to put an arms midlength handguard on and i don't want too much barrel sticking out the front.
1/5/2007 1:56:45 PM EDT
[#4]
I would get a low profile gas block and go with a rifle length free float handguard if you don't want much barrel sticking out. It is a good look.
1/5/2007 6:21:36 PM EDT
[#5]
The reason I wanted to stick with a mid was so I could put on one of the PRI flip up front sights
1/5/2007 8:15:16 PM EDT
[#6]
The ARMS midlength handguards may not be level with a flat top receiver if you are looking for that type of setup.

If you want a continuous top rail and a long look, The Sampson MRFS-M-EX is made for the midlength gas sytem, and it wraps around the FSB. I am guessing that the PRI flipup sight is the same length as a standard FSB.
1/7/2007 1:19:05 AM EDT
[#7]
A lightweight 14.5"/14.7 mid-length barrel with a permanent flash suppressor is the shizznit.
1/8/2007 10:55:13 AM EDT
[#8]
Haha.  I was thinking about that but in NJ a need a muzzle break and I need to find something I really like if I'm gonna permanently attach it.
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