Suggestion on Rail length

I currently have a 16 inch mid length with a cut down front sight block. It has a magpul moe hand guard that I don't really like that much. I want to replace it with a quad rail and have pretty much decided on the Midwest industries gen 2 drop in free float. The only thing I can't decide is if I want to get a 10 inch or the rifle length. What do you guys suggest? pros/cons?
Thanks

On my AR, I've run both mid-length rails and rifle length, both YHM. I've settled on rifle length as my preference, but below are the pros and cons I've found of each:

Mid-Length
Pros:
Cheaper
Lighter
Easier to swing

Cons:
Decreased sight radius
Less comfortable (I shoot supporting arm outstretched)
My scope ran into my front BUIS

Rifle-Length
Pros:
Can stretch my supporting arm out
Longer sight radius
Easier to fit scope behind BUIS
Looks awesome

Cons:
More expensive
Heavier
More weight at muzzle end

Below are images of my AR with both the mid-length rail and the rifle-length I've added. In terms of aesthetics, I like the rifle-length, but that's personal preference.

You really should try to handle both lengths before buying if that's possible. I liked the outstretched grip until I had to hold my rifle up and ready on some folks for about 10 mins. If you're just plinking, shooting short comps, etc, the option of an extended grip might make you lean towards a rifle length handguard.

13" on a 16" is awesome

I think rifle length looks better. However it weighs more. Only you know if you want your grip further forward, some do, I don't, gets uncomfortable over time. Longer sight radius is a plus if you run your irons much at distance. Rifle offers more room and options for hanging junk, if you're into that. If you use a bipod the further out it is the more stable it will be. Don't take this to mean mid-length will look bad, it won't, and if you're building for light weight its the clear winner of your choices.

If you're planning on using a drop in rail, like the ones that use the delta ring assembly, your stuck getting whatever length rail your gas system is. Carbine is 7" and Mid-Length is 9".

If you go with a free float solution you can get a longer rail that will cover the gas block, however short for a few exceptions, most utilize their own barrel nut which necessitates removing the barrel.

Sorry my reading comprehension sucks, I have a 12" rail (DD RIS II) and I hafta say it is pretty nose heavy, IMHO I think you should go with somewhere around 10". Provides more than enough rail space while keeping less weight off the front of the gun.

Im not sure if this will help you or not. But my preference is to keep my rifle as compact as I can. Primarily to cut down on weight and more ease of use. I vote the 10". Cheaper, lighter, and still same great quality. I have the Gen 2 carbine length on my rifle.

I have rifle length and carbine length. I prefer rifle length

A 10" rail on a 16" mid length barrel won't cover the cut down FSB (unless you use a lo pro gas block). But do you need the extra length (hand placement) and rail estate (more mounting options/positiions) of the longer rail? If so, and if you don't mind the lil bit of extra weight, go with the rifle length.

Use a slightly heavier (3-4 oz). to balance out the rifle. Balance is paramount to weight unless you're dealing with extremes.

An 11 or 12 looks really good on a 16. I run an 11 on mine.

If you get the longer one you will never wish you had gotten the shorter one.

Ain't that the truth.

I'd rather find other places to save weight than from rail length. There are enough light weight rail options out there that this should be necessary any more unless one is attempting to make some kind of ultra-light 5 lb rifle.

Yep.

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