AR15: Switch from carbine length gas assembly to mid length possible?

xopher said:
I am really favouring the look of longer quad rails incomparison to the short one that came with the rifle.
Click to expand...

There has already been lots of excellent advice given, so I would only pose this question to you: is the change you seek for aesthetics or functionality? If this is the latter, I'd try it out first; you might find this is a great setup for you.

If this is mainly for appearance, you could try replacing the AFG with a slimmer AFG2 model. I've found the AFG to be a bit more effective on a longer rail, so you may find that a hand stop and some rail panels better suits you. This isn't prohibitively expensive, either. Good luck!
 
I "think" I like a longer reach with the AFG also. I actually have mine installed so the front of the AFG sticks out in front of the carbine rail. My hand rests under the front sight. Of course, it does look a little funny to have the front of the AFG hanging off in space.

I know it is not recommended by Magpul but I can't see a real problem from a strength perspective and with a 14.5 inch barrel my hand is well back from the muzzle.

Anybody with points on why I shouldn't run it this way. I am always open to suggestions and warnings.
 
Bolivar said:
I "think" I like a longer reach with the AFG also. I actually have mine installed so the front of the AFG sticks out in front of the carbine rail. My hand rests under the front sight. Of course, it does look a little funny to have the front of the AFG hanging off in space.

I know it is not recommended by Magpul but I can't see a real problem from a strength perspective and with a 14.5 inch barrel my hand is well back from the muzzle.

Anybody with points on why I shouldn't run it this way. I am always open to suggestions and warnings.
Click to expand...

I can't see any problems with running it this way - especially if it's the original AFG (there's a bit more polymer and there's more of a protective guard around the front). The only minor downside that I can see is it does place your hand slightly closer to various hot objects. At the end of the day function triumphs over form - so go with what feels and works best for you.
 
Why not sell the current upper complete and buy an upper in the configuration you want??? I can't see running a carbine gas system on anything longer that 12.5" or so. 14.5 & 16 are noticeably softer shooting with mid-length and aren't over-gassed at all. I can't prove it but simple physics would suggest that it's easier on all the other moving parts (BCG etc)...
 
mudgunner49 said:
Why not sell the current upper complete and buy an upper in the configuration you want??? I can't see running a carbine gas system on anything longer that 12.5" or so. 14.5 & 16 are noticeably softer shooting with mid-length and aren't over-gassed at all. I can't prove it but simple physics would suggest that it's easier on all the other moving parts (BCG etc)...
Click to expand...

There are not a lot of 14.5" or even 16" mid-length gas system offerings out there. But the theory is sound. I would buy a 14.5 middy if it was readily available in anything other than a Noveske.

(Noveske is nice, I just am not willing to pay the asking price for what they bring to the table)
 
Claven2 said:
There are not a lot of 14.5" or even 16" mid-length gas system offerings out there. But the theory is sound. I would buy a 14.5 middy if it was readily available in anything other than a Noveske.

(Noveske is nice, I just am not willing to pay the asking price for what they bring to the table)
Click to expand...

They're out there (and not just Noveske), and well worth the search and minimal $$$ increase...
 
Well it is my first AR so i think ill shoot with it first :) A new quad rail and low profile gas black is definitely within my budget so ill be ordering one as soon as they come in stock.

@NEA Because there are no rails on the 3 and 9 o clock position, is the circumference of this quad smaller compared to the full quad rails? Because of my hands are smaller and i plan on doing the "over the top wrap around" grip, i was thinking this would be more suitable for a firmer grip.
 
xopher said:
Well it is my first AR so i think ill shoot with it first :) A new quad rail and low profile gas black is definitely within my budget so ill be ordering one as soon as they come in stock.

@NEA Because there are no rails on the 3 and 9 o clock position, is the circumference of this quad smaller compared to the full quad rails? Because of my hands are smaller and i plan on doing the "over the top wrap around" grip, i was thinking this would be more suitable for a firmer grip.
Click to expand...

The "narrowest" free float tubes out there which are still "tactical" and not just round tubes with no rails are probably:

-Troy TRX (round with modular rail sections)
-NEA (narrow, but tall)

There are narrow rails out there like Samson rails, for example, but I haven't used them and can't vouch for them personally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom