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2/10/2010 8:54:53 AM EDT
what's the difference between a carbine and a mid-length barrel?

2/10/2010 9:14:34 AM EDT
[#1]
The gas hole is further out on a mid-length barrel.  There is some evidence that for 16" barrels and up, the mid-length system offers superior performance, though I've had no issues with my carbine-length.

Rifle length is even further down the barrel, and offers better gas system performance for 20"+ barrels.
2/10/2010 9:26:35 AM EDT
[#2]
so other than the gas tube, there's no difference in the receiver?
2/10/2010 9:29:16 AM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
so other than the gas tube, there's no difference in the receiver?


Nope, none at all.  A receiver is a receiver.  ARs are astoundingly modular.
2/10/2010 10:59:44 AM EDT
[#4]
The difference is where the gas port is located on the barrel.  In the AR15 design because of the distance the gas travels, matching the gas system length to the overall barrel length is important as it sets the timing of the operating cycle as well as determines how much energy is transfered into operation of the mechanism.
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