All,
I'm assembling (don't like the word build...as that implies I am smarter than I am) an AR15 for a friend. GySgt in the USMC that wants something similar to an M4.
It is a budget build. He wants a flat top A4 upper, but an A2 Front sight. He has a detachable carry handle, but also wants the option to slap an optic on at some point.
He also wants a quad rail.
Being a 20" HBAR guy, I was unsure of what length rail would work with a mid length (16") barrel with an A2 front sight gas block.
I reached out to my buddy Kirt (AMHLDO) and asked if he knew what length quad rail would work. He turned me onto this:
https://troyind.com/products/mrf-10-blk
It is a 10" rail, that any novice can install themselves. It utilizes the standard barrel nut...and no Delta ring. Will not interfere with an A2 gas block either.
It is also FREE Floating, which translates to better accuracy.
There may be other options out there, but I have not searched. The Troy will answer the mail for this assembly.
Easy way to replace existing hand guards and get a rail that is free floating.
R/
Chris
Troy makes some great stuff. If you are going in that direction, you might consider this:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/3058116424/troy-industries-alpha-battle-rail-modular-free-float-handguard-with-integral-flip-up-front-sight-ar-15
Free-float and includes a flip-up front sight that can be flipped down when using optics. It has a top rail, so any optics will work fine. I personally prefer not to have a quad rail, due to the extra weight and the discomfort of all those sharp edges. Any handguard like the one above will accommodate smaller rail sections and/or allow the installation of various gizmos (lights, lasers, disco-ball, fuzzy dice, etc) directly.
Thanks....but I'm relegated to what the guy wants at this point. But that is a great option as well.
R/
Chris
There are literally DOZENS (maybe hundreds?) of free float rails out there. They've been out for the last 10 years...there's nothing special about what Troy is offering.
I would also HIGHLY recommend to NOT use a quad rail...they are so "2006". Why?
+ Heavy - Picatinny rails add unnecessary weight
+ Cheese grater -- all they do is tear up your hands...then you'll want rail covers, which add more weight
+ Encourage mall ninja-ness -- with those rails you'll be tempted to put on a flashlight, and VFG, and laser, and coffee cup holder, and flower pot, and...
Get one of the MANY rail free options. They use key mod or m-loc for attachment. Lightweight. Solid. Way better.
Midwest Industries is only one of many good options. https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/
SteelThunder,
Great point. As stated, this is what my friend wants, so .....he'll get what he wants.
EXCELLENT point on the quad rail being a "Cheese Grater".
I ruined 2 Creedmoor shooting gloves on my quad rail, prior to realizing there was a cure for that.
I use Manta Rail covers, likely "hundreds" of other remedies out there as well.
R/
Chris
I don't tear up my hands or my gloves (Monard)nor do I use rail covers (just because I don't have them). I have put alot of rounds through this rifle and the rail leads to a much more consistent hand position for me than the A2 guards and float tube). Now friction tape on the A2 bottom guard could help, but I had this, it is lighter, and it helps me keep hand position better. The key to good midrange shooting (up to 600 yards) is consistent process. If your hand is sliding on the bottom handguards that is not leading to better consistency.
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/649/22659087526_070d3c7d73_k.jpg)
That is a PLUS to the rail. Nice to find a repeatable hand position.
My gloves (Non Monard...but do have one now and love it)...were chewed up more from Standing....than any other position. It is the way I "JAM" my hand/fist back against the magwell and rail.
The covers work well...but, I think maybe not needed now that I have that Monard glove. I put em on anyways...they look "tacti-cool" LOL
Nice looking setup Mike!