14.5" barrelled upper - HB or M4 profile preference?

[Glynn863]

I am building my 2nd black rifle, this one a carbine length. I have found a local source for some LE takeoffs, all A2 uppers with 14.5" barrels, both HB and M4 profile. Is one preferred over the other? The M4 is $25 more. I would plan to use a pinned VLTOR VC-1 on either to be legal. Appreciate any thoughts / comments.

[samuse]

I've had Socom and M4 profile barrels and without a doubt I like everything about the M4 profile better than the Socom/HB.

[KiloSierra]

Regular M4. I have a M4 HB barrel on my M4gery and other then adding some weight it does absolutely nothing.

[Magic_Salad0892]

SOCOM is gonna be sweet if you cut the barrel down to 10.3-11.5'' but if you're gonna leave it at 14.5'', I'd actually grab the SOCOM barrel and have ADCO reprofile it to DD's Strength2Weight.

Otherwise. Get the M4 profile.

[Safetyhit]

Your fine with either one, just make sure the chamber is spec.

[Stickman]

I am building my 2nd black rifle, this one a carbine length. I have found a local source for some LE takeoffs, all A2 uppers with 14.5" barrels, both HB and M4 profile. Is one preferred over the other? The M4 is $25 more. I would plan to use a pinned VLTOR VC-1 on either to be legal. Appreciate any thoughts / comments.

Welcome to the board. There was a place last election, and during the AWB which parted out complete Colt AR15s and gouged people for each half, make sure you are paying a decent price.

Unless you want a heavy carbine, there is no reason to go with the HBAR.

[KrampusArms]

I'll echo the same. I have a 16in Car HBAR, & its weight is irritating. Get the lighter profile.

[Glynn863]

Thanks for the info / opinions. I'll check and see if they have any M4 uppers left.

[Glynn863]

Getting M4 upper early next week.