AR gas system: mid or rifle? (16" or 20")
I am considering getting my first AR. One topic that keeps coming up is the length of the gas tube (therefor the length of the barrel). I am not interested in the carbine length gas system, just the mid and rifle length.
Everywhere I look, everyone is talking about their mid length systems…are people avoiding the rifle length? I would think the longer gas tube would be easier on the BCG and internals (lower pressure?) and the longer barrel would increase the bullet velocity (and accuracy?). The USMC has stayed with the 20" barrel while the Army's M4 is shorter (not sure of the length)... what are the pros and cons of the 20" barrel?
The only reason I can come up with not having the rifle length is the added length and weight…but really isn't the difference only a few inches and ounces?
Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated.
Thanks.