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MI-AK-X (Page 2 of 2)
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Now that I have put it through the paces, here is a short review:
First impressions were very positive. Like many high quality parts, the MI rail is shipped wet. It comes coated in a sheen of protective oil that you will want to wipe off before installing the rail. The machining and millwork is extremely precise and clean. The rail markings are laser etched and look fantastic. This is not my first MI product, but I am always impressed by just how well put together they are. Every bit the quality of a KAC or any other so-called tier 1 manufacturers, at a better price point. The rails are perfectly in spec and the VFG and rail panels fit tightly and securely. The rail attaches just like MI’s original AK handguard, with a stirrup that locks it directly on to the barrel and interfaces and locks to the upper handguard system. There have been various other threads with step by step install instructions, and frankly it is so straightforward it comes printed on one sheet of paper. Even a mechanical nightmare like me can’t mess it up. Due to the rail system’s narrow profile and tight internal tolerances, you must first remove the sling loop from the front handguard cap if your AK has one. This takes about 45 seconds with a dremel tool. Since I don’t use the front loop even on my more traditional rifles, this wasn’t a big deal to me. I’m not going back to a traditional look on this gun and really can’t see myself removing the handguard now that I have it. The most obvious comparison is to the Ultimak system. The MI X rail is 1” longer than the compact Ultimak unit, while still feeling IMHO significantly lighter. I didn’t have an Ultimak on hand to get a precise weight, and their website doesn’t list it anywhere. At under 13 oz, the MI x rail is only slightly heavier than the stock wooden handguards, though it relocates a little weight further forward on the rifle. Obviously the effect will vary once you start bolting grips, lights, Swiss army knives, water buffalo, etc. to it. Again comparing the upper handguard to the Ultimak gas tube system; the Ultimak unit is lower profile and offers a rail all the way out to the gas block. If you want/need top rails that far out, (to bolt your water buffalo to) the Ultimak is for you. With this handguard, MI offers you a number of choices, but all are the length of a standard upper handguard. You can go with a standard but elevated rail, or if you prefer to cowitness, an optic specific setup. I went with the upper designed for the Trijicon RMR. This sets up the sights for a perfect lower 3rd cowitness even in the tiny RMR window. The RMR just bolts right to it with two screws that come with the sight. I had never run an RMR previously and found myself saying “That’s it?” in a good way. What I really like about the upper handguard is the ventilation. The sight is separated from the gas tube by about ¼” of air space and ventilated with holes down the entire length of the handguard. While I have never heard a report of the heat from an Ultimak frying an optic, they do get very hot. I can’t imagine that an RMR, with the battery nearly in contact with a rail system, would be my preferred setup in the long run. Just because it is HALF the cost of an Ultimak top and bottom rail, doesn’t mean they cut corners. Frankly I don’t know how they manage to produce a rail of this quality, a few short weeks after it was initially requested, and at this price point. Not that I am complaining of course. I have had the rail for a couple of weeks and FINALLY got out to put it through the paces yesterday. The rail stayed solid and maintained zero for the optic which was very easy to get dialed in. There were no heat issues whatsoever in the upper or lower handguard during rapid fire. The well ventilated handguard makes for a light weight and very good airflow around the barrel and gas tube. I really don’t have anything negative to say about this product. I was part of the group that requested/bugged Troy for it and I am very pleased with the final result. It has been perfectly suited to what I wanted for this project. |
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I reject your review based on lack of pics.
J/K 
Thanks for the write up. I am leaning toward their upcoming SS rail after seeing the pics and features of it. This rail is a close second though. re: the charging handle. What's you're take on it? Any pros/cons to it over the factory handle? Worth the money? |
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Lol. I went to the range and left the camera sitting home. I'll take some more pics soon. The charging handle is great for a lefty like me so I don't get stabbed when I sling it. Also with the extra width of the railed hand guard, the extended charging handle really makes a difference. Reloading is just a little faster and more comfortable because I can't miss the handle. Worth every penny IMHO.
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Originally Posted By Hizzie:
Will the X-Rail fit on a Hungarian AMD-65? http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3868/amd65pistolmixrail.jpg fits nicely |
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Originally Posted By boamedt:
Originally Posted By Hizzie:
Will the X-Rail fit on a Hungarian AMD-65? http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3868/amd65pistolmixrail.jpg fits nicely You da man! Thanks for the pic. |
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Originally Posted By boamedt:
Originally Posted By Hizzie:
Will the X-Rail fit on a Hungarian AMD-65? http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3868/amd65pistolmixrail.jpg fits nicely Very nice, looks good. Thanks, PETE MI |
Midwest Industries Inc.
Quality Manufacturers of Tactical Rifle Accessories
www.midwestindustriesinc.com
Quality Manufacturers of Tactical Rifle Accessories
www.midwestindustriesinc.com
What have the Romans ever done for us?
Joined:
Jul 2008
Posts:
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TN, USA
| just a suggestion but how about an option for the bottom rail only. many of us already have the top cover. |
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
MI-AK-X (Page 2 of 2)
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