Is the 20" rifle gas/rifle buffer combo the most inherently reliable?

[Chris17404]

Hi all,

I have been doing a lot of research on here on M4C before purchasing my first AR rifle. My first priority is reliability. I'm wondering if the standard 20" rifle gas/rifle buffer combo is the most reliable. If so, why? I'm thinking about picking the BCM A4 rifle as my first AR... partly for nostalgia, partly because it seems like a good place to start, and partly because I've read the rifle gas/buffer combo is very reliable... plus it's a BCM rifle. Thanks for your experience and knowledge.

Chris

[BAC]

I don't think it is inherently more reliable, but it is more durable. All other factors being equal, the lower pressures of using a rifle-length gas system on a 20" barrel translate to longer parts life. How much longer I couldn't say and I don't think anyone's ever formally tested.


-B

[SethB]

Yes...

[Chris17404]

Is the rifle gas/buffer system also able to handle the widest variety of ammo... from very weak cheap stuff to the strongest NATO rounds?

[Iraqgunz]

I would say that due to the changes in dwell time and the "smoother" operation of the system it is probably more reliable.

[Robb Jensen]

Hi all,

I have been doing a lot of research on here on M4C before purchasing my first AR rifle. My first priority is reliability. I'm wondering if the standard 20" rifle gas/rifle buffer combo is the most reliable. If so, why? I'm thinking about picking the BCM A4 rifle as my first AR... partly for nostalgia, partly because it seems like a good place to start, and partly because I've read the rifle gas/buffer combo is very reliable... plus it's a BCM rifle. Thanks for your experience and knowledge.

Chris

Depending on the make yes. A 20" M16 from Colt/FN will run for a very long time.

[Caeser25]

That depends on what you deem reliable? Are you trying to go the distance with minimal parts wear and keep it running a loong time or bury it in sand and still running? Carbines are harsher but more reliable imo. Replace certain parts at the correct intervals, you'll be gtg.