Does a 16" barrel look out of proportion on an M4?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Does a 16" barrel look out of proportion on an M4? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 4/15/2008 11:56:41 AM EDT

Is 16" a bit long looking? Talking a threaded 16", not an OAL 16" (bbl plus welded flash hider 16")

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:01:35 PM EDT

[#1]

I don't think so.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:02:09 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I don't think so.

+1

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:02:45 PM EDT

[#3]

To me, at least, they look too long. Somehow, they're just not quite in proportion.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:03:35 PM EDT

[#4]

Yes, but looks are not everything.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:13:12 PM EDT

[#5]

If looks weren't everything, we wouldn't be building our own Tacticool AR's

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:16:27 PM EDT

[#6]

They look too long to me...

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:25:03 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
If looks weren't everything, we wouldn't be building our own Tacticool AR's

Some people actually buy gear for it's function, not to look cool. May be hard for you to believe that but it is true.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:29:41 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
They look too long to me...

+1

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:31:35 PM EDT

[#9]

You're the only judge…. Do you like it or not?

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:32:44 PM EDT

[#10]

I have no problem with 16 inch barrels. Why not make it a poll?

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:33:49 PM EDT

[#11]

I don't know because I don't have one and have never seen one in person.

I pray that I never need this weapon for it's function, I just want to have fun on the range with ut.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:40:33 PM EDT

[#12]

They look out of whack because we are more used to seeing the barrel extending to proper distance for mounting a bayonet.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:42:26 PM EDT

[#13]

They have always looked way off to me. Its either 16" middys or 14.5 carbine gas for me.

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:47:50 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
They look too long to me...

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:48:06 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Its either 16" middys or 14.5 carbine gas for me.

14.5" middys for me...

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:50:29 PM EDT

[#16]

14.5 and 16"

Posted: 4/15/2008 12:57:50 PM EDT

[#17]

yes

Posted: 4/15/2008 1:46:13 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
If looks weren't everything, we wouldn't be building our own Tacticool AR's

Just like someone from PA to cling to guns when you are upset

Remember kids, GI Joe says "Looking cool is half the battle"

Posted: 4/15/2008 1:52:37 PM EDT

[#19]

IMO, yes. You are better off with a 16" midlength.

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:08:11 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
If looks weren't everything, we wouldn't be building our own Tacticool AR's

All three are builds. If I can save money building my own why not do it. I can use the money to buy ammo to actually shoot them

Yes the 16" barreled carbines do look a little off, but who cares. I bought the barrel for mine cause the price was right and had everything I needed and wanted: 16" 1/7 twist, chrome lined, M4 ramps for $190.

My next rifle will be another mid-length.

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:28:37 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:

Quoted:
If looks weren't everything, we wouldn't be building our own Tacticool AR's

Just like someone from PA to cling to guns when you are upset

Remember kids, GI Joe says "Looking cool is half the battle"

LOL
We do love our guns here. It offsets our "bitterness".

To the OP, I really don't think that the difference amounts to much,
but I do wish I could get my hands on a Title I 6921 + Perm FH.

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:32:02 PM EDT

[#22]

yes

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:32:28 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

Quoted:
If looks weren't everything, we wouldn't be building our own Tacticool AR's

Just like someone from PA to cling to guns when you are upset

Remember kids, GI Joe says "Looking cool is half the battle"

LOL
We do love our guns here. It offsets our "bitterness".

To the OP, I really don't think that the difference amounts to much,
but I do wish I could get my hands on a Title I 6921 + Perm FH.

Next thing you know you will be asking for a say so in how your government is ran

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:40:43 PM EDT

[#24]

Looks too long to me...of course I'm .mil and issued a 14.5" M4 barrel.

Maj

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:41:20 PM EDT

[#25]

i think th 16 looks perfect for a civilian rifle

i think the 14.5 looks perfect for a military rifle

i also dont care much for the m4 cutout on a civilian gun...thats just me

i know im in the minority here

bottom line...it is your money and put together the gun that YOU think looks best

here is my 16"

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:50:26 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
i think th 16 looks perfect for a civilian rifle

i think the 14.5 looks perfect for a military rifle

i also dont care much for the m4 cutout on a civilian gun...thats just me

i know im in the minority here

bottom line...it is your money and put together the gun that YOU think looks best

here is my 16"

i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/infidel_666/022-1.jpg

nice

Posted: 4/15/2008 2:59:30 PM EDT

[#27]

Ive never really put much thought in it until Ive seen it mentioned here a few times.
Meh, I dont care one way or the other, Id rather have the few extra fps and no cuts personally. I mean the length amounts to an extra FH and to not have a FH pinned is worth it to me. And I aint giving the IRS 200 bucks for an 1.5"

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:06:11 PM EDT

[#28]

I also think the 16 inch plus flash hider looks odd. More importantly is function. The m-4 type rifle is but a humble carbine. its supposed to be short ,light ,maneuverable at the expense of a little loss of velocity. I think the whole unit should be 16 inch's total to keep it shorter and more maneuverable. If you just got to have the few hundred or so FPS get a 20 standard rifle. rifles should be long and carbines should be short. Perhaps the best looking and functional model is the CMMG 14.7 inch with flash hider 16 total. IMO I have a bushmaster 14.5 inch with welded hider to bring it to 16 and that looks stupid also. They could have used a slightly longer barrel and shorter flash hider like CMMG but couldn't be bothered to order any that way. perhaps the manf likes the 16 inch because they don't have to weld on the FH.

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:10:57 PM EDT

[#29]

Thanks for the pictures. 14.5" looks more natural, but 16" is not exactly horrible.

I wish I could get a pinned flash hider with a pop-up gas block sight...

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:13:25 PM EDT

[#30]

Yes. BUt whatever.

Pencils are where its at anyway.

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:35:20 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:
I also think the 16 inch plus flash hider looks odd. More importantly is function. The m-4 type rifle is but a humble carbine. its supposed to be short ,light ,maneuverable at the expense of a little loss of velocity. I think the whole unit should be 16 inch's total to keep it shorter and more maneuverable. If you just got to have the few hundred or so FPS get a 20 standard rifle. rifles should be long and carbines should be short. Perhaps the best looking and functional model is the CMMG 14.7 inch with flash hider 16 total. IMO I have a bushmaster 14.5 inch with welded hider to bring it to 16 and that looks stupid also. They could have used a slightly longer barrel and shorter flash hider like CMMG but couldn't be bothered to order any that way. perhaps the manf likes the 16 inch because they don't have to weld on the FH.

+1 the cmmg 14.7 looks almost too much like an M4 barrel. I had to measure myself when I got it just to make sure I got what I ordered.

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:36:36 PM EDT

[#32]

Yup, I'm from PA...bitter and clinging; to my 14.5" Bushie, my 14.7" CMMG, and
the COLT trinity of 16" carbines. Are they cool? Each one is a rule in and of
itself. They all work out just fine. All that being said, my favorite config of all
has to be my ArmaLite 16" Middie. IF it was built to the Colt level of quality then
it would be just unstoppable, but as it is....it's still awfully kool.

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:40:58 PM EDT

[#33]

It looks hideous but looks are not everything.

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:45:44 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I also think the 16 inch plus flash hider looks odd. More importantly is function. The m-4 type rifle is but a humble carbine. its supposed to be short ,light ,maneuverable at the expense of a little loss of velocity. I think the whole unit should be 16 inch's total to keep it shorter and more maneuverable. If you just got to have the few hundred or so FPS get a 20 standard rifle. rifles should be long and carbines should be short. Perhaps the best looking and functional model is the CMMG 14.7 inch with flash hider 16 total. IMO I have a bushmaster 14.5 inch with welded hider to bring it to 16 and that looks stupid also. They could have used a slightly longer barrel and shorter flash hider like CMMG but couldn't be bothered to order any that way. perhaps the manf likes the 16 inch because they don't have to weld on the FH.

+1 the cmmg 14.7 looks almost too much like an M4 barrel. I had to measure myself when I got it just to make sure I got what I ordered.

+2

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:53:15 PM EDT

[#35]

16 inch must be a mid-length!!

JMHO

Posted: 4/15/2008 3:59:38 PM EDT

[#36]

I like a 10.5" myself

Posted: 4/15/2008 4:01:40 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
I like a 10.5" myself

+1 lmt

Posted: 4/15/2008 4:17:28 PM EDT

[#38]

Posted: 4/16/2008 5:21:05 AM EDT

[#39]

16" plus hider looks like an M16 with a telescoping stock, if that exists. 16" OAL looks more like an M4.

Posted: 4/16/2008 5:39:44 AM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:

Another one huh, when ya bringing that down?

I got one too. & put a 14.7" standard M4 profile barrel on it & rails.
The 16" barrels look like an aardvark to me.

Posted: 4/16/2008 7:46:44 AM EDT

[#41]

Depends on what you are accoustomed to. I've carried a 14.5" M4A1 for over 14 years now, so to me a 16" is too long and I notice the difference and balance.

CD

Posted: 4/16/2008 7:58:04 AM EDT

[#42]

According to my wife the extra length is a good thing....

Trying to figure who the hell she has been with

Posted: 4/16/2008 8:04:42 AM EDT

[#43]

height=8

Quoted:
Is 16" a bit long looking? Talking a threaded 16", not an OAL 16" (bbl plus welded flash hider 16")

The M4 is 14.5" + FH. 16" + FH should look longer to you. If it isn't "a bit long looking" to someone then they need their eyes checked.

Nothing against those of you who feel the need to defend your 16" + FH but it IS longer than 14.5" + FH and it looks too long.

Posted: 4/16/2008 9:46:44 AM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Is 16" a bit long looking? Talking a threaded 16", not an OAL 16" (bbl plus welded flash hider 16")

The M4 is 14.5" + FH. 16" + FH should look longer to you. If it isn't "a bit long looking" to someone then they need their eyes checked.

Nothing against those of you who feel the need to defend your 16" + FH but it IS longer than 14.5" + FH and it looks too long.

How do you deal with the whole fact that you can't service your barrel with the pinned flash hider...can't change the gas block or barrel nut or anything? Just curious, I really don't know.

Posted: 4/16/2008 9:52:18 AM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Is 16" a bit long looking? Talking a threaded 16", not an OAL 16" (bbl plus welded flash hider 16")

The M4 is 14.5" + FH. 16" + FH should look longer to you. If it isn't "a bit long looking" to someone then they need their eyes checked.

Nothing against those of you who feel the need to defend your 16" + FH but it IS longer than 14.5" + FH and it looks too long.

How do you deal with the whole fact that you can't service your barrel with the pinned flash hider...can't change the gas block or barrel nut or anything? Just curious, I really don't know.

the way I handle it is with $200

Posted: 4/16/2008 9:58:44 AM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Is 16" a bit long looking? Talking a threaded 16", not an OAL 16" (bbl plus welded flash hider 16")

The M4 is 14.5" + FH. 16" + FH should look longer to you. If it isn't "a bit long looking" to someone then they need their eyes checked.

Nothing against those of you who feel the need to defend your 16" + FH but it IS longer than 14.5" + FH and it looks too long.

How do you deal with the whole fact that you can't service your barrel with the pinned flash hider...can't change the gas block or barrel nut or anything? Just curious, I really don't know.

Really, in all honesty, how many times, if ever, do you need to do this? I have never had to do this to one of my weapons. Anything that may need to be done in that regards is usually something that is wanted done, not needed to be done.

Posted: 4/16/2008 10:11:09 AM EDT

[#47]

Yes

Posted: 4/16/2008 10:18:22 AM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Is 16" a bit long looking? Talking a threaded 16", not an OAL 16" (bbl plus welded flash hider 16")

The M4 is 14.5" + FH. 16" + FH should look longer to you. If it isn't "a bit long looking" to someone then they need their eyes checked.

Nothing against those of you who feel the need to defend your 16" + FH but it IS longer than 14.5" + FH and it looks too long.

How do you deal with the whole fact that you can't service your barrel with the pinned flash hider...can't change the gas block or barrel nut or anything? Just curious, I really don't know.

You build it right, the way you want, the first time and you never have to take it apart. IF you do need to, it's probably something a little bigger and a smith would be necessary anyway.

IMHO no a 16" M4 style rifle doesn't look out of proportion, I love mine. With that being said, i've grown to love the look of a quad-rail middie!

<-- BRD flaring up!