AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/17/2006 8:41:17 PM EDT
| I am not trying to stir the pot by any means with this question but here goes. There are so many different companys manufacturing Rail Systems, so where does a guy(rookie to accessorizing) start? CAA? ARMS? I am confused. Looking for a great product without breaking the bank. Thanks for any and all help. Take care! |
|
Don't know what your bank looks like...But I got the Larue for $250 and I believe it is worth it. It can't come loose and the fit and finish are perfect. I'm very happy with it and if $250 isn't too much, then I assure you that you would also be happy with it. -Mike |
|
Go with Surefire rails if you want non free-float. Excellent, excellent rails at a great price. They lock up tighter than any other non free-float system on the market and will run you only $25 to $50 more than most other non free-float systems. Advantages of non-free float rails include zero modifications to your weapon and they usually cost less. The free-float rail category is more closely contested, but I'll recommend MI because they are a great product and have the best prices. They are a bit on the heavy/bulky side but money talks. Also keep in mind the level of complexity you are willing to endure during installation. Troy, MI, and Samson come to mind as the "easy" kind. They only require removal of the delta ring. The more complicated ones include Larue, YHM and KAC to name a few. They require removal of the barrel nut and front sight base. |
| I recommend the Troy MRF line. They are true free-floats, rock solid, and far easier to install than most FF's. They also present a smooth, even rail between the upper receiver and the forearm, while a lot of the competition does not. I've owned two MRF-C's and am about to buy a MRF-RX |
A non free-floated rail attaches to the barrel at the barrel nut and at the front sight base. This is identical to the way the standard plastic handguards mount. One of the problems with this attachment method is any torque, stress, or misalignment you place on the handguards is applied to the barrel. Examples include a bipod, sling, or vertical grip. Not the best situation for accuracy. A free-float rail system attaches only at the barrel nut and allows the barrel to "float" meaning it is completely isolated from any external forces applied to the rail system. It's the same concept as free floating the barrel of a precision bolt rifle. If you're building a combat carbine, a free float is nice but not required. The isolated features of a free floating rail are reserved for someone who wants to optimize the accuracy of their rifle, such as with an SPR or long range tactical rig. |
|
if you are looking for a good product without breaking the bank I beleive the MI #17 is pretty much your best bet. Great Company and a great product for under $130. YHM also makes decent rails for around $100 but for another $25 the MI is the better way to go eta: MI #17 link |
what do you mean by guards? Heat sheids? or Rail covers? |
Their rail system is made by TDI. It is NOT free floating, as it clamps to the front sight tower, and is more expensive than a LaRue or Troy/Samson, Daniel Defense which are all far superior systems. It all depends on what type of set-up you need/want before I would recommend to you which rail to get. First, let us know what type of set-up you have or want to have, and we can go from there. |
most handgurads do not come with any kind of rail covers. The only ones that comes with ladder covers is the Surefire M73 (which is what I have) and I highly recommend the M73 but it's a little bit more than the cheaper ones. The M73 goes for $150 and up. The only other handguard that I know of that comes with rail covers is from KAC and your talking in the $300 range for those. Basically you aren't going to find a inexspensive rail system that comes with ladder covers. |
I have a BM 16 inch A3 and am wanting to add a light and probably a Reflex. Being the shorter barrel is a FF needed? Thanks again. |
It doesnt NEED to be a free-float, but if you are willing to spend $200+ on a rail system, It might as well be FF. The Samson/Troy rails only require you to cut off the delta ring with a dremel tool, which is really easy to do, just take your time! The other LaRue,DD, Knights, (free-float systems) require complete removal of the barrel for installation. It comes down to personal preferrence on which brand to get. I have owned ARMS, Knights, LaRue and have installed Troys. In my opinion, The LaRue is the best of the bunch for the traditional style FF rail all things considered( overall quality, function, price, and YES looks). The others are about as good, but the ARMS SIR is dated, and the design limits your options for optic mounting, and it is just too clunky. The Troy or Samson are nice and reasonably priced. You can get the 7" rail for around $205-$225max. They both make some nice extended versions of their rails that extend past the front sight, and look excellent, although it seems like Samsons extended versions are more readily available in the market. The newer Midwest Industries (MI) rails install similar to the Troy/Samson rails, but I have not seen or installed them, so I cannot speak of their quality. All of Knights products are well made, but priced significantly higher than the competition, and hard to come by. Good luck! |
AR Sponsor