20" vs 16" AR

[74novaman]

If anyone reading this one didn't see the other thread, I'm building an AR, have a lower on order.

It's going to be a budget build, done over time as I scrounge money/parts.

I was originally looking at a 20 inch barrel, with flat top upper and a detachable carry handle. Reasons were: Nostalgia and looks(I like the old school AR look), longer sight radius (the build alone will take my "fun" money, so no optics in the near future) and the idea that a 20" ar could fulfill a role my current 16" AKs cannot, which is long range shooting.

But now that I'm surfing around, I see I have options...

Something that jumped out at me is a build they're calling a "dissipator" (no idea why, think its just the marketing name someone made up).

The concept is a 16 inch carbine, with FSB fixed at the end of the barrel instead of close in, giving you a longer sight radius on a shorter, more handy gun.

That would fix my "want longer sight radius" issue, but in a lighter, handier package. As well, I don't have a range around here that goes past 100 yards, so I'm not real sure a guns ability at 500 yards should factor into my decision at all.

Anyone have rifle length irons on a carbine? Thoughts on one or the other?

[RECIT]

I really like the longer sight radius on a shorter rifle. It looks good and works great in my opinion. But there is something to be said about a classic looking 20" rifle too. I have had both and the shorter rifle was a LOT more handy in any kind of confined space. Out in the pasture and I preferred the longer rifle. At less than 300yds I don't think the lower velocity of the shorter barrel even matters. At 100yds or less they will shoot the same anyway. Get which one feels better to you.

[C-dub]

If you've already got the 16" barrel covered and don't plan on using this new build for home defense I'd go with the longer barrel. You did mention you'd like something with greater range.

[74novaman]

The Dissipator is a nice idea if you're going irons-only and want the benefit of a longer gas-system (not as harsh as the carbine)

Andy, my understanding is most dissi uppers retain a carbine length gas system, so it's mainly about sight radius.

And yes, this rifle will be irons only for a while.

Pricing it out, I could build the gun pictured for ~700 using the "buy it now option".

I'm hoping with some patience and shopping around to skim a few bucks off I can build it for 600 ish.

The more research ive done today, I'm leaning towards the dissipator pretty heavily. Just wish it didn't have a gimmick marketing name.

[74novaman]

If you've already got the 16" barrel covered and don't plan on using this new build for home defense I'd go with the longer barrel. You did mention you'd like something with greater range.

Longer range was an initial thought, but I don't own land and local ranges don't go past 100 ( heck most only go to 300) so its ability to shoot at 500 is kind of moot for me I think.

[gigag04]

20"s are so 1970s.

Running iron sights, I'd have a hard time going past 200m and enjoying it. 16" will not lose much out to 550m, which exceeds most shooters I know.

If you want to do a 20",go the spr route IMO.

[NcongruNt]

I'd personally go with the 20", but it's really up to you.

That bayonet lug on the "dissipator" looks awful silly with no room to hang anything on it, though.

[74novaman]

20"s are so 1970s.

Running iron sights, I'd have a hard time going past 200m and enjoying it. 16" will not lose much out to 550m, which exceeds most shooters I know.

If you want to do a 20",go the spr route IMO.

Butpart of the appeal of the 20 inch to me was the retro look. You have seen my screen name right? I like things from the 70s.

spr would be cool, but also lots more $$$$.

I think the carbine may be a more fun build for my current shooting opportunities.

[74novaman]

That bayonet lug on the "dissipator" looks awful silly with no room to hang anything on it, though.

I suppose I could always shave off the lug to solve that problem.

[NcongruNt]

That bayonet lug on the "dissipator" looks awful silly with no room to hang anything on it, though.

I suppose I could always shave off the lug to solve that problem.

They make FSBs without the lug.

[y5e06]

i vote for the 16".
I was much like you a few years back when trying to decide which kit to get for many of the same reasons.
As mentioned, shooting much past 200 w/ irons isn't much fun for me. Having a flat top allows easy addition of a scope if I want. So, I ended up with a 16" flat top mid-length gas system rifle. I have no regrets of bypassing the 20". In fact, i'm thinking of building a second kit and am browsing the 16" ones, for the most part. The 16" you have pictured looks pretty cool with those handguards.

[Bear67]

I vote for whatever makes your heart go "bump, bump, BUMP". I will also bet if you build one rifle, that a lower will show up in your safe and you will build another, et al. ad infinitum. Happened at my place.

A skeptical former brother in law once asked me "just how many guns does a man need" My reply, "just one more."

[rm9792]

The Dissipator is a nice idea if you're going irons-only and want the benefit of a longer gas-system (not as harsh as the carbine)

Andy, my understanding is most dissi uppers retain a carbine length gas system, so it's mainly about sight radius.

And yes, this rifle will be irons only for a while.

Pricing it out, I could build the gun pictured for ~700 using the "buy it now option".

I'm hoping with some patience and shopping around to skim a few bucks off I can build it for 600 ish.

The more research ive done today, I'm leaning towards the dissipator pretty heavily. Just wish it didn't have a gimmick marketing name.

I built one from parts on the Palmetto State Armory sale and it came in right under $600 with a 16" barrel.

[74novaman]

So....I've been spending too much time reading on the internet about all the different ways I can build an AR.

I still like the idea of both the 20" classic A2 style, and also wouldn't mind doing an M4gery. Both types will probably eventually wind up in my safe.

BUT....I've stumbled across another idea I like.

Palmetto State has a 20" upper with a 1:7 twist and a 12" Midwest Industries free float rail for a darn good price.

That upper, plus an M4 collapsible stock (I'm over 6' tall, my wife is 5' 1", so adjustable length of pull is nice), a decent 3x9 scope and a bipod would make quite the fun little shooter.

It would fill a decent little niche that my current collection lacks. I have the CQB, clearing the house and concealable trunk type gun need covered by my AKs. I don't really have anything I'd be comfortable using past ~300 yards.

This rifle would by my interpretation of the military's Squad Designated Marksman rifle (not a true clone...just a rifle inspired by the concept and adapted to my needs)

A 20" AR with a decent scope will be MORE than capable of engaging up to 600 yards effectively (which is the most I can honestly see myself ever needing, be it on a hunt or in a mad max, end of the world scenario. ) yet still capable of being used at closer ranges.

I used the brownells "AR builder" just to see what it might look like (so I was forced using their products...thus, this is NOT exactly how my rifle will end up looking...but I still like the look).


So, after all that rambling...any thoughts?

Does this sound like a capable, fun AR build, or should I just stick with the standard A2 rifle or M4 carbine build for a first AR?