How big is the difference having a carbine gas tube in a 16"

Noticeable.

Get a middy from a better manufacture.

If you don't care, get the ruger.

>>33575664

This.

A midlength shoots noticeably smoother and doesn't look retarded.

>>33575664
I'm considering building my own, but people are saying with prices where they are it's getting harder to beat factory

>>33575695

You can get a PSA (not PTAC) kit for $379 right now and it will be at least as good as any of the bottom of the barrel factory ARs.

>>33575618
Unless you shoot them side by side, the difference is negliagble.
$475 is a great deal for a complete factory ar, as long as its mot radical firearms

BUMP for more opinions

The rugers go on sale for $450 now.

>>33575664
not noticeable unless compared side by side with a focus on finding the difference
i guarantee you that most people could not tell the difference if the gas block was covered by a full length rail and the rest of the gun was set up the same.
they would shoot a mag and be yep thats an ar.
not that ones the carbine and thats the middy with any real accuracy.

>>33575748
A complete Radical Firearms AR ain't worth $300. I know this.

I'd rather have one of those ATI Omni Hybrid polymer AR's all day long.

I would normally say there is no reason nor excuse to ever do a 16" carbine, but considering prices these days its probably worth it
Depending on price you could switch out the barrel and tube later and still be better off

That said, if you ever plan in changing out parts, build it from the start