Page 1 of 9 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 81

Thread: Which combinations of barrel, rail and gas systems do you prefer?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    AZ-Waging jihad against crappy AR's.
    Posts
    24,902
    Feedback Score
    104 (100%)

    Which combinations of barrel, rail and gas systems do you prefer?

    This is somewhat complex and is going to probably elicit lots of different points of view, etc...

    1. Which operating system do you prefer in a carbine with 16" barrel?

    2. What do you think is the ideal length of rail? Or what length of rail do you prefer?

    3. If you had a choice between an FSB upper or flip sights which would you prefer. Taking into account that the FSB is the most secure and solid of the two.

    I am asking this for specific reasons that will become evident later.



    Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemperParatusArms/

    Semper Paratus Arms AR15 Armorer Course http://www.semperparatusarms.com/cou...-registration/

    M4C Misc. Training and Course Announcements- http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=141

    Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Western US
    Posts
    2,474
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Assuming this was not intended specifically for carbine gas port location sytems;

    1) 16" mid length gas.
    2) 9" rail is plenty for me.
    3) Folding front sight gas block.
    Last edited by ColtSeavers; 11-05-13 at 02:35. Reason: stewpid spehlyng mistaykz

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    IN
    Posts
    1,542
    Feedback Score
    16 (100%)
    1. On 16" I prefer mid length
    2. On 16" I prefer a 12" or 14" rail
    3. I prefer Troy flip ups with a shaved FSB

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    214
    Feedback Score
    0
    I like a carbine gas system--even tho' I know it's over gassed, I can add a heavier spring or buffer. I suspect I will be in the minority, but over gassed is easier to address than under gassed. Yes, I know a properly set up mid-length will be fine....but you asked my "preference."

    I like the standard FSB with a 12" rail.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    30
    Feedback Score
    4 (100%)
    1. My preference is for a mid-length in a 16" barrel. Subjectively, it feels more soft-shooting. My own rifle and those other mid-lengths I've fired have also proven to be reliable.

    2. For me, between 10-14" for a 16" barrel. I do not want the gas block left exposed. My arms, short as they are, really only need a 10" rail to establish the grip I prefer. Apart from sight radius, any additional length is unnecessary.

    3. If all I were using was a red dot optic of some sort, I'd prefer a FSB and cutout rail. Conversely, I don't care for them when using magnification. The main reason I did not use on an FSB on my rifle is that most cutout rails are cut for carbine-length gas systems, not mid-lengths.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    649
    Feedback Score
    8 (100%)
    On a 16" system I prefer mid gas with a 13" to 14" rail with shaved FSB.

    All my rifles run rails. I also beat the shit out of them. Rail tech has come a very long way in the last 10 years. A fixed FSB is no longer necessary for a solid combat rifle.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    GA
    Posts
    3,704
    Feedback Score
    43 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Iraqgunz View Post
    This is somewhat complex and is going to probably elicit lots of different points of view, etc...

    1. Which operating system do you prefer in a carbine with 16" barrel?

    2. What do you think is the ideal length of rail? Or what length of rail do you prefer?

    3. If you had a choice between an FSB upper or flip sights which would you prefer. Taking into account that the FSB is the most secure and solid of the two.

    I am asking this for specific reasons that will become evident later.
    1. Midlength gas system
    2. 12-13" rail length
    3. Low profile gas block (preferably pinned) with flip up irons

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    NM
    Posts
    3,988
    Feedback Score
    10 (100%)
    The simplest setup is among the best - a 16" midlength unit with a 12" handguard does everything well. I have that in lightweight flavor as a DD V5LW, as well as an ADCO recce built around a heavier CLE stainless barrel. Both of these are sans-FSB because I only see myself using variable powered optics on them. Pinned lo-pro gas block definitely preferred all around.

    I have some more variety when it comes to handier, aimpoint intended uppers in the same range - for those I like the really light 11" handguards, DD Fixed front sights (and SF X300's out front), with MBUS rears - really simple lightweight package, and since the only accessories I want for these rifles are already attached at 12:00 (the X300 is great as an ambidextrous light, the fixed front sight is in place) the top rail only tube handguards (TROY-VTAC, or NSR types) are ideal. I like the 11" since it puts the X300's in the exact same spot as the carbine gassed FSP type uppers I have.

    The only remaining fixed FSB rifles I have are older carbines (carbine gas system as well) which I've updated to resemble the above layout (X300 placed in front of a fixed front sight) using the Centurion C4-FSP 12.0 handguard system. That's the best solution for these since they're not only backup rifles, but also are stuck with pinned muzzle devices from my stint in Cali.

    My precision rifle setup seems to trend towards a 13.5" handguard (again no fixed FSB) with at least the mid-length gas system. Flip-up sights again common, I'm starting to transition towards offset irons and offset flip-up irons (KAC) depending on the optic in use.


    Overall - I've found that a 7" rail feels universally too short, and even the 9" handguards on midlength 16" uppers have me wanting to put my support hand on the gas system. 11" top railed only handguards work brilliantly for me on lighter rifles, but most of my uppers rely on 12" or 13.5" handguards to get it done. Being 6'2" this makes some sense, but this is also affected by preferences on gas systems. This also means flexibility on the iron sight system I'd prefer to use - the DD Fixed Front sight works really well anytime I want a fixed front sight (which generally involves also running an X300 directly in front of it - the ALD limiting front sight placement makes the X300 feel viable on long guns in that configuration).

    For suppressed I really want to try running intermediate (VLTOR/Noveske/MSTN spec), since my SR-15's are so absurdly smooth already, but at the rate my cans are likely to be approved it's probably irrelevant.

    I see no reason on a non-SBR upper to go with anything shorter than midlength on a new build - they run with the right ammunition, and especially when kitted nicely the recoil impulse is absurdly controllable. My go-to upper right now is a DD V5LW, with BC1.0, on a lower with a Vltor A5 kit. With a good optic, I can't keep up with the capabilities of this rifle, it points and recovers that well.
    Last edited by TehLlama; 10-30-13 at 19:00.
    عندما تصبح الأسلحة محظورة, قد يملكون حظرون عندهم فقط
    کله چی سلاح منع شوی دی، یوازي غلوونکۍ یی به درلود
    Semper Fi
    "Being able to do the basics, on demand, takes practice. " - Sinister

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Fairbanks, Alaska
    Posts
    4
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by mtdawg169 View Post
    1. Midlength gas system
    2. 12-13" rail length
    3. Low profile gas block (preferably pinned) with flip up irons
    This is my preference as well. That being said I have next to no real world experience beyond the local shooting range so take it for what its worth.
    "Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person." -Albert Einstein

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Southeast Kentucky
    Posts
    242
    Feedback Score
    0
    1) 16" mid length gas system
    2) 11-12" cutout rail
    3) Standard FSB
    "When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not Guilty." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

    "If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck." ~ Colonel Jeff Cooper

    "We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Page 1 of 9 123 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •