What's the Difference?

[twitchy]

This might be a stupid questions as I am new to the hobby.
Can anybody tell me the difference between the Del-ton 16" Rifle, Mid-length rifle and M4 rifle? I've read all over the internet, read all the descriptions and cannot figure out the differences.
Thanks.

[MrPlink]

midlength refers the how long the gas system is.
as seen here. (note the gas tube above the barrel)

The M4 style features a Carbine length, which is a bit shorter.
pictured here, w/ a 14.5in barrel (which is what the actual M4 uses)


civilian models styled after the M4 (using a carbine gas system) sometimes have problems with cycling correctly due to having too much pressure from the gas system.
This is attributed to civilian models having to use a 16+ inch barrel

So the idea of the mid system was to increase the length of the gas system, there by cutting down some of the pressure (dwell time) associated with the shorter carbine system. This also typically results in a "softer" shooting rifle that has less recoil and rise.

Some critics contend that the carbine length system is actually still too short for even the 14.5 barrel, as this gas system was originally developed for the commando style carbines (which have a barrel length circa 11in).

Of course, you will meet plenty of folks with 16in barrels and carbine gas systems that do not have issues

[twitchy]

Thanks Mr Plink. So it sounds like the Mid-length is the way to go. Here is the page I'm looking at. http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_16_s/57.htm

[UserM4]

I'd call Del-Ton to see the availability of the kit that you want before ordering. MidwayUSA has them more frequently.

[twitchy]

All backordered at Midway too. Dang.

[UserM4]

Model1Sales has inexpensive kits as well. Do some research tho.

[hcbr]

yeah you might have to check out midway more frequent. otherwise gonna have to look on google and do some search-fu

[Metal Fiend]

Thanks Mr Plink. So it sounds like the Mid-length is the way to go. Here is the page I'm looking at. http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_16_s/57.htm

I've got the one on top (RKT101)- shoots great.
Took 3 weeks to receive back in Oct.