I have found that over the years I prefer M4’s with a 14.5" barrel when using a Aimpoing or Short Dot for SWAT / Duty use and I prefer Mid-Length carbines with the TA11 ACOG for a general purose gun.
I run TA11’s on my Mid-Lengths because I have found that the 16" barreled mid-length are perfect as a general purpose carbine at medium to longer distances (just my opinion and for my purposes).
The Mid-Length gas system provides a longer sight radius (not that it matters when using an ACOG) and longer handguard / rail system. The longer handguard is advantageous when not using a vertical foregrip as it gives you more real estate to hold onto, and the longer handguard / more real estate proves it’s worth when resting the forearm on barricades (in centain situations I have found that the carbine length hand guard is not long enough to rest on the barricade).
I prefer the TA11 over the TA31 due to the more generous eye relief, I am much quicker with the TA11 than I am with the TA31.
Once they are released I’ll put a Magpul UBR or possibly one of the new Vltor E-MOD stock to this gun (review of the Vltor E-MOD stock can be seen at Military Morons site: http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/ar.furniture.html#emod )
On another board, someone asked me why I don’t use a vertical foregrip on my mid-lengths (w/ ACOGs) any more:
Did you dump your Vertical Fore Grip for the shoot (match) or altogether now Jeff?
Xxxxx,
After much trial and error, I have come to the following conclusion: -Guns that I do a lot of CQB work with I prefer the vertical foregrip. The vertical foregrip helps me "drive" the gun on closer targets, is more ergonomical for accessing a weapon mounted light, gives more power on muzzle strikes and weapon retention, etc.
On guns that I do a lot of *long range shooting* with, I prefer NO vertical foregrip, because I can steady the gun much better on longer shots [b]without[/b] the vertical foregrip. The lack of a vertical foregrip also helps me drive and stop the gun better when transitioning from one target to another at longer distances, and has an advantage on barricades, etc. The rifle match has 75%+ of the targets placed from 100 yards - 425 yards.
Something that I noticed when using a vertical foregrip and long range targets....when I would transition from one target to another, I would always pass the target I was transitioning to and have to come back to it (ie. I would "over shoot" or by pass the target).
I don't know why, but on close targets I can drive the gun and stop on a dime at close distances....but at long range targets, I would always pass the target and have to come back to it.
Without a vertical foregrip, I can stop on a dime when transitioning from one target to another at longer distances. Without a vertical foregrip, I wrap my hand round the forend and point my index finger in the same direction as the muzzle (index finger is pointing forward along the 9 o'clock rail) Example: demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/PRM-2006.11/?small=D100_5707_img.jpg
On my guns that have ACOG's, Leupold MR/T 1.5-5x M2's, (guns set up for medium to long range shooting) I have removed the vertical foregrips and run just the LaRue handguard and Tango Down pannels.
On my guns with Aimpoints / Short Dots (work guns or guns set up for close to medium range shooting), I still run the vertical foregrips.
Distance = time. Time affords you the ability to get into more stable positions (ie. sitting, prone, braced kneeling, the use of barricades, etc, etc.) In these position a vertical foregrip has no advantage, and can often get in the way. When most of your shots are closer and you are in the standing position or on the move, this is the area where the vertical foregrip shines. I guess it's all about selecting the right tool for the job. Just my opinion based on my personal experiences, as with all things, your milage may vary. [;)]
Stag Arms Coyote Mid-Length:
-Complete Stag Arms lower
-Sabre Defence upper, 1/7" Mid-Length Barrel, Gov’t Profile, M4 feedramps in a Sabre Defence upper
-LaRue Tactical 9.0 rail system
-Tango Down rail pannels
-Trijicon TA11 ACOG
-LaRue Tactical ACOG Mount
-Troy Industries Dual Apeture BUIS
-Tango Down Battle Grip pistol grip
-KNS non-rotating hammer / trigger pin set
-Vltor Carbine Modstock w/ butterfly latch
-Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard
-Blue Force Gear VCAS sling
Both mid-lengths:
Semper Fi,
Jeff
