by Bmt85 » Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:48 pm
I have a 16" Bushmaster upper, and I think it's a good upper for the price. I bought it because at the time it was the least expensive out of the few that were available. I wanted something for Michigan Limited Firearm zone, with out dumping a ton of money into it, when I didn't know if I would like the cartridge. I now have 3 rifle uppers and a 12.5" pistol upper in 450B. Lol. My personal opinion, I'm not a fan of the 20" Bushmaster upper. They have a carbine length gas system, which can be worked around, but is completely unnecessary.
I have a lighter weight build using a Tromix barrel, and I really like it. Accuracy is good and you usually get a little more velocity out of it for the same load, compared to some other 18"-20" barrels. Tromix does offer fully built uppers, with some options. Cost a bit more than a Bushmaster, though. What I don't like about the Tromix is that the bore is naked 4150, so make sure you keep it oiled!
Then I have a 20" and 12.5" BHW builds, but they only offer barrels, not full uppers.
I have no experience with Bartz, but Hoot has always had good things to say about them, so that means something. Lol. I really like the fact that they use good blanks and then Melonite them. Less to worry about, especially for a hunting rig.
As to gas system, Midlength is the best all around length. 16" with a Carbine length gas system is fine, but Midlength also works. 18" and 20" barrels, go Midlength. Don't do a rifle length gas system in a 20" unless you reload, it could be problematic.