balance and sight radius versus rail length

[Soybomb]

So I've decided I'm going to make an ar15 upper with a 16" barrel and a midlength gas system. I'm also going to use larue rails and eventually slap an eotech on it. I'm not sure if I want to use mid length or rifle length rails though and thought maybe you guys could share your experience.

I like the idea of the 12-13" rails because more of the hot barrel will be covered, its more versatile for mounting things, and I get a longer sight radius. Plus I think it just looks kinda nifty

I like the idea of the midlenth rails because I can get a traditional fixed front sight block instead of a rail mounted front sight, it'll be some weight savings, and it seems like it might make the rifle balance a little closer tome better than the 13 inchers.

Any suggestions either way are appreciated. What do you say go for sight radius or balance and weight?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

If you really want the extra length, you are only talking a few extra ounces of weight for the rifle length. You can easily make that up with a different barrel profile or a heavier stock on the back end without dramatically increasing the weight.

Now when you start running an optic, vertical grip, bipod, flashlight, etc. - a few extra ounces here and there on each item will start to add up.

 

[Soybomb]

Well there will be an eotech for sure, and maybe a flash light in the future....

Do you actually notice much of a difference with the increased sight radius or is it not as big of an issue for a 100-150 yard max use gun?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I definitely notice a difference. Increased sight radius is always a nice bonus; however if you don't plan to use irons that much it may not be as helpful. At 100-150yds, you shouldn't have trouble hitting an IDPA/IPSC target with any set of AR irons, though a longer sight radius may make it easier to get good hits on them.