Noveske mid-length: 14.5" or 16"??

[MrPink]

I'm looking to get a new Noveske rifle with the flared lower and NSR. With the mid-length gas tube, what is better for cycling reliability - 14.5" or 16".

From what I understand the mid-length is optimized for the 16" and the 14.5" is for the carbine length tube. But the Thunder Ranch edition uses a 14.5" mid-length and I can't imagine Clint Smith endorsing something less than the most reliable.

Thanks for your input!

[Brahmzy]

I've got a 14.5 Afghan that's been 100% reliable. I've actually asked Todd this question along with how "smooth" do the different lengths do against each other. Basically, they've got the gas ports tuned so well, there's no difference. Sure dwell time may be a little different, but not enough to make a difference from a reliability standpoint. Either is GTG.

[docsherm]

I have had a 14.5 Noveske Afghan for about 6 years now and it is completely reliable. No issues.

[Icculus]

There have been a few reports (not Noveske specific) about 14.5 mid-lengths sometimes failing to cycle with weaker or .223 (not 5.56) ammo. Not knowing their exact gas ports sizes I would say you are probably g2g with either but if you go with the 14.5 mid I would suggest sticking with quality, full power 5.56 ammo.

[og556]

I have owned a few 16" Recce rifles from Noveske and they have all been 100% dead nuts reliable with the exception of one ammunition related failure.

They eat all kinds of ammo. I personally prefer the 16" because I can change out muzzle devices as I please.

I just ordered a 16" NSR complete rifle from Rainier Arms. If I like he NSR system enough and it turns out to be rugged I will add a triple tap to it. If over time I grow to dislike the NSR rail I will buy a nice Daniel Defense or Centurion rail for this rifle.

The non pinned muzzle device makes it easier to do things like that.

In terms of reliabiltiy I have only owned one carbine length gas system N4 with a 14.5" barrel and it was a great rifle. No issues but the length did not make a big enough difference to me to justify the fact that it is harder to switch stuff out on it.

[Brahmzy]

(not Noveske specific)

This is a Noveske-specific thread.
There have been no reports of ammo issues with Noveske's 14.5's to my knowledge. They've got the gas port thing nailed. I've even tried to screw up my Afghan with H3 buffers and cheap ammo - no go. And it ain't like it's overgassed either - it's not. How they do what they do... ?

[Brahmzy]

If I like he NSR system enough...

You'll love it - I've got 2 NSRs now and they are the best rails I've owned - feel amazing in the hands and weight wise. I replaced a TROY TRX and DD O X with them. All my rifles are getting NSRs.

I think I could drive a truck over the rail, it's so solid. There needs to be a "Hand Guard of the Year Award."

[TangoSauce]

I have the 14.5'', 16'', and 18'' Noveske SS rifles, and the 14.5'' definitely makes it to the range the most. Never had an issue with it to date.

[Todd.K]

Our 14.5" is designed for 223 and 5.56 ammo, I don't know of any problems with 223 ammo in them.

A 14.5" mid length tuned for 5.56 ammo and carbine buffer will have a harder time with 223 ammo, but be a bit smoother with 5.56. It's not wrong, just the way they chose to make it and BCM tells you straight up to use 5.56 ammo.

The thing is you could do the same thing with a 16" mid length, or 10.5" carbine like LMT, it's not specific to the 14.5" mid length.

[lifebreath]

I've got a 16" stainless "Combat Carbine" upper (recce barrel with VTAC Extreme forend) that I run on a rifle-length lower. Run's flawlessly and is a 1/2 MOA rifle. I use this for 3-gun, so I prefer 16" to have the option of changing muzzle device, which I have already done once.

I have a BCM 14.5 with pinned A2, which is my home defense gun, so I don't need to ever swap a muzzle device. I like the 14.5" for HD because it does make a difference inside maneuvering. Also, the weight balances quite well with a light out front and a UBR stock.

In short, I like the way a 14.5" gun handles, but for most purposes would choose 16" to have more flexibility for configuration changes.

[TangoSauce]

Our 14.5" is designed for 223 and 5.56 ammo, I don't know of any problems with 223 ammo in them.

I shoot Prvi Partizan Match .223 Remington 75 Grain HPBT with my Afghan without fail.

[Brahmzy]

I shoot Prvi Partizan Match .223 Remington 75 Grain HPBT with my Afghan without fail.

LOL - my round of choice as well. REALLY wish it'd get back in stock soon! Nobody's got the stuff!

[SkiDevil]

It looks like Todd answered your question.

If you're looking for additional input, then I can state that both my Noveske 14.5" and 16" midlengths are reliable firing any type of brass case .223 or 5.56 factory ammunition.

As someone else stated, if you plan on changing the rail at any point buy the 16".

SkiDevil

[fallenromeo]

I would get the 16" just to have the versatility of changing things like muzzle devices or rails. 14.5" feels a little better to me, but that is a personal preference. My next rifle will be 16"

[MrPink]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I was leaning towards the 14.5" for the shorter overall length and balance and will go that route.

Now I'm pondering whether a 9" or 11" rail - 9" would be more "conventional" in appearance as it would expose the gas block and shows a "proper" amount of barrel. The 11" would cover the block for a C-grip (which I don't use) and allow me to mount more stuff (which I won't). Weight difference is an ounce.

[TangoSauce]

Sounds like you'll be using a flip-up front sight...

I like 12'' with a quad rail or 13'' with a slick rail, personally.

[krisjon]

My 14.5 N4 middy eats everything 5.56/.223 and has been rock-solid.

[jack852]

I have the Thunder Ranch and it has never failed. 100% reliability so far with about 700 rounds down the pipe. All XM193.

[Proconsul]

I've never had a problem with either of my Noveskes when I've run PMC Bronze .223 through them. Both are 14.5" midlength.

[Bedford Forrest]

I've had an N4 14.5" middy for almost a year now and it has been flawless. It shoots softer with XM193 than my 14.5" carbine and both eat everything. I am a hand loader and recently loaded a batch of real light loads for a buddy (2200fps), surprisingly they cycled without any issues.