Gas systems

Dustin Cantrell · Oct 16, 2012

I'm going to be building a few ARs. Got most of the items to build a couple right now, just need BCGs and barrels. I have uses and plans for a couple, not sure what the other two will end up being. I need some education on gas systems, though. Say for a 16" barrel, what are the pros and cons of using carbine or mid length gas systems? For a 18-20" barrel, what are the pros and cons of using a mid length or rifle length gas system?

TroyF · Oct 16, 2012

Run as long a system as possible. Easier on the rifle and reliability improves.

jtischauser · Oct 16, 2012

I'm not aware of anyone that makes a 16" rifle length gas system. I once did research and read up on why but I forget. It don't work reliably.

MSTN makes or sells a 17" rifle length. I almost bought one until JP came out with their 18" light profile barrels which was actually lighter than the 17" MSTN.

Best I can tell carbine length is for added reliability in adverse elephant dung like war. The zombies are coming so maybe it's time to get one.

Dustin Cantrell · Oct 16, 2012

TroyF said:
Run as long a system as possible. Easier on the rifle and reliability improves.

Thanks. Would mid length be a good choice for 18" and rifle length a good choice for 20"?

drmitchgibson · Oct 16, 2012

Go for a longer barrel than 16". Carbine gas is not where it's at. I'm using carbine gas, and it sucks.

Dustin Cantrell · Oct 16, 2012

Jesse Tischauser said:
I'm not aware of anyone that makes a 16" rifle length gas system. I once did research and read up on why but I forget. It don't work reliably.

MSTN makes or sells a 17" rifle length. I almost bought one until JP came out with their 18" light profile barrels which was actually lighter than the 17" MSTN.

Best I can tell carbine length is for added reliability in adverse elephant dung like war. The zombies are coming so maybe it's time to get one.

Glad I already have a 16" carbine length gas system BCM. Zombies be gone.