>>63870466
>Thinking about getting a better 14.5” pinned+welded regular profile upper - am I better off just buy a new rifle all out?
just get a new upper/rifle
the 18" is fine, just not for what you currently want
the chances your tastes will change however, are as high as anyone else's, so having it on standby for later would be nice, as opposed to redoing the barrel again
never ask "should i buy a new rifle?", ask "can i afford a new rifle?"
its not about need, its about want & the ability to supply said want