Need opinions on new build. Finally getting another AR after hiatus.

[The Black Sheep]

First off, these rifles are not mine, they were built by members here on the site and others within the industry. Im behind the game in terms of being ready for anything in terms of civil unrest where i might want to have a carbine. I sold a basic bcm middy to my father a while back when i was a little hard up for money, been working alot of OT as of late at a really good job (finally) and I want to build ONE really nice carbine. With that said these are what im considering building for a shtf/ home defense carbine.

#1 Haley 14.5" BCM Middy
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4218/travisdynamicscarbineve.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/travisdynamicscarbineve.jpg/)

#2 LMT SOPMOD M4A1 Block 2
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7064/dsc1314dq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/403/dsc1314dq.jpg/)

#3 14.5" Mid-length with URX II
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/2310/dsc1141b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/824/dsc1141b.jpg/)

I believe the BCM would probably be the most reliable and practical with the fixed fsb. However im 6'3" and i greatly appreciate the increased length of a 12" rail system. I choose both of those rail systems based on quality and being able to clean under the hand guards. My only draw back is folding sights and their reliabilty on a rifle that is supposed to be able to take bumps, get dropped, etc etc. I have never been in a combat situation so I dont have this experience to base a decision off of. What knowledge and opinions do you guys have on the matter that you care to offer?

[Toyoland66]

Have you looked at the centurion C4 mid length cutout rail? It is 11.5" on the sides so it could be a good option for running a fixed fsb depending on how far out you grip a 12" rail.

[MistWolf]

Welcome to the forums!

Get a basic carbine with basic furniture and shoot it until you figure out what works and what doesn't. Here's one offered by BCM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v445/bravocompanyusa/BCM%20Complete%20Rifles/BCMMID-16Mod0right.jpg

If you get a low profile gas block and find you need an FSB, it'll cost you money for more parts, labor and possibly shipping. If you get an FSB and need a low profile gas block, the change is but a hack saw or a vist to Dr. Dremel away.

There are other options besides railed forearms to mount a flashlight & sling to a HD carbine. They can be added later. A rifle without rails now is more affordable and you can get shooting sooner.

My carbine (right) is very simple and I like shooting it very much. Future plans include a modern 2 point sling, light and an Aimpoint
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Carbine/DSC_0014.jpg

There are stickies at the top of each sub-forum and some very useful information can be found. Searching old threads will also help. The orange search button at the top gives the best results using the onsite search engine. There is a way to use outside search engines effectively, but I forget the secret code needed to focus searches to this forum

[Matt-man]

My only draw back is folding sights and their reliabilty on a rifle that is supposed to be able to take bumps, get dropped, etc etc.

If you're concerned about the durability of folding sights, get a set of rail-mounted fixed sights like these from Daniel Defense:

http://www.icantping.com/~mmasuda/images/boom/DDFixedSights.jpg

Alternately, you can have a rifle length rail, a fixed front sight base, and a 16" barrel if you have somebody build you a "Dissipator" style rifle such as the one in this thread (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=62149). (Note that the pictured rifle is a prototype, and BCM doesn't have them in production).

[ForTehNguyen]

weight wise that dissipator is gonna weigh more than a 12" rail with folding sights if you are concerned about weight.

I would highly recommend a 16" midlength lightweight for a new setup. If you dont want a rail this Palmetto State Armory upper is on sale for a great price:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/8962.php