Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 25

Thread: Carbine vs. Mid-length for occasional shooter

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    234
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by shittercrewchief View Post
    Why do you say this?
    They're popular right now. I don't really mean to use the term 'fad' as a derogatory one in this instance; there are clear advantages, however minute, to the mid-length gas system. A decent rifle with a carbine-length gas system is reliable enough for the majority of users... who aren't shooting 20k rounds or more per year. If you're buying fresh, there's no reason not to go middy; I would. If you're wondering whether or not it's worth upgrading to a middy barrel when you already own a carbine then I'd say no.

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    4,167
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by dennisuello View Post
    I will have an 11" long handguard, so the benefits of placing the support hand further out as well as placing the front sight further forward will be there regardless of the gas system.
    yea since you already have a setup its not really worth getting then. I would definitely recommend it if you ever get an black rifle disease outbreak and get the itch to make another

    I used to have a BCM carbine upper with 9" DD Omega Rail, I sold it and bought a BCM middy + 12" DD Lite Rail upper.

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    5,795
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by organdonor View Post
    They're popular right now. I don't really mean to use the term 'fad' as a derogatory one in this instance; there are clear advantages, however minute, to the mid-length gas system. A decent rifle with a carbine-length gas system is reliable enough for the majority of users... who aren't shooting 20k rounds or more per year. If you're buying fresh, there's no reason not to go middy; I would. If you're wondering whether or not it's worth upgrading to a middy barrel when you already own a carbine then I'd say no.
    Agreed.

    Unless the OP is going to shoot 77 grain ammo almost exclusively for the most part, your 1x9 carbine length weapon is fine for the majority of the shooting and common bullet weights used for formal training, personal range sessions and plinking beer cans most folks perform. You should wear out your current barrel first before considering replacement.

    I have 2 of each type in 1/7 and do occasionally train with 77 grain ammo. The middies does have quite a few advantages over the carbine, but I wouldn't worry about it. I enjoy shooting both.

    The correct answer is, buy a complete BCM or DD light weight Middy and have one of each weapon system.
    For God and the soldier we adore, In time of danger, not before! The danger passed, and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier slighted." - Rudyard Kipling

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    7488 ft.
    Posts
    2,458
    Feedback Score
    18 (100%)
    I recommend that you not turn it into a Frankengun. Now that your tastes have changed / improved, just sell the S&W and buy a higher end rifle with a mid gas system and the Troy rail that you want.



    Quote Originally Posted by dennisuello View Post
    I don't shoot my AR as much as I'd like, maybe once of twice a month (~200 rounds each time). My AR started life as M&P15MOE, with a carbine gas system & 1/9 twist. I read about advantages of the mid-length system, but would I benefit from it? I can probably sell current barrel to offset the cost and go with a BCM mid length barrel with 1/7 twist.

    My rifle is all apart as I install TRX Extreme rail, so it would be no big deal to put in a different barrel at this time.

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Bitterroot Valley Montana
    Posts
    11
    Feedback Score
    0
    I'm also of the opinion that it's more trendy than practical. Having just sold my M&P15 MOE for a grand, I was all set to pick up that nice Spikes midlength LE upper. Got all excited thinking of the benefits mentioned above: longer sight radius, lighter recoil and wear to the receiver/receiver extension, greater reach with support hand, more rail space, etc, etc.

    But In the end, I went with a carbine again because I use a RDS and there's no benefit to that extra whopping 2" sight radius even should I need to use open sights. I really don't need to reach further out to support my precision movement between targets so the extra few inches i can put my forward grip is needless. I don't think the extra violence of the carbine will translate to more wear and tear in my rifle's lifetime of monthly shooting with an occasional training..at least in anything I'd notice ("Oh hey, with this middy, I can get another 3k rounds out of it than I could with that carbine!"). Also, with my 14.5" barreled carbine (pinned phantom), and it's shorter handguard, I will possibly shave off yet a nother few precious ounces of weight. As for recoil and quicker controlled pairs, meh...I do fine with a carbine and can't imagine a need to have it be easier in my estimation and use.

    The only thing I could think of that would be a benefit is having something that looks a little different from everyone elses...or in short, vanity. Frankly, for "ME" there is no utility in the middy over the carbine...call me crazy.
    Last edited by Atticus Rex; 06-29-10 at 22:13.

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    TN
    Posts
    1,384
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by dennisuello View Post
    I don't shoot my AR as much as I'd like, maybe once of twice a month (~200 rounds each time). My AR started life as M&P15MOE, with a carbine gas system & 1/9 twist. I read about advantages of the mid-length system, but would I benefit from it? I can probably sell current barrel to offset the cost and go with a BCM mid length barrel with 1/7 twist.

    My rifle is all apart as I install TRX Extreme rail, so it would be no big deal to put in a different barrel at this time.
    I would just keep shooting what you currently have and purchase a middy in the future if you want one. Although the middy does have some relatively minor advantages, the carbine length gas system will still get the job done.

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    1,211
    Feedback Score
    0
    To me the 1/9 vs. 1/7 would be a bigger consideration than the Mid vs. Carbine.

    If you really think that you might want to shoot some heavier ammo in the future, then it might be worth it. So if you want to change out the barrel anyway, I would go with the middie.

    I would probably just keep what you have, and if your needs change down the road you could just buy a complete 1/7 middie upper and sell your M&P. Or just buy a complete 1/7 carbine and have both.

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    305
    Feedback Score
    0
    I'm not too concerned about the fact that my gun is a lowly carbine and not a middy.

  9. #19
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Reno, NV
    Posts
    217
    Feedback Score
    8 (100%)
    Well, I just ordered BCM BFH™ 16" Mid Length Barrel. Since I have it all apart I figure I'll just swap the barrel now, and not have to do this all over again if I decide to do this later.
    NevadaGunOwners.com | Reno4x4.com | GOA Life Member

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    4,167
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    dont forget the middy gas tube as well

Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 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
  •