Hey Guys,
I am new to the forum...so here's my dilema.  I am going to buy an AR-15.  I had my mind set on a colt LE6921 with a 14.5 barrel, because of the memories of carrying one in the marines.  Now, after reading so many threads and talking to people on the phone I found out that I'll lose 300fps.  So, should I save $200 by avoiding the tax stamp and get a  16in. barrel such as a colt LE6920, Tactical 6920,  Bushy, RRA, etc.  I am a little partial to Colts, but I would take any advice.  Here are the components I am pretty sure of:  
Aimpoint M3 2MOA
Larue M68 (LT 129) mount
Troy rear site
Larue rails if I don't go with LE6921 ($200 saving on the tax stamp)

Thanks a lot,
Steven

First you can save the $200 by attaching a phantom or other muzzle device permanently to bring it a legal 16".And as far as the loss of 300 FPS you carried one for real so Im sure your familiar with how far you may have to use it in the real world.A 14.5 barrel will give the 2700 fps needed for best performance of the ammo out to 100 yds.So it depends if you think your gonna need it for longer ranges than go longer barrel if not go 14.5/phantom or other permanent attachment and save the $200 unless thats the way you want it then go for it

IMPHO the 14.5" barrel is not worth the hassle of being registered with FTroop or the extra $200.   You will still lose the velocity if you attach a fixed MB or FS.  Get a 16".

The money would probably be better spent towards the additional items you want to pick up.

you could always take off the birdcage off and put another flash suppressor on it to bring the total length to 16' inches.

I never did understand the reasoning behind buying a SBR (to lose all the extra fps) only to then weld on a FS to bring it to 16"s legal anyways....in other words?...if I gotta carry 16"s of stick?... the way I figure?..it might as well have some gas pressure and rifling in it for as many inches as possible....to maximize velocity and accuracy...but that's JMHO and personal preference.

hey thanks for tuh advice so far,but here in texas i can keep it 14.5 with out having to modify anything.i was just wondering if anyone has a sbr plus a 16" that they can say there is any diffrence between the two or once you go short you want ever go back. plus if i do go 16' the 200.00 that would go to the stamp can go towards some larue rails.
                thanks
                catfish

Are you saying going from a 16" to a 14.5" will make you lose 300fps??

Quoted: The money would probably be better spent towards the additional items you want to pick up.

More mags and ammo

lumpy,
that is what i was told that you loose approx 300fps going to shorter barrel.
catfish