OK I talked myself into doing an AR build having never shot one before or handled one much. I know, I know.
So I understand there are carbine, mid, rifle lengths and I get that the port in the barrel has to match the length but what I cannot find anyplace is a resource that says how long the hand guards must be to cover the gas tube. One would think that sales descriptions would say, "18' barrel, mid length gas, requires hand guard of at least xx" but I haven't seen that. Maybe I'm missing something?
Further, I'll just share my frustration at NO ONE ever having in stock everything I need. So many things "out of stock" is curious and aggravating.
