I'm looking at a centerfire upper for my .22lr M4.
I'm thinking strongly of going with a full-length handguard with full-length sight radius and full-length gas tube. Less stress on the bolt, greater sight radius, more gripping area on the handguards, no extra drawbacks on maneuverability or size since the barrel is still 16 inches.
Probably MagPul MOE handguards, FDE color. Only toys I'll be putting on the handguards will be a small light and possibly a side-mount sling attachment point. Irons to begin with, eventually a good red dot or holographic sight, probably 6 months to a year from now.
What says APS? Any drawbacks to the full length handguards on a carbine barrel?