M16 vs M4 (20 inch vs 14.5 inch) (Rifle vs Carbine)

[SturmSoldaten]

ok so here is another long argued debate and i am just looking for some opinions and views. i am building a new AR and am wondering if i should do a carbine or rifle build. now i dont believe in having 2 or more of the same rifle cause whats the point?(i dont need to hear your views or crap on that) my ar will be my shtf and zombie rifle :) and i live in northern oregon in a rural community. a carbine would be more compact, lighter and easier to carry but the rifle has the better accuracy at longer distances. if i go with a carbine my main optic will be a EOtech and if a do a rifle it will be an ACOG. so its either a M4 flat top clone or a M16A4 clone. what do u guys and gals think?

[m24shooter]

Rifles are not inherently more accurate. They have a longer barrel, longer sight radius, and retain more velocity. M4s have outshot A2s on the line. If you're putting glass on them, the sight radius is a wash.
If you put an ACOG on an M4 it will still be accurate and give you a more compact platform.
The rifle will give you a longer frag range for M855/M193 and Mk262 if that is a concern. The Mk 262 is less velocity sensitive, and other non-.mil loads will behave differently as well.
Another option would be to have a carbine lower with two uppers. One could be a standard M4 and the other could be an SPR/recce or similar type.

[TehLlama]

If you're torn between those, then a basic 16" Middy sounds like the answer. Will still shoot great, flattop and ACOG are a very good combination. The 16" barrel is still pretty maneuverable, but isn't much of a muzzle energy loss compared to an SBR barrel.

BCM or CMMG would be a good place to start. BravoCo and AIM Surplus would be the places to buy.
LMT also has a 16" M4 Carbine, which would also be a fine carbine for that use.

[CAPT KIRK]

Dont know where you stand, but most people are not good enough shots to be able to utilize the nominal added accuracy and velocity of the longer barrel. I am in L/E and have the 14.5 Noveske which is more than capable of accomodating my skills and needs. With Hornady 5.56 75gr TAP it is awsome out to 150-200 yds (with an Eotech). If I need longer range then I'll just grab my .308 bolt gun (always keeping my AR handy tho).

[rightguide]

Unless your clearing buildings the 20" gets my vote, accuracy is king,
accuracy w/velocity is better

[tac40]

I use a Colt M4 w/ 14 1/2 bbl at work. The carbine is a very practical rifle, with good ammo and glass you have a good primary weapon system. The big advantage is compactness of the 14 1/2, it's a bit easier to get the carbine in and out of cramp places. Personally, I would go 16 bbl w/ 1X7 twist over the 14 1/2-a bit of velocity gain.

As M24 & Capt Kirk said, consider your options with different uppers. Consider a 2nd upper in 6.8mm. As a SHTF weapon, the AR can be modified to fill various roles. Good luck.

[sdcromer]

Another vote for a 16 inch midlength. Look at Noveske Nw light recce low profile from the boys in Grant Pass. Slap an ACOG on it and call it done. I will have one of these some day.

[peabody]

I have went from one to the other' , im finding that im liking the rifle more and more.
im in a rual area. and longer shots are the norm.
my A4 is starting to be my favorite rifle.
ordered a set of troy drop in handguards, so its looking like a somewhat/clone ,
altho ? i did putt a RR two stage in her' and a A1 stock' works great.
peabody