Sorry, I should have been more specific on intended use of rifle. Will be used for a walking varminter, as well as calling of predators, shooting paper & fun. As I said, I have a heavy varmint rifles, so I want all the accuracy I can muster & still be able to pack the rifle all day. May be asking too much with that, I'm not sure. Will want to mount a scope, so a flatop is a definate must have, as well as a 1 in 9" twist rate to stabalize the lighter critter bullets. I like the looks of the shorter 16 - 20" AR's, just seem more close to original design & look more appealing to me. I figured 100 - 200fps loss with a shorter tube, but the 223 should still be quite capable & flat out to 300 yards or so. Am I wrong in that area? I have longer range bolt weapons, 22-250, 221FB, & .243 that are used for most of that type shooting now. If you were to shoot targets & still have a carry rifle, what would be a good compromise?
Never fired an AR yet, I was curious if muzzle blast & noise level fierce with the shorter barrels?
I'm not stuck on any particular manufacturer. Didn't know if the chrome lining was a negative thing & I've heard positive remarks from most that own the Bushmaster.
Appreciate the feedback,
HS