ar kits

[whitetrash]

i plan to order my first kit on pay day. can anyone tell me the real differences on the kits delton offers. specifically what is the difference in the light weight, mid-length and m4 kits?

[jakesford]

i plan to order my first kit on pay day. can anyone tell me the real differences on the kits delton offers. specifically what is the difference in the light weight, mid-length and m4 kits?

Well you are asking about two different things essentially:

Mid-length is referencing the gas system: You have pistol, carbine, mid and rifle length gas systems when dealing with the AR platform. The different lengths combined with caliber, barrel length, gas port size, and other factors effect the operating pressures and timing of the action. On a 16" barrel lengths you will be looking at a mid or carbine length system in most cases. The length of the gas system also determines the placement of the gas block, the front sight, and the minimum length that the handguard needs to be to cover the gas tube. A mid-length gas system will be slightly heavier than a carbine length system ceteris paribus.

The barrel length and profile are generally the the main factor in determining the weight of the upper. M4 refers to the profile of the barrel in this case. Much of the material is removed to cut down on weight, but it retains the ability mount a grenade launcher. An M4 style upper copies the style of the govt. issued M4 carbine if you want to that look. The lightweight upper uses a "pencil" barrel that basically removes even more material compared to an M4 profile and helps to reduce weight further.

All that said buy what you want, they will all function well. A mid-length gas system in a 16" rifle will be a little easier on the action (lower pressure, better dwell time) compared to a carbine length. The weight is up to you, lighter is better IMO, if you're bench shooting then it doesn't matter.

[helosailor]

I'll try to make it as simple as possible.
Lightweight means that the barrel has been machined down to reduce weight. These are sometimes referred to as "pencil" barrels.

Mid-length refers to the length of the gas system. Carbine is the shortest, then mid-length, then rifle. The mid-length gas system will generally have lower felt recoil and will not be as hard on parts as a carbine gas system. I have a 16" chrome lined mid-length Del-ton upper, and it's been perfect.

The M-4 kit they sell has the carbine gas system and the "government profile" barrel. Again, this refers to how it was machined. It is not as light as the light weight, but not as heavy as the rifle barrel. It has been machined to reduce weight and also to clear an M-203 grenade launcher.

EDIT: What Jakesford said.

[KBScobravert]

what they said

[GAP]

If you go with the lightweight barrel, which would be my preference, make sure you call or email them first. As of about 3 weeks ago they were out, but in the process of getting more in stock.

[whitetrash]

flat top kits come with no rear sight correct? or mag?

[GAP]

flat top kits come with no rear sight correct? or mag?

Correct.

[whitetrash]

ok. thanks everyone