Hi Folks. My First Post...I'm thinking of buying a Bushmaster XM15 A3 .223 in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if i should get the 16" or the 20"(1/9 both) stock barrel. I've read most of the pros and cons but am still undecided. I will probably mod it later but I was trying to choose which is the best length to start with.

Thanx

Whatever you want, really.  

I went with a 20", but I would like to have a 16" carbine eventually.  

Your first AR will most likely NOT be your last.  You'll end up (or end up wanting) both anyways eventually.  
 

same here.

if you can just get both.  keep one as a reach out an touch ya pretty much stock rifle and then use the other for mods and gadgets.

I got both, The 16 is a really fun rifle. The 20 more serious. IMO

Quoted: The 16 is a really fun rifle. The 20 more serious. IMO

the 20" is worth two dozen yards, that's it.
www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=189353

ar-jedi

ps:
get a 16".  better yet, get TWO!!!

Best of both worlds, get a 16" mid-length if you can.

First off you get more grip/rail real estate and the action is under less stress/pressure making it more reliable then a M4 based gas system. And in my opinion, why be stuck with an M4 profile 16" barrel? Its all about the 14.5" which requires a perm flash-hider or SBR tax stamp and all that mess.

AND! You can still affix a bayonet for any zombies who try to be clever during a reload.


Edit: Blah, bushmaster doesn't make one yet. But, river rock arms and armalite do if you want to go that route.

Thanx guys...I'll probably just go 16"...It seems to be the all around best choice...I'll mess around with that for a bit then start a build probably..Thanx for all the input folks...