M16 vs. M4...help me decide?

[generaltruckie]

Yay income tax return. I now have some money to throw at an "evil black gun" but I can't decide on the model that I want. I like the idea of the M4 having a 16" barrel and can use it for home protection, but I also like the idea of having the 20" barrel of the M16 to make longer distance shots. I like the adaptability of the M4 to accept to many accessory rails for light, lasers, bipods, and the like...or can the M16 do that as well? I definitely want the A3 model with the removable carrying handle but most of the time it will remain on the gun because I really enjoy using iron sights.

I currently have a Ruger Mini-14 with two 20rd magazines so if everyone thinks that I will be better off with the the M16 then I will keep the Mini as a strict scoped carbine.

Help...No one on this sight has never let me down before as I am also getting my second XD later in the summer.

~Thanks~

[chad_quixote]

since you got the mini14 i'd say go AR-15, full length

A buddy of mine just bought a AR-15 flat top a4, with removable fron sights (so he can use a scope), and it was 820 after sales tax.


Rock River Arms: Standard A2 / A4

so far hes been pretty happy with it

[jeepinbanditrider]

You can do 500 meter/yard shots with the M4orgery and hit a human sized target. Last time I was at the range the LAR Battalion was there with their issued M4s qualing with the rest of us that had A2s (wingers) and A4s(grunts).

[chad_quixote]

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

You can do 500 meter/yard shots with the M4orgery and hit a human sized target. Last time I was at the range the LAR Battalion was there with their issued M4s qualing with the rest of us that had A2s (wingers) and A4s(grunts).

dont mean this as a slam:
but he already has a 223 carbine (mini14) why would he want to buy another?

[chad_quixote]

Originally Posted by generaltruckie

Yay income tax return. I now have some money to throw at an "evil black gun" but I can't decide on the model that I want. I like the idea of the M4 having a 16" barrel and can use it for home protection, but I also like the idea of having the 20" barrel of the M16 to make longer distance shots. I like the adaptability of the M4 to accept to many accessory rails for light, lasers, bipods, and the like...or can the M16 do that as well? I definitely want the A3 model with the removable carrying handle but most of the time it will remain on the gun because I really enjoy using iron sights.

I currently have a Ruger Mini-14 with two 20rd magazines so if everyone thinks that I will be better off with the the M16 then I will keep the Mini as a strict scoped carbine.

Help...No one on this sight has never let me down before as I am also getting my second XD later in the summer.

~Thanks~

what caliber is your mini 14 chambered?

[mvician]

Originally Posted by chad_quixote

dont mean this as a slam:
but he already has a 223 carbine (mini14) why would he want to buy another?

I have 10 AR carbines.....why would I want another ?

[eyesopened]

Originally Posted by chad_quixote

dont mean this as a slam:
but he already has a 223 carbine (mini14) why would he want to buy another?

From what I've read, the Mini-14 is not as accurate as an AR. The accuracy gets worse after shooting the Mini-14 because the barrel is thin and "warps" when it gets hot.

[chad_quixote]

Originally Posted by eyesopened

From what I've read, the Mini-14 is not as accurate as an AR. The accuracy gets worse after shooting the Mini-14 because the barrel is thin and "warps" when it gets hot.

i never noticed any decline in accuracy

[hikeeba]

Originally Posted by chad_quixote

what caliber is your mini 14 chambered?

Typically, Mini-14s are .223/5.56. Mini-30 is 7.62 x 39. There is a new caliber for the Mini this year, 6.8 SPC. Ruger has the 6.8 listed with the Mini-14s, but the model designation is a Mini-6.8 or something like that.

Mini-14 and a 16" AR-15 may share the same caliber, but they are two completely different animals. There are pros and cons to each platform. Nevertheless, both are fun to shoot.

16" or 20", I don't think the OP could pick a 'wrong' AR. All up to personal taste. All (some maybe moreso than others) ARs are modular, so whatever extras he wants can be added to either the 16" or the 20".

[spamlovr]

How about splitting the barrel length difference and going with an 18" tube?

There are endless ways to hang stuff off an AR rifle, no matter if the barrel is 24", or pistol length. Whatever you decide to get, you can hang a kitchen sink, fridge, mini-bar, and porta-potty on it.