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Thread: 20" AR worth it over a 16" Middy?

  1. #1
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    20" AR worth it over a 16" Middy?

    Hi all,

    Looking for some next AR purchase advise.

    I have an 11.5" and a 16" lw middy and just sold a second 16" standard profile middy due to an offer I couldn't pass up.

    This leaves me with $$$ to pick up a third AR.

    This is complete and total WANT situation, not need.

    I originally got a second 16" middy because I thought having a backup AR to my other 16 " would be nice.

    Now I'm thinking maybe variety is the spice of life and I should do a 20" rifle built as opposed to doubling up on 16".

    I have done a bit of research and the general consensus is that the extra 4" only gives a few hundred fps boost and that the difference is only worth it for shooting 400 meters plus. I also read that it's not that much softer than a 16 middy. I guess a lot folks feel the 20" is a bit obsolete now.

    What say you guys? Is a 20" different enough than my 16" middy to make it worth it?

    I don't really ever shoot my ARs past 100 yards, but I guess I am intrigued by the classic rifle and having something different - but if it's not really worth it over another 16"er I will just double up again.

    Not interested in other lengths or calibers.

  2. #2
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    cant go wrong either way. i like the 20" personally and i think thats my next build.
    "I pity thou, fools who dost not choose BCM" - King Arthur 517 A.D.

    .OlllllllO.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by wildcard600 View Post
    cant go wrong either way.....
    And that's why I'm completely unsure of what way to go

  4. #4
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    I picked up a 20" government upper from BCM earlier this year and swap it back and forth with a 16" Centurion LW CHF middy. The common lower has an A5 buffer and EMOD stock.



    I find that the 20" shoots just a hair smoother than the 16" does. It's not enough to really concern yourself with, though. I tend to use the 20" for practicing positional shooting with a sling rather than more high-speed dynamic styles. The extra length and weight at the end seems to help provide a little bit more "leverage" for holding a stable position. That extra weight and length does make itself known pretty quickly though if I try to use it similar to my 16" LW guns.

    Despite the drawbacks of the longer length and weight, the 20" government on A5 stock is quickly becoming one of my favorite configurations. I am currently saving up to free float the barrel and provide more mounting spots for gear. I have found that new shooters prefer shooting the 20" due to smoother recoil impulse, and it appears less intimidating than my other guns.

    If this is purely a range toy for you, then I think a 20" is a great addition.
    Last edited by BrigandTwoFour; 10-05-14 at 01:19.
    "Man is still the first weapon of war" - Field Marshal Montgomery

    The Everyday Marksman

  5. #5
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    I have both, a 20" PSA and a 16" BCM carbine gas. The 20" is my favorite by far, I'm not kicking doors or clearing houses though. It gets used quite a lot for varmints, hogs, coyotes and anything else that tries to kill livestock or damage crops and land. It's about as close to shooting a .22LR as I've felt and follow up shots are quicker for me with almost no muzzle rise. I thought the 16" would take over being more "handy" but I still like the 20" more. I might feel different with a middy 16" but I've yet to try one out. A middy will probably be next.

    One thought that I've always had is how the definition of carbine has changed? 60 or 70 years ago a carbine was a 20" version of a rifle that had a barrel length from 22" to 26". Now it's 14" to 16" and likely on it's way to 11" to 13". A 20" doesn't seem to unwieldy to me even with the fixed A1 length stock. It could be a pain to clear a house with but the Marines seem to do ok with them so it's not impossible. The best thing you could do is find someone that has a 20" and try it out and see if you like it. Everyone seems to be going shorter so a 20" AR is a little bit "special snowflake", that trend could be changing though with so many companies bringing out 20" ARs. I'm not sure if it's customer demand or companies creating the demand but I'm glad I've got more options.
    Appeasement is never the answer in the face of naked aggression.

  6. #6
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    I have several Middie's,and a Colt carbine but I love my 20" BCM rifle. It shoots great with iron sights and is fun to shoot.

  7. #7
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    If you already have an HD carbine and your not a door kicker, the 20 inch is a great choice. Colt/BCM GI uppers are fairly light, well balanced (With an A2 stock) and shoot very smooth.

    It's nostalgic, smooth shooting, great educational tool, capable of hunting and serious use. Reliability is great if you go with those 2 brands listed.

    I'm really happy with my Colt AR15A4.

  8. #8
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    Thank you for the feedback all.

    This would purely be for fun and potentially Coyote hunting.

    Leaning heavily towards the BCM 20" upper that have been in and out of stock lately with the sweet bcg deal.

    Would most likely run this with a carbine lower for a while and do the whole C7A2 thing... I'm sure the balance is horrible, but I have The Rex syndrome and always preferred shorter lop.

    You guys are right in that I need to find one and shoot one.

  9. #9
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    400 is a chip shot. Go with the 20 if you want to, but it's not even necessary to 1000 yards if you have the right ammo.
    "You people have too much time on your hands." - scottryan

  10. #10
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    Not that I need one but if (when) I get my next rifle I think I'll go with a fixed stock 20" just because I like the look of it. Good luck with your decision.
    NRA Life Member, TSRA Life Member
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