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Thread: How long is a gas tube?

  1. #1
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    How long is a gas tube?

    I just ordered a new mid length gas tube because I messed up my last one by being stupid. Now that the new one is here it is too long, so my question is how long is a mid length gas tube? the one that came in the mail is 11 3/4"

    here is what I found from cheaper than dirt is this right?

    There are four main lengths of AR-15 gas systems in use today: Pistol, Carbine, Mid, and Rifle. Each one of these gas systems require different length gas tubes and handguards, so it is important to know which one you have before ordering parts for your AR-15. If you don’t know what size rifle you have, it is fairly easy to determine by simply measuring the length of your handguards or gas tube.

    Pistol-Length

    The pistol-length gas system is used almost exclusively on AR-15 pistols or AR-15 rifles that have very short barrels, usually 10″ in length or less. These systems generally have a gas tube of approximately 4.5”. The handguards or free-float tubes for these systems are generally between 3”-4” in length. Some people are now installing low-profile gas blocks and carbine length free-float handguards so that they can have a longer and more comfortable forearm grip area.

    Carbine-Length

    The carbine-length gas system, combined with barrel lengths from approximately 10”-18”, is perhaps one of the most common setups across all types of AR-15 rifles. Carbine gas tubes are approximately 7.5” long, which means that the handguards will be approximately 6.5”-7” long, such as the Mako Handguard and Rails System, the Daniel Defense Omega Quad Rail, and the Midwest Industries Carbine Forearm.

    Mid-Length

    Mid-length gas systems have become quite popular, and are most commonly used with barrels from 14”-20” in length. They give the shooter a longer sight radius and reduce some of the wear and tear on the upper receiver. Mid-length gas tubes are approximately 9.5” and require a handguard around 8.5”-9” in length. Choices for handguards of this length include the UTG Free-Float Mid-Length Quad-Rail and the UTG 2-Piece Quad-Rails.

    Rifle-Length

    Rifle-length gas tubes are generally about 13” long, requiring handguards ranging from 11.5”-12” long. These are usually found on rifles with barrels 20” in length and longer. If you’re looking for replacement handguards for a rifle-length system, check out the UTG Free-Float Rifle Quad-Rail, the UTG 2-Piece Quad-Rails, the AR Carbon Fiber Free-Float Tube, and the Yankee Hill 2-Piece Quad-Rail

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by Country DeVil View Post
    I just ordered a new mid length gas tube because I messed up my last one by being stupid. Now that the new one is here it is too long, so my question is how long is a mid length gas tube? the one that came in the mail is 11 3/4"
    That's a mid-length tube. How did you decide that it was too long?

    If it is too long, then you don't have a mid-length rifle... most likely it's a carbine-length tube you need.

  3. #3
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    A carbine length gas tube is a little over 9"

    I dont own a middy but I imagine it would be around 11 1/2"??
    Quote Originally Posted by Split66 View Post
    I wouldnt listen to BCMjunkie. His brown camo clashes like hell with his surroundings. His surroundings are obviously pinkish and lacey and have big hooties.

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  4. #4
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    T10 on your reciever is where the gas tube ends.

    Measure from there, to your FSB and you will have the length you need
    Quote Originally Posted by Split66 View Post
    I wouldnt listen to BCMjunkie. His brown camo clashes like hell with his surroundings. His surroundings are obviously pinkish and lacey and have big hooties.

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  5. #5
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    7", 9" and 12" are the HANDGAURD lengths for the carbine, mid length, and rifle length gas systems.

    Like BCMJunkie said, since the gas tube sticks into the FSB a little ways and into the upper receiver a little ways, the gas tube for the respective handgaurd length will be about a couple of inches longer than the handgaurd length.

    So, a mid length gas tube should be 11 3/4 inches long.

    Carbine length gas tube measures 9 3/4"
    Midlength gas tube measures 11 3/4"
    Rifle length gas tube measures 15 1/8"

    If it doesn't fit, you have a carbine-length.. Do you mind posting a picture if capable?
    Last edited by GeorgiaBoy; 10-11-12 at 00:34.
    But what then is capital punishment but the most premeditated of murders, to which no criminal's deed, however calculated it may be, can be compared? - Albert Camus

  6. #6
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    sounds like I ordered the wrong thing, thanks guys.
    Ill put up some pics when I get a chance, hopefully today.

  7. #7
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    Here are some quick pics

    or not. i'll try again





    Last edited by Country DeVil; 10-11-12 at 18:28. Reason: posting pics, i think

  8. #8
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    looks like that worked.

    i ordered a carbine tube, hopefully that solves my problem

  9. #9
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    Yep, you definitely have a carbine-length gas system.
    But what then is capital punishment but the most premeditated of murders, to which no criminal's deed, however calculated it may be, can be compared? - Albert Camus

  10. #10
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    The ones on Cheaper Than Dirt are made by DPMS and while it is pretty hard to mess up a gas tube I still wouldn't trust them, especially when you can get a Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) gas tube for less from Bravo Company USA.
    Last edited by BH321; 10-11-12 at 20:12.
    "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H. L. Mencken

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