I have a 16 inch M and P that I would like to turn in to a sass so I want to put a 20 inch on it. I have thoughts about buying or trading for a compleat upper but I then a guy at work told me that I should just buy a new barrel but if I do that I would want to change it myself. So what would you guys do? Would I have to change the gas system like the gas block and tube and FYI I have never done any gun smithing just looking for you thoughts
- Thread starter nate220
- Start date
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
You need a new barrel, probably new gas block, new gas tube gas tube roll pin, handguard system (free floating!) and barrel. For tools you need an AR15 armorers wrench, action block, vise, hammer, punches, after that it's misc things most people have around their homes.
edit: I just went through all of this on a friend's MP btw it's easy, his has nitrid 1:8 twist barrel swapped handguards for spectre YHM diamond, put a low pro gas block on and he loves it. Parts cost less than 200$
You need a new barrel, probably new gas block, new gas tube gas tube roll pin, handguard system (free floating!) and barrel. For tools you need an AR15 armorers wrench, action block, vise, hammer, punches, after that it's misc things most people have around their homes.
edit: I just went through all of this on a friend's MP btw it's easy, his has nitrid 1:8 twist barrel swapped handguards for spectre YHM diamond, put a low pro gas block on and he loves it. Parts cost less than 200$
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
Do you know where he got his barrel and gas system at?
Do you know where he got his barrel and gas system at?
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
He used the factory 16" barrel that it came with. If yours has a 16" nitrided barrel (it will be a different profile than reg carbine and say 1:8 twist on it somewhere) it is probably worth keeping.
I think AR15performance still has 20" barrels in stock so then it's just a matter of getting a gas block, handguards, various other parts. Right now is a shitty time to be buying anything AR related barrels, etc hard to find.
They are very easy to do, watch some youtube videos not hard. If you swap barrels make sure to check barrel + bolt for headspace.
He used the factory 16" barrel that it came with. If yours has a 16" nitrided barrel (it will be a different profile than reg carbine and say 1:8 twist on it somewhere) it is probably worth keeping.
I think AR15performance still has 20" barrels in stock so then it's just a matter of getting a gas block, handguards, various other parts. Right now is a shitty time to be buying anything AR related barrels, etc hard to find.
They are very easy to do, watch some youtube videos not hard. If you swap barrels make sure to check barrel + bolt for headspace.
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
BCP's got it right. Personally I've had a 20 inch barrel and couldn't wait to get rid of it. I would stick with a 16" Noveske Recon. Their barrels come with the gas block and tube. Kind of pricey though bout $400-500. I think they are worth every penny. If you shoot the right ammo, it will be hard to beat for accuracy. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of good barrels out there, but my choice would be Noveske. I don't think the velocity gain in a 20" is worth the extra length. Just my two cents. Good luck!
BCP's got it right. Personally I've had a 20 inch barrel and couldn't wait to get rid of it. I would stick with a 16" Noveske Recon. Their barrels come with the gas block and tube. Kind of pricey though bout $400-500. I think they are worth every penny. If you shoot the right ammo, it will be hard to beat for accuracy. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of good barrels out there, but my choice would be Noveske. I don't think the velocity gain in a 20" is worth the extra length. Just my two cents. Good luck!
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
I had the same question and couldn't decide, so I went with an 18".. With a collapsible stock its manageable in and out of the truck and likes hitting steel at 500yrds all day but if I had to do it again id go with a 14.5" with pinned brake or hider, or 16" (you get the idea) with a 1/7twist. Those tended to cost a bit more and were harder to find ~6-8 months ago, no telling now. My 2¢
I had the same question and couldn't decide, so I went with an 18".. With a collapsible stock its manageable in and out of the truck and likes hitting steel at 500yrds all day but if I had to do it again id go with a 14.5" with pinned brake or hider, or 16" (you get the idea) with a 1/7twist. Those tended to cost a bit more and were harder to find ~6-8 months ago, no telling now. My 2¢
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
I agree,I love the 14.5. Hmmm I actually have one on the way an it is soooooo nice.
I agree,I love the 14.5. Hmmm I actually have one on the way an it is soooooo nice.
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
IMO if you're going to own 1 AR then a 16" is best. If you're going to own 2 a 10.5" and 20" would be ideal.
EDIT: I bought my brothers wife a M&P Sport. With 69gr SMK handloads, a 3-9 Nikon, and a backpack I could hold 1.25" @ 100yr. I think that barrel is gtg considering what I paid for the rifle.
IMO if you're going to own 1 AR then a 16" is best. If you're going to own 2 a 10.5" and 20" would be ideal.
EDIT: I bought my brothers wife a M&P Sport. With 69gr SMK handloads, a 3-9 Nikon, and a backpack I could hold 1.25" @ 100yr. I think that barrel is gtg considering what I paid for the rifle.
Re: 16 inch or 20 inch?
You would be better off starting out with a new upper. After dropping the cash for a new barrel, gas tube, and handguard, another $100 isn't much more. That way, you'll have a 16" and a 20". I have one of each, it makes for a nice duo.
You would be better off starting out with a new upper. After dropping the cash for a new barrel, gas tube, and handguard, another $100 isn't much more. That way, you'll have a 16" and a 20". I have one of each, it makes for a nice duo.
