drmitchgibson
The white Morgan Freeman
I'd like to know what the differences mean regarding gas tubing length. I hear mid-length and rifle-length, and I'm sure there's an SBR-length, but is there any difference in operation regarding these things?
AR gas tubing
- Thread starter drmitchgibson
- Start date
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There are four lengths. The measurements aren't exact, but you get the drift.
- Pistol length (4" handguards)
- Carbine length (7" handguards)
- Mid length (9" handguards)
- Rifle length (12" handguards)
The longer the gas system, the lower the gas pressure at the port. The lower the pressure, the softer the recoil impulse. If you're looking at an 18"+ barrel, get rifle gas. At 16", get midlength. 10.5" - 14.5" you'll have to have carbine, 8.5" or shorter -- pistol length.
My go-fast rifle has rifle length gas and a low mass operating system. It has virtually no recoil. I have no desire to have a 16" gun these days.
- Pistol length (4" handguards)
- Carbine length (7" handguards)
- Mid length (9" handguards)
- Rifle length (12" handguards)
The longer the gas system, the lower the gas pressure at the port. The lower the pressure, the softer the recoil impulse. If you're looking at an 18"+ barrel, get rifle gas. At 16", get midlength. 10.5" - 14.5" you'll have to have carbine, 8.5" or shorter -- pistol length.
My go-fast rifle has rifle length gas and a low mass operating system. It has virtually no recoil. I have no desire to have a 16" gun these days.
jtischauser
I'm addicted to kicking ass
Why can't you get a rifle length 16" barrel?
nikatkimber
Well-Known Fanatic
You CAN get 14.5" barrels with mid length gas systems.
'Cause it won't cycle.
That's why some of Noveske shooting team guys have 17" barrels. Shortest they can get to operate with rifle gas.
Pliskin
Active Fanatic
Isn't that what this is? http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA3S16D.asp
jtischauser
I'm addicted to kicking ass
Dissipators are middy's. They just stick the sight out on the end for increased sight radius.
jtischauser
I'm addicted to kicking ass
'Cause it won't cycle.
That's why some of Noveske shooting team guys have 17" barrels. Shortest they can get to operate with rifle gas.
Thanks Captain Obvious!!! Why won't it cycle?
drmitchgibson
The white Morgan Freeman
Interesting. I've been wondering about this for a while. I'm planning on getting my first AR pretty soon. Have any of you put one together from a kit? I'm sure plenty of you have built them piece by piece, but I'm going to start with a kit from Cold Hand Arms. Mainly to get it all simply and at once.
jtischauser
I'm addicted to kicking ass
Chambers builds one per week.
All the gas goes out the front of the gun before enough goes into the tube. You need a few inches of barrel past the gas port for it to get enough. I think I remember seeing that CMMG made a 16" barrel with rifle gas at one point but last time I looked on their site it was gone. Must not have gone well.
I've done it both ways (ha!). Get the kit from Steve. Use the detailed instructions from AR15.com. Then come shoot a rifle match with us at OKC Gun Club or USSA...that's the best part.
Pliskin
Active Fanatic
Ah yes I see that now. Well I learned something today!
At least I don't have 29 unused lowers laying around like someone around here.
Wormydog1724
ATAS Ninja
What about intermediate length?
Intermediate length = midlength.
Wormydog1724
ATAS Ninja
I always thought intermediate was inbetween mid and rifle
I stand corrected. It's between mid and rifle. It's not an industry standard thing like the others, though. Looks like Noveske and VLTOR are the ones using it.
jtischauser
I'm addicted to kicking ass
I'm thnking about trying an intermediate from Noveske in a 16".
drmitchgibson
The white Morgan Freeman
I've done it both ways (ha!). Get the kit from Steve. Use the detailed instructions from AR15.com. Then come shoot a rifle match with us at OKC Gun Club or USSA...that's the best part.
This is actually my whole diabolical plan! B)
