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Thread: Why 14.5" mid length, gov't profile?

  1. #1
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    Why 14.5" mid length, gov't profile?

    What was the thought process behind a 14.5" gov't profile barrel with a mid length gas?

    I can understand why we have 16" carbine gas barrels, but 14.5" mid, gov't profile seems to be the result of a great opportunity... Totally missed.

    Where did 14.5" barrels originate and how are they beneficial to mid-length barrels?

    Why gov't profile? What does the gov't profile do that is beneficial to a mid-length gas barrel?

    IMO, the effort of designing the mid-length gas system has been a win for the civilian AR owner. I like the concept and I believe the advantages are real and that there are no downsides to a 16" mid.

    I understand the desire for the shortest barrel possible, and the most rail estate. I get it.

    But when it comes to mid-length barrels, why not 15"?

    How many guys actually run 14.5" barrels on an SBR'd lower? What's the point?

    How much maneuverability would be lost by 15" vs 14.5"?

    For the non-SBR guys, life would much simpler without having to pin an extended length flash hider, and why would one want the increased diameter from the FSB forward?

  2. #2
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    Youre really asking 2 questions. On the profile, why not. It's not my preference but the .mil and many civilians already use it and are content with it. In the length, you would still have to pin on an A2 FH so what's the difference. I'll bet than many who buy or build a 14.5 prefer the options in loger muzzle devices. Oh, that and the vast majority of tooling is already set up for 14.5" barrels. Again many already prefer them from their .mil time. 3 of my 4 current builds use 14.5's. Several companies use 14.7 and Noveske uses a 13.7(?) as well. There are many options out there. On a build a few years ago I had ADCO cut the 16" to whatever would make 16 with a pinned short BC. 12 of one a dozen of the other.
    "The peace we have within us is most often expressed in how we treat others"

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by samuse View Post
    ...How much maneuverability would be lost by 15" vs 14.5"?

    For the non-SBR guys, life would much simpler without having to pin an extended length flash hider, and why would one want the increased diameter from the FSB forward?
    14.7" already is available so why not choose that over 15" and still be able to use a standard length muzzle device? Still, a 16" barrel makes more sense for many of us since you don't have to permanently attach the MD.
    US Army 1966-69, VFW Life Member, Retired Geek

  4. #4
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    people are always after the smoothest shooter (longer gas system) and most maneuverable (shorter barrel) rifle that they can, so they attempted to push the boundaries of the platform. personally, I feel as though 14.5" barrels are for carbine gas systems, and 16" barrels are for midlengths.
    gov't profile is silly no matter how you slice it.

  5. #5
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    At this point I'd take any 14.5" Middy. This lack of inventory is annoying as hell.
    We are momentary by design.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Austin_G View Post
    At this point I'd take any 14.5" Middy. This lack of inventory is annoying as hell.
    There seems to be a fair amount moving in the EE if you keep your eyes open.

    Personally, I think the 16 inch barrel is just silly. What companies should have done is just offered 14.5 barrels with attached muzzle devices, or left it end user specific. But, yes, I realize there are a bunch of idiots that probably would be running illegal SBRs if this happened. Thats OK - it gives range masters and the ATF something to do all day

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    Whether they are 'silly' or not, there are some obvious legal reasons that 16 inch barrels exist.

    I'm with the OP. I don't get 14.5 mid length either.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Caduceus View Post
    Personally, I think the 16 inch barrel is just silly. What companies should have done is just offered 14.5 barrels with attached muzzle devices, or left it end user specific.
    In the absence of legal constraints, you might have a point. But given that we have to abide by the regulations that are in place, I don't see where you're going.
    The 16" barrel isn't silly, it's the shortest length that does not require a permanently attached muzzle device. This gives civilian owners who aren't stamp collectors more options.
    Most companies do offer 14.5" barrels with pinned muzzle devices. Most companies do offer user specific options.
    Or perhaps I'm just confused? (Wouldn't be the first time)

  9. #9
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    If it was not for the laws that prohibits lowly peasants from owning 14.5" barrels I'd get one. I, however, do not like a pinned muzzle device, and I were to SBR a lower itd be for a 10.5".

    To me 16" is not silly, the law is!

    And for the profile, m4 profile barrels are weird looking to me, and I never plan on mounting the M203.

    I have a Govt' profile, now I want a lightweight barrel. And on a 14.5" I'd choose Mid gas still.

  10. #10
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    I don't know why... but I shot a 14.5 middy barrel that Iraqgunz gave me Saturday, and it's NICE! An .080 port that runs both .223 and Mk262 very well. Gassed just right.

    Sucker shoots MOA too. It's going to make a handy carbine.
    "You people have too much time on your hands." - scottryan

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