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

  1. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by HighDesert View Post
    Is the A5 really that different than a standard carbine receiver extension? Worth the extra $$ to upgrade?

    I was going to throw a heavier STR on a carbine lower to try to balance the weight.
    The A5 system is basically the rifle buffer system set up for a removable stock receiver extension. I have a 16" and a 14.5" BCM Middie set up with the A5 system, and they are smooth.
    Colt SP6920, LE6920, 6720
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    2 PSA 18"6.8 rifles, PSA 20" M16A4 clone
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  2. #22
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    Thanks for the info.

  3. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Iraqgunz View Post
    Build an AR15A5.

    20" upper with handguards or KAC RAS. Then add a Vltor A5 with B5 SOPMOD. Here's mine, 2nd from left.

    Attachment 28877
    That's the exact setup I had.

  4. #24
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    If you buy it smart, the difference in cost is minimal. Vltor has done a terrible job of marketing it and explaining the benefits. Essentially the A5 will allow you to use virtual any upper on a properly buffered lower and never have to change stuff again. I don't own one AR with a standard carbine tube or buffer.

    Quote Originally Posted by HighDesert View Post
    Is the A5 really that different than a standard carbine receiver extension? Worth the extra $$ to upgrade?

    I was going to throw a heavier STR on a carbine lower to try to balance the weight.



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  5. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by HighDesert View Post
    Is the A5 really that different than a standard carbine receiver extension? Worth the extra $$ to upgrade?
    Yes. Absolutely.
    "Man is still the first weapon of war" - Field Marshal Montgomery

    The Everyday Marksman

  6. #26
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    An A5 is on the list for a build, along with an A4 and A2...possibly even a A1 just have the whole line up.

    I currently have what is considered to be an A3: standard plastic forearm covers with detachable carry handle. The lower is a post-ban Bushmaster when Bushmaster was actually a good company. It belonged to my late father, but had an A2 carbine upper with an A2 rifle lower. Part of the 94' gun ban. After my dad passed away, I got to do what he never wanted me to do with it: get rid of the upper. The upper with the AK74 style brake gave me a concussion the first time I used when I was 16 years old. Spongy ear plugs under a medal roof with a concrete floor at the range did me for about four weeks. I still shot it, but I made sure I had proper ear protection, and it was completely outdoors.

    So i went with a "20 BCM CHF upper. It has been rock solid since. My main purpose was to use it as my weapon for the CMP and NRA national high-power matches. I went to the NRA shoot at Oak Ridge in 2013 and realized it was not really the configuration I needed. I needed it free-floated and the sights adjustable to 1/4 MOA with a better aperture. I did use, however, for hunting, though no game was taken. I liked it hunting as it was light, and I had the extra velocity to take a deer with if I had.

    Is the "20 obsolete? No. Like many weapons, their are still missions and purpose that it can be used for besides a range toy. It may not be the best weapon for urban combat, though the Marines still use it to great success. The round it fires in general, the 5.56, still lacks the legs and muscle for anything past 500 meters, though hits are still effective to some degrees.

    Where the 20" shines is for predator hunting, (even deer hunting to achieve a good velocity with heavier bullets against the end user--Bambi), large open spaces as a ranch rifle if the owner chooses to go with a .223/5.56 caliber weapon, and a training and marksmanship weapon for new shooters.

    The last point is a big plus not only in developing marksmanship skills, but honing and polishing them. High power matches are still being attended either through, as mentioned, the NRA or the CMP. A basic A2/A3 with irons can get you into the CMP rifleman's match, considering they mostly shoot at the 200 yard mark. Attending an Appleseed Project event with a 20" A2-A5 equipped with iron sights is also another option with great benefits using that platform. For new, younger shooters, the 20", though long to them, is a great starting platform in gaining basic marksmanship with a high-power rifle. The recoil impulse is low with less muzzle-blast and report to work with. The 20" can also be used in a 3-gun match in the tactical-limited division. (I'm thinking of going to one with my A3 just to challenge me and search for some failure points in running a basic irons weapon).

    Like many ARs that are showcased here, bought or built, they are tools with different functions, and the 20" is one of those. Don't discount it because of recent lessons and experience from the recent wars that the M16/M4 platform have fought in. Different AO's with different missions require different tools. The 20" is one of the tools in the tool box that still serves a valuable purpose in general areas. The points I have made, along with other posters, are things you should consider about the 20" rifle besides it being relegated as a range toy.




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  7. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mauser KAR98K View Post
    A


    The last point is a big plus not only in developing marksmanship skills, but honing and polishing them. High power matches are still being attended either through, as mentioned, the NRA or the CMP. A basic A2/A3 with irons can get you into the CMP rifleman's match, considering they mostly shoot at the 200 yard mark. Attending an Appleseed Project event with a 20" A2-A5 equipped with iron sights is also another option with great benefits using that platform. For new, younger shooters, the 20", though long to them, is a great starting platform in gaining basic marksmanship with a high-power rifle. The recoil impulse is low with less muzzle-blast and report to work with. The 20" can also be used in a 3-gun match in the tactical-limited division. (I'm thinking of going to one with my A3 just to challenge me and search for some failure points in running a basic irons weapon).

    I emphasized the bold part, because that's exactly what I did with mine back in early August. I thought of my 20" as more of a range toy for marksmanship skills. But after doing that Appleseed event, and other tinkering, I've come to really enjoy the 20" due to its smoothness and feel. It's not for every situation, but it would excel a lot.
    "Man is still the first weapon of war" - Field Marshal Montgomery

    The Everyday Marksman

  8. #28
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    A lot of good info - thank you guys. I will most likely be ordering tonight.

  9. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by BrigandTwoFour View Post
    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.
    What stock is that? Thats a great looking setup!

  10. #30
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dirty_H View Post
    What stock is that? Thats a great looking setup!
    Looks like a VLTOR EMOD.

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