Considering one of two carbines

[HKGuns]

Weren't the Bushmasters really good back in the ABC days?

Now you ARE trolling. Thank goodness IG didn't see this one.

[shadowspirit]

Now you ARE trolling. Thank goodness IG didn't see this one.

Not trolling. They were Windham back then. Maybe I should have used the term good instead of very good.

Who is IG?

[fedupflyer]

Not trolling. They were Windham back then. Maybe I should have used the term good instead of very good.

Who is IG?

Yup, you are full of $hit. I just have to figure out what kind of $hit you are full of.

[shadowspirit]

Yup, you are full of $hit. I just have to figure out what kind of $hit you are full of.

Unlike anything I ever wrote on here, this is a troll towards you only: You're a jerk.

[fedupflyer]

Unlike anything I ever wrote on here, this is a troll towards you only: You're a jerk.

How very Alinksy of you.

My opinion might not be popular but I am usually right.

[HKGuns]

Not trolling. They were Windham back then. Maybe I should have used the term good instead of very good.

Who is IG?

IraqGuns, the Moderator / Gunsmith who probably would have banned you for posting such nonsense, RIP.

You've been registered since 2012 and should certainly know who he was...........

Search his posts, you'll likely learn something.

[Wake27]

Guys, consider not being giant ****tards. IG was very knowledgeable but could also be kind of a dick. Not knowing who he is really doesn't mean anything at this point, I don't know why some of you seem almost triggered about it. OP sounds like he's watched some vids or maybe learned some stuff a while ago but doesn't have a full grasp. Nothing wrong with that. As to his original question, this forum has pushed Colt at least since I've been here, and while I know that its tiresome to see the same questions asked, the status quo should be challenged every so often. How many of you that are recommending Colts have tried either of his mentioned options ever? How about recently? Can you actually speak with recent experience as to the differences is performance? If its that much of a problem for you, just don't respond. Its not hard.

OP, you're a little off base on several of your posts. Some guys are being a little too much but there is plenty of knowledge around between members in this thread that are still trying to help and plenty to be searched from previous posts.

With all of that said, barrel profile matters to me, I too prefer tapered whether heavy or light. For what you want, the Colt SOCOM is probably great (but more expensive) but I've really only heard good things about both F&N and S&W (for the money). SOLGW may be worth a look now too, their new barrel profile is tapered but I'm not sure how widely that'll be spread around their cheaper platforms. Also, I think you're wrapped a little too tightly around the velocity for barrel length, there's going to be very little difference between 14.5 and 16 so don't rule it out. FWIW, 56gr MEN 5.56 was going transonic out of my suppressed 12.5 at about 650m the last time I really stretched it. To your original question though, while I wouldn't personally choose either, of the two I'd probably choose the S&W only because I have heard from a larger sample size of their owners that seem happy enough. If you can stretch your budget into a Colt, its very unlikely that it'd be a bad thing.

[CrowCommand]

Guys, consider not being giant ****tards. IG was very knowledgeable but could also be kind of a dick. Not knowing who he is really doesn't mean anything at this point, I don't know why some of you seem almost triggered about it. OP sounds like he's watched some vids or maybe learned some stuff a while ago but doesn't have a full grasp. Nothing wrong with that. As to his original question, this forum has pushed Colt at least since I've been here, and while I know that its tiresome to see the same questions asked, the status quo should be challenged every so often. How many of you that are recommending Colts have tried either of his mentioned options ever? How about recently? Can you actually speak with recent experience as to the differences is performance? If its that much of a problem for you, just don't respond. Its not hard.

OP, you're a little off base on several of your posts. Some guys are being a little too much but there is plenty of knowledge around between members in this thread that are still trying to help and plenty to be searched from previous posts.

With all of that said, barrel profile matters to me, I too prefer tapered whether heavy or light. For what you want, the Colt SOCOM is probably great (but more expensive) but I've really only heard good things about both F&N and S&W (for the money). SOLGW may be worth a look now too, their new barrel profile is tapered but I'm not sure how widely that'll be spread around their cheaper platforms. Also, I think you're wrapped a little too tightly around the velocity for barrel length, there's going to be very little difference between 14.5 and 16 so don't rule it out. FWIW, 56gr MEN 5.56 was going transonic out of my suppressed 12.5 at about 650m the last time I really stretched it. To your original question though, while I wouldn't personally choose either, of the two I'd probably choose the S&W only because I have heard from a larger sample size of their owners that seem happy enough. If you can stretch your budget into a Colt, its very unlikely that it'd be a bad thing.

I’m 100% on board with everything said here. Well put, sir.

But honestly, there’s a reason they all say go Colt. It’s because they are fawking reliable and affordable. Cheap ARs have flooded the market and any dumb dude can have one for $500 and throw it in the closet, maybe bang out a couple mags a year.

But if you’re looking for a rig you will shoot weekly, and expect some reliability, Colt is probably the base line.

Sure, there are other brands that would fit that niche, but I went Colt because they’ve been proven over time, and aren’t trying to be the hot new sh!t.

I see them as the Toyota of the AR world. Not that fancy, but runs without issues 95% of the time.

[shadowspirit]

Guys, consider not being giant ****tards. IG was very knowledgeable but could also be kind of a dick. Not knowing who he is really doesn't mean anything at this point, I don't know why some of you seem almost triggered about it. OP sounds like he's watched some vids or maybe learned some stuff a while ago but doesn't have a full grasp. Nothing wrong with that. As to his original question, this forum has pushed Colt at least since I've been here, and while I know that its tiresome to see the same questions asked, the status quo should be challenged every so often. How many of you that are recommending Colts have tried either of his mentioned options ever? How about recently? Can you actually speak with recent experience as to the differences is performance? If its that much of a problem for you, just don't respond. Its not hard.

OP, you're a little off base on several of your posts. Some guys are being a little too much but there is plenty of knowledge around between members in this thread that are still trying to help and plenty to be searched from previous posts.

With all of that said, barrel profile matters to me, I too prefer tapered whether heavy or light. For what you want, the Colt SOCOM is probably great (but more expensive) but I've really only heard good things about both F&N and S&W (for the money). SOLGW may be worth a look now too, their new barrel profile is tapered but I'm not sure how widely that'll be spread around their cheaper platforms. Also, I think you're wrapped a little too tightly around the velocity for barrel length, there's going to be very little difference between 14.5 and 16 so don't rule it out. FWIW, 56gr MEN 5.56 was going transonic out of my suppressed 12.5 at about 650m the last time I really stretched it. To your original question though, while I wouldn't personally choose either, of the two I'd probably choose the S&W only because I have heard from a larger sample size of their owners that seem happy enough. If you can stretch your budget into a Colt, its very unlikely that it'd be a bad thing.

Thank you for the constructive criticism.

I heard good things about SOLGW as well. OTOH, I heard they use Ballistic Advantage barrels which aren't popular in the AR community. I don't recall reading anything specific, though.

That 56gr ammo going transonic around 650m fired from a 12.5" barrel is impressive. I wouldn't have guessed that far.

[Wake27]

Thank you for the constructive criticism.

I heard good things about SOLGW as well. OTOH, I heard they use Ballistic Advantage barrels which aren't popular in the AR community. I don't recall reading anything specific, though.

That 56gr ammo going transonic around 650m fired from a 12.5" barrel is impressive. I wouldn't have guessed that far.

BA tends to be good by most accounts, they're not niche or gucci but many people are very happy with them. Its not worth getting too wrapped up in who produces what IMO, because many of the more respected manufacturers will hold their own tolerances so its not as simple as "they're all produced by XYZ company so they're all the same."

grizzman is right though, the more answers you provide, the more informed other members can make their responses. Many of the more helpful people here will take the time to tailor their recommendations to be of the most benefit, but you do have to answer their questions for that to happen. Otherwise, you might as well just make a poll on social media and get worthless responses full of opinion and no substance.