I need the pros and cons to 14.5" vs 16"

[Stopsign32v]

Well I'm pretty much sold on the midlength system and light weight. However I can't decide on 14.5" or 16". This is my first AR and I'm building it from the BOTTOM up! Right now I'm sitting with a PSA stripped lower,a SSA trigger group, 30rd PMAG, and MAID grip.

I would like a nice HD rifle so 14.5" seems nice. I want it light weight and low recoil. However I don't like the idea of a pinned comp since I've never shot one and don't know what I'd like so I like the idea of being able to change them out on the 16". I've read this thread from searching and I'm about cross eyed now. http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=98958&highlight=14.5%22+16%22&page=3

[Quentin]

I would continue reading that thread until you understand the pros and cons and which configuration is best for you. One thing, do you live in a ban state where the muzzle device must be pinned anyway? If not you might be wise to go 16" to avoid pinning.

[Iraqgunz]

Most shooters cannot differentiate between a 14.5" or 16". If you go with a 14.5" and don't take the NFA route, then you will need your muzzle device pinned. This may be problematic in the future.

I suggest that you take a good hard look at the various threads here. My advice is to get a 16" and go from there.

[Servo]

I just searched "16 vs. 14.5"

I got more results than I care to link.

[Stopsign32v]

I live in South Carolina, not sure what I'd have to go through to get a non pinned 14.5

[Stopsign32v]

I just searched "16 vs. 14.5"

I got more results than I care to link.

I searched "14.5 or 16" and didn't come up with much on page 1 or 2

[El Cid]

I say get the 16. It has the ability to be used at distance and doesn't give up much in terms of maneuverability to the 14.5. There's no magic in the 14.5" bbl. I remain convinced the Army came to that length by putting a bayonet on a carbine gas system and deciding to put the muzzle device where the ring of the bayonet fell.

[Pilgrim]

Most shooters cannot differentiate between a 14.5" or 16". If you go with a 14.5" and don't take the NFA route, then you will need your muzzle device pinned. This may be problematic in the future.

I suggest that you take a good hard look at the various threads here. My advice is to get a 16" and go from there.

What he said...

[Guns-up.50]

I guess I would say get a 16' for the fact you can always cut it later if you really want. It may cost more in the long run but at least you will know for sure what you want.

[Servo]

I searched "14.5 or 16" and didn't come up with much on page 1 or 2

That's odd, :confused: I got like 5 or 6 that seemed relevant.

Try searching with different keywords, see if that helps.

[bp7178]

If this is your first AR I would very strongly suggest going with a 16".

You will change and your needs will evolve as you gain more experience and get out and shoot. The 14.5" pinned will make this much more difficult.

The upper i'm putting together now will be based on a 14.5" Noveske Afghan, but this is probably my 5th or 6th upper and I now know exactly what I want.

[Stopsign32v]

16" it tis. So I can get a 16" with no flash hider or anything and I can buy my own after research right?

[Pax]

Just fyi, do a blind pin and weld on a 14.5 well and you can just hit the weld with a grinding tip/wheel and pop the FH off. Aint a science, aint nice to the threads certainly, but it can be done. Just fyi.

Also, yeah, go with a 16" for your first. Ten years from now youll still be like "Man! I dont notice any difference in OAL or recoil on my 14.5 and it was much harder to tune its buffers for reliable ejection than my 16." Thats what youll be all like. Dude.

[Stopsign32v]

This will show you guys how noobish I am...I really want to run Noveske's flaming pig :p:D

http://www.riflegear.com/images/Product/medium/638.jpg

[Failure2Stop]

Just fyi, do a blind pin and weld on a 14.5 well and you can just hit the weld with a grinding tip/wheel and pop the FH off. Aint a science, aint nice to the threads certainly, but it can be done. Just fyi.

Also, yeah, go with a 16" for your first. Ten years from now youll still be like "Man! I dont notice any difference in OAL or recoil on my 14.5 and it was much harder to tune its buffers for reliable ejection than my 16." Thats what youll be all like. Dude.

I think I agree...I just have no idea what the part in red means.
:blink:

[Failure2Stop]

This will show you guys how noobish I am...I really want to run Noveske's flaming pig :p:D

http://www.riflegear.com/images/Product/medium/638.jpg

Unless you're doing a 10.5 gun, leave the pig off.

[pentosinjunkie]

The national firearms act. State of residence is irrelevant for the most part.

Go 16" to start, you can build a 14.5 upper later if you so choose. I like the battlecomp for a comp or the AAC 51T blackout for a flash hider if going pinned. The Smith Vortex would also be a good choice for a flash hider if you're starting with a naked barrel, and is more affordable than the BC or AAC flash hiders.

A plain-jane el cheapo A2 flash hider will also work well at reducing flash and blast.


Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2

[Stopsign32v]

Unless you're doing a 10.5 gun, leave the pig off.

I just read this


It won't give you any issues at all and they do look cool. It is very long and heavy though and will add more than 3" to the length of your rifle with all the weight at the end.

I briefly considered one for my 10.5", but it would have brought the overall length to about 14" and added weight to an already heavy rifle (LMT MRP).

:angry: *face palm*

I liked how it spit fire out the end and looked uber cool. :ph34r: <- seriously

[VIP3R 237]

Stay with a 16" for your first rifle, pinning and welding sucks ass.
If you really want to add another device besides the A2, THIS is what i highly recommend.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u440/Jason_Prisbrey/IMG_20111030_180350.jpg

www.battlecomp.com

[highlighter]

What he said...

Go with the 16".

[Magic_Salad0892]

Even though the 16.1'' only exists because of the NFA law...

Go with the 16.1''.

Or SBR, however... if you SBR there is not reason not to go shorter than 14.5''...