I am looking to buy an AR-15 rifle and this is my first gun. I have done a lot of reading on the internet and have narrowed it down to two rifles, but wanted some opinions/help on picking the one that's right for me. I am looking at the M&P15X and M&P15MOE. The only upgrade I want to make with it is to add a crosshair scope. For use, I was going to use the .223 to hunt wild hogs, but mostly want to shoot .22 rounds with the conversion kit.

My understanding is the only difference between the two (besides the mag-pul add ons) is the X has 1 in 9" barrel twist with a carbine length gas system and the MOE has the stronger 4150 barrel, 1 in 8" twist and a mid-length gas system. I think they have the same chromed components. Are you really going to notice much of a difference or "kick" between the carbine and mid-length gas systems?

I figured since I was going to be shooting mostly .22 rounds I was going to make my decision on which would be better with the conversion kit. Yes I know neither of the twist rates are good for .22, but don't want to buy another upper. For accuracy, would it be better to have the 1 in 9" barrel for "better" accuracy or go with the mid-length gas system and stronger barrel? Would you even notice a difference with 1" difference in twist rate?

Thanks for reading and any help you can offer.