Need Input On Selecting An Upper Style

[Alanski56]

Good morning everyone,

I'm getting ready to purchase my second upper and I would appreciate any input as to pros and cons. The first upper I purchased was the Rock River Elite CAR A4. It's a 16" with mid length handguard. I am considering Rock River's Entry Tactical Upper, which is basically a 16" with short handguard and R4 barrel profile. I'm a little on the fence regarding the short handguard, however. I understand that the sight radius is shorter and the area for your off hand is shorter. Has any of this been a handicap for those of you who own this style of upper? I really like my mid length upper but would also like to consider a different profile for my second upper. However, I don't want to regret it. I also don't want to go with a 20" barrel at this time. Maybe my third upper will be.

At any rate, if this subject has already been beaten into the ground in the past I apologize. I would really appreciate you input, however. Thank you!

Have a nice day.

[Aluisious]

A shorter sight radius is just plain bad. Chose function over style, IMO.

[leelaw]

I like both the rifle length sight radius and the carbine length radius. You won't do terribly bad with either, unless you're doing long-range shooting.

Personally, I like the look of the 16" barrels with rifle-length sight radius.

[Aluisious]

Pictures might be helpful.

[Alanski56]

Pictures might be helpful.

Sure! I currently own the upper with the mid length hand guard and I'm seeking input on the R4 style:

[Aluisious]

I'd go for the elite.

More hand space, longer sight radius, powder might burn a bit better that far down the barrel before hitting the gas port, etc.

What are you going to do with all that exposed barrel, sell real estate?

"Trump Towers is an exciting new living community featuring an exciting view of the muzzle."

?

[Alanski56]

I'd go for the elite.

More hand space, longer sight radius, powder might burn a bit better that far down the barrel before hitting the gas port, etc.

What are you going to do with all that exposed barrel, sell real estate?

"Trump Towers is an exciting new living community featuring an exciting view of the muzzle."

?

I hear you! I already have the Elite upper and was wondering if I should purchase a second or try something new. If I'm not mistaken, Isn't the R4 is what our troops use?

[Omega13device]

I think you're worried about differences that don't really matter.

If you want something truly different, save your pennies and have a custom builder create something neat for you. Or go to CMMG.com and spec out an upper with a nice rail setup.

[bobfried]

If I'm not mistaken, Isn't the R4 is what our troops use?

No, our troops use M16's and M4's.

Here are some that I have, from top to bottom:



1) SPR - 18" WOA SPR barrel, CMT A3 upper, DD M4 12.0
2) Mid-length CQB - LMT MRP CQB with the 16" mid length barrel
3) M16 A1 carbine - All Colt
4) Midlength Afghan - 14.5" Noveske Afghan pinned and welded Phantom, LMT upper

Hope that gives you some ideas.

[Alanski56]

No, our troops use M16's and M4's.

Here are some that I have, from top to bottom:



1) SPR - 18" WOA SPR barrel, CMT A3 upper, DD M4 12.0
2) Mid-length CQB - LMT MRP CQB with the 16" mid length barrel
3) M16 A1 carbine - All Colt
4) Midlength Afghan - 14.5" Noveske Afghan pinned and welded Phantom, LMT upper

Hope that gives you some ideas.

Yes it does! Very nice uppers. I try to save my pennies but there aren't a lot to save. I basically have to purchase basic and then add stuff like rails later on down the line. I was primarily focusing on two things when I started this thread. The pros and cons of the shorter sight radius and handguard on the M4 style uppers.

Anyway, thank you all for taking the time to respond.

Have a nice evening.