Rifle length, carbine length, pistol length, WTF, over?

[ar15barrels]

Please help me understand what the differences when it comes to looking at AR 15 uppers. I do not know what the functional differences between these types of configurations and what their pros and cons are. What do I gain what do I lose what am I missing?

What you gain or the pros and cons depends on the chambering and the barrel length.

[ar15barrels]

all "ARs" are gas operated.

Nope.
Some are recoil operated.

[theLBC]

Nope.
Some are recoil operated.

i only know of "AR9s" that are blowback operated

are there rifle caliber ARs that are not gas operated.

[ar15barrels]

i only know of "AR9s" that are blowback operated

are there rifle caliber ARs that are not gas operated.

22LR
5.7x28

Several other pistol cartridges

[theLBC]

22LR
5.7x28

Several other pistol cartridges

these rifles do look like ARs, and have similar features, but i wouldn't consider these real "ARs", although i can see that some do.

[FeuerFrei]

Please help me understand what the differences when it comes to looking at AR 15 uppers. I do not know what the functional differences between these types of configurations and what their pros and cons are. What do I gain what do I lose what am I missing?

IMO you should narrow down the scope of your question or you're just gonna keep getting a deluge of info you don't need.

Start here... https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=555451

[ScottsBad]

Sorry to steer this off of the original topic but which size buffer would you recommend for each size gas system?


Dictated but not read, voice typing plus bad eyes equals typos

There isn't, as someone else said, a standard for each gas length and barrel length.

I always start with an H buffer if I'm not sure. Usually, I end up at H2, but not always.

The spring can also make a difference. Sprinco makes high quality springs in different compression strengths (for lack of the correct way to describe it).

There are a lot of variables, such as gas port sized, efficiency of the BCG gas system, spring, ammunition being used, even temperature of the rifle and ammo can make a difference.

[tacticalcity]

Assuming you are new to ARs I'll answer this a little more simply, and pracitcally.

Are you looking for a 16" barrelled AR in 5.56mm/223? If so then the most popular and best option will be a midlength gas system. These usually come with extended handguards and low profile gas block underneath. I recommend M-Lok over Keymod. More accessories available. All things being equal this system reduces muzzle flip and makes for a smoother operating rifle. It is what people in the know want. So not only will you have the "in" rifle, but when it comes time to sell it and upgrade to something higher end, it will sell faster and for money money. Sure you pay a little more upfront. But you'll be happier with it, and if you're not somebody else will buy it from you.

Now, if you're like most new people you're looking at the price differences between a carbine length old school GI style rifle and one with a mid-length gas system and cool M-Lok extended handguards and other popular features and seeing an oportunity to save money by going old school. While that is true, it also means lower resale value when it comes time to sell it and upgrade. And it means a little rougher rifle when shooting it. Not enough you'll probably notice. Not until you get reallly good and become a bad ___. But still. On paper, you know there is a difference.

Brand/quality are also going to come into play. Which gets tricky with ARs. Just because a brand is well known, doesn't mean they aren't way behind the times in the features they offer on their rifles. Colt for example, only recently started offering rifles with a midlength gas system. They were a decade late to the party. So if you go with Colt, you want their CCU upper. It's the only one I know of with a midlength gas system (I own one by the way and love it). Smith & Wesson only has one rifle with a midlength gas system, and it has the same name as one that didn't before. It's their M&P15T. I also own one of these and love it. So you need to triple check the specs. With really high end brands like Noveske (awesome rifles...and yes I own one), and Daniel Defense it's almost guaranteed. Noveske does make a GI rifle, but when they put extended handguards on a rifle there is going to be a midlength tube underneath. Which is not something you can always count on with other brands. A lot of companies cheaped out and went for the "cool" look without using the "cool" parts. If you are on a budget, BCM (Bravo Company) is a good place to start. Reliable, well respected uppers. Guys like Travis Haley swear by them, as do many members of this forum. If it is cheaper than them...not going to be as reliable or as well respected. So again, resale value gets hurt come time to upgrade. That said, I always had good luck with CMMG and I have even had good luck with Del-Ton. CMMG I'd trust my life to. Del-Ton I'd keep as a range toy. Never had a single issue with either...but it's your life.

That's my $0.02.

[n8vrmind]

For CA residents, you will likely be buying 16" barreled upper... Looks for mid length gas system with H1 buffer....best for overall reliability

[ManiacalCoyote]

They all are, I think what you are referring to is gas piston vs direct impingement...gas piston is more like the way an AK works. Direct impingement is what ARs used originally...requires more maintenance so some people opt for gas piston.

Not quite. AKs are long-stroke piston, where the piston is fixed to the bolt carrier and goes all the way back and forth. A better comparison would be the M1 (and M2 and M3) carbine, where the piston is fixed in a short track and the bolt assembly keeps moving, like a cleaner version of direct impingement.