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Thread: True benefit of a 14.5"?

  1. #1
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    True benefit of a 14.5"?

    I have M4 fever, apparently...

    Long term plans include a purchase of a new BCM upper. I'm looking at the 14.5" with pinned SF brake from Grant. What are the true benefits of a shorter barrel and carbine length gas system? I currently own a BCM middy. Not looking at anything right this very instant, but...

    Besides weight and overall maneuverability, of course.

    I cannot own an SBR in the state I currently reside in, otherwise I wouldn't ask.
    "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


    "Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool, or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant; If I live, I will kill you. If I die, you are forgiven." Such is the rule of Honor." -Omertà

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    the only benefit would be the shorter OAL, but for ME that would not be worth it

    I heard/read somewhere that the Mil. went with a 14.5" bbl because its more compact but you can still mount a 203 and bayonet(not at the same time) on it

    I think you would be much better off with a mid length 16" upper since you can't have an SBR. The mid length gas system is not going to be as harsh on the compnents of the gun as a carbine gas system, and that means a more reliable gun for you, the recoil impulse is a bit different with a midlength as well. It feels a it smoother to me. I'm a mid length convert

    I have one of the BCM mids with 2,600 rds through it, today had it at Pala in SD county and was hitting steel at 500 yds with an Aimpoint T-1, so you are going to get an accurate gun from BCM
    Last edited by gruntinhusaybah; 10-24-09 at 23:52.
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    Really??? after having a middy?
    I too would like to know the answer to this. I have my thoughts but would like to hear solid facts from those in the know...
    My guess is, for the military, it was the best compromise between size/maneuverability and accuracy and the carbine gas system being too complicated to update bureaucratically speaking?

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    If you have to have a carbine length gas system then a pinned 14.5" or 14.7" is the way to go, otherwise Id go mid length pinned 14.5" or 14.7" or with a unpinned 16". I cant wait to move to a NFA friendly state so I dont have to worry about this pinning crap anymore.

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    I agree. If it's something you really want (m4 type carbine), either of the above suggestions would be good. If you go the 14.5 route, Sabre makes extended A2 FH's. Otherwise, the midlength would be your best option.

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    Quote Originally Posted by N.Franklin View Post
    If you have to have a carbine length gas system then a pinned 14.5" or 14.7" is the way to go, otherwise Id go mid length pinned 14.5" or 14.7" or with a unpinned 16". I cant wait to move to a NFA friendly state so I dont have to worry about this pinning crap anymore.
    Cool! Hawaii? Very nice place but what are the gun laws like?

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    It's the shortest you can legally go without being NFA.

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    Here's mine I built last Dec for my retirement gift to myself. 14.5" w/ pinned long FH



    Here's the Double Star 14.5 with standard A2 FH that I carried down range last year, 2 days after retiring.



    Another reason for the 14.5"/14.7" with pinned FH is that is the closest that you can get to a M4 without the NFA hassle if you ever been issued one. I carried the M4A1 from 95-08'.

    CD
    Last edited by Combat_Diver; 10-25-09 at 02:24.
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  9. #9
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    I would just get a 16" and leave it be.

    Quote Originally Posted by Selftest View Post
    I have M4 fever, apparently...

    Long term plans include a purchase of a new BCM upper. I'm looking at the 14.5" with pinned SF brake from Grant. What are the true benefits of a shorter barrel and carbine length gas system? I currently own a BCM middy. Not looking at anything right this very instant, but...

    Besides weight and overall maneuverability, of course.

    I cannot own an SBR in the state I currently reside in, otherwise I wouldn't ask.



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  10. #10
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    I have a 16" Bcm midlength. I like it a LOT, but I'm looking towards the future.

    I've also seen that Noveske may be able to cut down a barrel to 13.8" or so and pin a longer break (PWS coms to mind) to make it just at the legal OAL.

    Like I said, totally planning for the future here, and just wanted your knowledge to help me with the decision. Maybe I'll just call up Noveske or ADCO when the time comes and bounce it off them, too... Minimum feasable mid-length with pinned brake... sounds fun!


    Edited to add: gruntinhusaybah, Pala range is pretty nice. I used to work at Pechanga and that was our range for quals. Nice place to shoot. A buddy of mine was a Pala tribal member and he had keys to the gate. Good times there. As a Pendleton Marine, you are probably familiar with my old stomping grounds... Sometimes I miss it, but not TOO often. Stampede... shit-kickers and Marines. Good times.
    Last edited by Selftest; 10-25-09 at 04:02. Reason: Adding a comment
    "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


    "Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool, or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant; If I live, I will kill you. If I die, you are forgiven." Such is the rule of Honor." -Omertà

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