which AR specs?

[mnichols]

I recently got my first AR lower, and im shopping for complete uppers. the rifle will be a low-budget plinker. im looking at PSA to keep on budget. im thinking 16" and I will probably shoot the cheapest brass cased ammo I can find. so I think that means ill be most likely getting 55 -62 gr. bullets.

what im not clear on, is what the best twist rate would be for me. I think I want a 1:8, but mostly see 1:7 and 1:9.

also, I think I want a mid-length gas system, but mostly see carbine and a few rifle-length systems.

any advise would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[Munny$hot]

For 55-62 gr 1/8 would be best but as you know it's harder to find so 1/7 would be better IMHO since you can shoot/stabilize heavy bullets if you decide to go that route later. I also like the mid length better for the extra handguard grip area. I would definitely wait until you find the exact upper you want from PSA to go on sale. Also I would advise to buy a PSA "premium" or CHF hammer forged barrel over the PSA or PTac branded uppers since the "premium and CHF are made by FN and @ 50.00 difference.

[drifts1]

1/9 is probably best for 55 & 62 grain which is what most regular people shoot. In fact I believe its why commercial manufacturers came out with the 1/9. It's also good if you want to shoot 40gr defensive or varmint ammo. Truth is you won't notice the difference if your just plinking or target shooting.

[bombadillo]

Stainless PSA 1:8 twist would be the best you could get for $400 bucks or so. It will literally do just about everything from 45gr-77gr match ammo. Varmints and targets beware!

[sffred]

1:9 twist I believe is best for 55-62gr

[missiontrails]

1/9, 1/8

[mnichols]

thanks for the input.
one more question: if im getting a free-floated barrel with a quad rail, will i really notice any difference in gas system length? (hand guard length not an issue)

[NewbieDave]

Not connected or related... only thing it effects is looks. You really don't want a mid-lenght gas system sticking out of a carbine lenght handguard, unless you are into that look.

FF a barrel gives you better accuracy because of barrel vibration. Length of gas-system gives you dwell-time differences that translate to reliability and upper abuse, as it relates to your buffer and spring setup. Also gassing issue with you're running a can.

Depending on the barrel length, you can tailor a gas-system & buffer/spring combo to give you a balanced AR that is completely reliable (no bolt bounce, no feeding issue, etc.) My opinion, if 16” and under… get a 1:7 barrel running a mid-length and H2 buffer. If getting a 18” and over, 1:8 barrel on a rifle-length gas system using A2 rifle buffer system(or Vltor A5 system if you want collapsible).


dpc

[bombadillo]

I had an 18" adjustable, 1:9 twist stainless barrel with a rifle length gas system that was adjustable. It was by far the softest shooting AR I've ever had. I've never seen much of a difference from carbine, to mid-length, to ri,fle. There is a slight difference in the pulse of the gun, but otherwise there is very little difference. They are very mild guns to shoot in the first place. Get whatever you want, but know that mid and rifle length are typically a tad bit softer shooting. Otherwise, ENJOY!

[Akers]

Carbine will kick, Mid will gently nudge (exaggeration)....but close.

There is a lot more to the equation which google can answer, but I do prefer ML.

[mnichols]

thanks again guys, much appreciated

[bombadillo]

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/JP_Adjustable_Gas_System_for_AR_type_rifles_JPGS_5_p/jp-gs-1.htm

Do yourself a favor, and grab one of these. It is seriously one of the nicest things I've gotten for an AR, and it makes tuning it to your specific load or brand of ammo a breeze. This, combined with the JP LMOS (low mass operating system) setup and you'll have a little rocket with super fast lock time, soft shooting, and super high quality parts.