Help w/AR decision

B

Blade37db

New member
I'm warming up to getting an AR but I'm getting confused by all of the options. Here are my criteria:
Trying to stay around $1,000
16-18 inch barrel
Mid-length gas system (supposedly more reliable)
1:7 or 1:8 twist rate (supposedly better for heavier rounds)

What should I be looking at? The only one I can think of is the M&P 15T, but I'm not sure if it has the mid-length gas system or carbine. Also checking out Colt & Stag, but they are 1:9.

Let's assume for the moment that I don't want to buy uppers and lowers to build my own.

Help!
Thanks.
 
I've got a Spikes Tactical and couldn't be happier...I put a Daniel Defense rail on mine as well


http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st15-midlength-le-carbine-p-443.html

Spike's Tactical 16", 1:7 Twist, Mil-spec Barrel
Government Barrel Profile, Mid Length Gas System
F-marked A2 Front Sight Base, .750" Diameter Gas Seat
Spike's Tactical Mil-spec M16 Bolt Carrier Group
Mid Length Handguards
A2 Flash Hider
Mil-spec Lower Parts
ST-T2 Tungsten Buffer
ST M4 Stock

$860...and $269 for the Daniel Defense Omega Rail

you may want to go to a range and fire a few to see what feels best though
 
Plenty of options under $1k.

The Bushmaster M4 Carbine I owned is $865 shipped from Budsgunshop.com, comes with a hardcase, sling, and 1mag.

Midlength is a great option if you decide to go that route, but nothing wrong with Carbine length.

Spikes Tactical sells a complete upper with 9-in free float quadrail for under $700. with the $300 you can find any decent complete lower of your choice, or stick with Spikes.
 
There are reasons to avoid carbine length. First, it's meant for the 14.5" military length barrel, and is known to send more high pressure gas to the action than needed on 16". It creates conditions like hammering the bolt, high cycling speeds, cartridge override malfunctions, early opening, blown cartridge cases, etc. The makers are moving to midlength for a reason on 16", it's the proper gas length.

Gas is really measured 5-7" from the muzzle anyway. That's the actual standard.

Carbine handguards expose a lot of barrel on a 16", and it's actually longer guards that are needed. Three gunners are reaching out to rifle sight grips as it's quicker and more accurate for them. Try that after three or more mags of rapid fire, is it no wonder troops wear gloves a lot more now?

M203 barrel cuts are no longer milspec, don't get them unless it's really a killer deal. M4 ramps are a help, but not mandatory unless under 20". Nice to have as a potential preventative, really meant to help in full auto only. 6.8's seem to have less feeding issues, too.

Carbine buffers tend to promote excessive bolt speed, heavy buffers or stronger springs are suggested to cure it. Some avoid the whole mess and use rifle tube, buffer, and springs. Again, slows down bolt speeds, increases reliability.

On the other hand, three gunners use light carriers, and a mix of parts to reduce recoil and getting the sights back on target. Higher speeds are a result, to get back into battery quicker for the next shot, but the forward inertia is less. It's a tricky package meant for competition.

Define the range and target, then build to it, and it will be more optimized and you will be more successful with it. That's more important.
 
You should be looking at Palmetto State Armory - they have a carbine/Aimpoint combo for right at $1000, and the quality is superb.

Spikes Tactical is another great option if you are willing to wait (or scour the internet long enough to find what you want in stock somewhere - which is what I did).
 
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