Ar tradeoff?

[Duisburg]

I am in the market for a new AR, especially a Bushmaster.

But I cannot understand why one would want a thin barrel other than the obvious easy swing/point.

"16. barrel (.670''� to .565''� diam. under the handguard, .625''� diam. under the sight base, and .570''� diam. out to the muzzle)"

My understanding is that the AR is good out to 400 meters (and beyond) but with a barrel such as this would it be viable after 10 shots or even a few 30 round magazines?

Also, why is having a M203 notch in the barrel such a big thing? Can you legally purchase the M203 and 406 ammo? I can see having a threaded barrel because you can buy a suppressor ;)

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[SixBravo]

You can infact buy a 203-type launcher. It's a 38mm device intended for use in launching emergency flares.

If one can buy a 40mm, chime in. I'm not entirely sure on that part.

[aus71383]

I'm guessing here, but I think you could do it. It would probably cost a lot and be a "Destructive Device" but I've seen 37mm Anti-tank cannons for sale so I don't see why a 40mm launcher would be illegal. Ammo for it might be difficult though.

Austin

[Rob72]

Thin barrels are easier to carry. If you want a "pack-carbine", stay with a light/medium contour. If you want a varmit gun, go heavy and 20"+. The DMR rifles are (IIRC) 20" stainless HBARs, while the USMC has stayed primarily with the A2 and its 16" barrel.

[Nakanokalronin]

40mm lauchers are DDs because even if you don't buy them they can launch 40mm grenades. 37mm launchers for ARs fire flares only, not grenades and are not DDs.

[JT]

Get a fluted HBAR. It's almost the same weight as the M4 profile (2.3 lbs vs. 2.0). You get the benefits of a heavy barrel but it's lighter and cools quicker. It's only $50 more on a Bushmaster.

[AKsrule]

One of my AR's is a 16" Hbar (weighs about a pound more than an M4 type ).



I don't go for 20K "hikes" anymore , so its not too heavy.

[Supertac45]

Thinner is lighter for carrying.

[Duisburg]

Thinner is lighter for carrying.

well I gather this but I do not see how in the world an AR 15 could loose anymore weight or why the barrel should get thinner and thinner while degrading longer range (400 meters for th 5.56) groups.

How much does shaving off barrel actually save? Do people (civilians, not soldiers for some run with SAWs) really need that much more weight savings? If so, why then would you use or need a bayonett?

I just want someone to please explain that

[rocky]

Its all about what you prefer. I own a Carbon 15 bushmaster. I weighs just under 6 lbs. empty. I also own a M4 profile upper as well.
Thinner barrels heat up faster, changing Point of Impact(POI) and may vibrate more during firing, causing less accuracy. This is true with all barrels. This is why match guns & sniper rifles and such have heavier barrels(among other reasons).
As to why one wants certain features, who cares? Why buy a nickel plated gun, have nice scenes engraved on a shotgun/rifle or any other feature?
If I want a M4 type upper w/ bayonet lug (that will not mount a bayonet) I can. Maybe it just goes well with my tinfoil helmet.

[RD62]

I'm not a Bushy fan. I prefer a lighter barrel for easier carrying, especially if you will be moving with it much. For bench/plinking use the bushy will be fine and a heavier barrel may walk slower with sustained fire, but will cool slower too. If you are planning on running a railed forend the lighter barrel profile can help offset the weight of forward monted optics, lights, VFG's etc helping to keep the rifle balanced. A free floating forend will help accuracy too. It's not the vibration that causes inaccuracy, but inconsistant vibration. Free floating will help. The HBar isn't really going to determine if the rifle is accurate or not, again it may not walk rounds as fast from heating. I'm also not a fan of faux launchers as they just hang more weight of the fron t and don't really serve much purpose, but that's just my preference. If you go with the Bushy make sure the carrier key and castle nut are staked well (assuming you have a tele-stock which I would think and M$ model would). And make sure it has the proper extractor insert and spring. Short gas sytem carbines have different extraction requirements than rifle models but some manufacturers spring them the same. Grant at G&R ( a board sponsor above) can sell you an extractor upgrade kit for liek $4 that will have everything you need, and you can restake yourself. Or just get an AR that already has these done! :D Good luck and enjoy your AR!

-RD62

[whamonkey]

My RRA Elite CAR A4 has an HBAR and it's a bit heavy but I like the extra weight for stability.

As far as that notch goes......not for me.

[simon]

Rocky,wood that tinfoil helmet go with socks and sandals?

[dnowell]

There are a handful of M203's out there if you have money, legally.

See http://autoweapons.com/products/destructivedevices.html

[rocky]

Rocky,wood that tinfoil helmet go with socks and sandals?

Yep