which barrel?...

[hillmillenia]

I'm looking hard at buying a Bush carbine...now that we can get the features we want...well almost...My quandry is a point of practicality...I can see no reason other than looks to opt for the 16" M4 type Bbl. I mean I have no intension of attaching a grenade launcher..is there any other reason to have the OD cut down...seems like a weak area compared to the heavy 16" Bbl...so again I ask...is there really any other reason to have the M4 Barrel a far as us civilians are concerned? Opinions and ideas are encouraged and thanks in advance... :)

[JE3146]

because it looks evil :)..... in all seriousness I got my M4 profile for looks... there really is no reason to have one as far as function is concerned.... but some people find it more appealing visually :)

It is a bit weaker, but that far down the barrel it wont make a difference.... if you're REALLY EXTREMELY worried about accuracy.. it "might" have an effect on barrel harmonics... keyword "might"... and I only say this because its an obvious profile change 3/4 the way down the barrel.....

I guess it just boils down to what you like... if you like one more than the other.. go for that... :)

[Epinephrine]

By the time the bullet gets far enouigh down range to visually affect accuracy, you wont notice cuz you are not a world class shooter. Not to mention the bullet wont have enough oomph to get going anyway. :D

I think 16" barrels of M4 profile look funky, and 16" non profile barrels are dawn right FUGLY. They look like a 24" barrel with a 20" sight radius. Too much barrel prodruding. I think the 14.5" barrel with Phantom or A3 hider looks more like a military M4 than the 16" + A2 hider. Might as well own a 20" gun if your "Carbine" is going to have an 18" barrel.

[308]

Mostly it's about visual preference. I've got a few shapes and sizes including a dissipator (not shown)...the coolest one of the bunch is my wifes Colt MTLW (bottom) with the ACE stock. It has been recently reconfigured with a flattop upper and an EOTech optic and it is light as a feather...not quite Carbon15 light, but close.

Bottom line is pick the one YOU like and fits your requirements....I like 'em all; hence the obsession ;)

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/12680someARs.jpg

[JE3146]

I agree about the 16" + A2 looking wierd (which is what i have)... my goal this summer is to swap my barrel for a 14.5" M4 profile + Phantom to give it a more realistic look.... only problem when doing that though is you need the flash hider permanently attached to make the legal length over 16"

and 308.. I dont beleive I've said it today.. I hate you ;) :D you have too many AR's for you're own good.. you need to give one to me :) That 20 incher up top looks like a lonely specimen in need of a good home :)