16" M4 or 20" A2???

[thedaledoe]

I have my stripped RRA lower coming and Im having trouble deciding if I want to build a 16" M4 or 20" A2 type rifle. I've always like the look of the M16 A2 but I also like the M4 look. But since Im building it now and not waiting to see if that unconstitutional AWB sunsets, I dont want the stupid Non-collapsable M4 buttstock with the M4 kit. I know I could get the A2 buttstock with the 16" kit but I cant find any pics to see what that looks like. So im starting to lean towards the 20" standard A2 kit. My friend says that the performance difference between the 16 and 20" barrels is next to nothing. If anyone has any info on that please feel free to let me know. Or any site that has that info. Feel free to post any opinions and facts you might have. Thanks

[RJ Shooter]

It all depends on what you are wanting to do with the rifle.

If the rifle is mean't for self/home defense, a shorter barrel is what you'll need.

If you're wanting to shoot past 200M or hunt varmint, etc., the 20" is more of what you might need. I would however opt for the flat-top upper. While you might not care now, later down the road you might, and having an A2 upper will limit your choices in upgrades. Just my opinion...

Here's what a 16" (non-M4) barrel looks like with an A2 stock and a faux collapsible (full buffer tube in these stocks).
http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/rcara2.gif

Oh, and by the way, the faux collapsible stocks do not look or function bad at all. They are also much lighter (even with the full length buffer tube inside). Here's my post-ban Bushy M4 with one...
http://home.earthlink.net/~roglisaj/gunsnet/M4-angle1.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~roglisaj/gunsnet/M4-RAS-Ex-EOTech-Grip.jpg

[imanaknut]

Once you have a lower, get both uppers. Then when you want the long barrel A2, you pop 2 pins and voila, your 20" varmint rifle. Change your mind, pop 2 pins and install your M4gery topper. A rifle for all moods! :D

[thedaledoe]

So say I get the fake collapsable stock now.. if the AWB sunsets can I just take the buffer tube out and have a collapsable stock instead of buying a new one?

[RJ Shooter]

No, you'll need to get a new one, just like you would if you bought the A2 stock...

[thedaledoe]

OK, well thanks.. I just ordered the 20" A2 standard kit form J&T so its done.. We'll see how it is in about 3 or 4 days :D

[5.56NATO]

A 20 gives you a bit more muzzle energy, and a lower report. The 16/14.5 gives most of the muzzle energy, and a noticeable increase in report. This will depend a lot on the device terminating the barrel.
I have put so many rounds through a M4 that it is kinda odd for me to get used to a A2. Either way, if it puts the round where you want it, it'll do.

[thedaledoe]

Well I just got done putting my A2 together. Its frickin awesome. Better then I had hoped.. I have only 1 question. Is the rear sight piece supposed to be a little loose? It just seems like it twists a little.

[308]

If you like the M4, here's a photo of my latest build. I started with an EagleArms stripped lower and went from there.

The bayo lug is removed now...just to be safe :rolleyes: :)

http://home1.gte.net/res0vzcg/AR/M4-95-a.jpg
Project consists of:

EagleArms lower
DPMS lower parts kit
DPMS Preban 16" M4 upper with chrome bolt carrier and M4 feed ramps
Permanently attached muzzle brake
First Samco ergonomic pistol grip
ACE skeleton stock
DPMS buffer tube and buffer
EoTech 552 optic
Model-1 Sales free-floated handguard with neoprene ladders


Parts remaining are a rear BUIS and a forward vertical grip.

[remy1492]

The rear sight should not jiggle but if you try to move it a mm left or right the whole rear sight block should move a bit, but not too much.

it should stay in place on its own.

[JE3146]

it did stay in place.. I was there with him.. its just you can twist it.. and when its sitting at rest.. its just a little off axis...

[308]

Originally posted by JE3146
it did stay in place.. I was there with him.. its just you can twist it.. and when its sitting at rest.. its just a little off axis...
That's pretty much normal. All of my AR rear sights twist slightly but then spring back to the normal (slightly off axis) position.

My NM rear sight is even more pronounced.

[JE3146]

I thought I'd seen it like that at the gunshows.. but I wasn't sure... so.. figured it was best to ask.

[5.56NATO]

That rear sight deal is one of the things that I don't like re the A2.

[RJ Shooter]

Originally posted by 5.56NATO
That rear sight deal is one of the things that I don't like re the A2. I have NEVER heard of one failing, falling off or getting knocked off however! Can't say the same about leaf sights...

[thedaledoe]

Its fine.. I shot it today and works great. Just hella loud and Im gonna make sure to bring ear plugs next time.