Doc,
Thanks! I like the RAS with or without the forward grip, supposedly a RIS or RAS equipped carbine/rifle has better cooling abilities than the standard handguards, including the M4 double heat shield ones. Later on I'd like to get a flash light, but the forward grip and light will be all I'd need, since I won't be putting a night vision in tandem with an Aimpoint, or a laser infrared on it any time soon. I had a tough time installing the RAS on my rifle, sure wish I had one of these handguard removal tools.
The ELCAN is robust, clear and bright, but is bulky, its backup sights (not visible in the pic, one blade in front and two in the rear, on top of the scope) are made of the same rubber armor that surrounds the scope, which is to say soft and can be worn out. For versatility, I'd get an ACOG, since it can either mount on a carrying handle or on a flat top receiver with an adapter. I want to get an ACOG TA01NSN someday, the ACOG is probably the closest competitor in terms of performance and reliability, but since I already have an ELCAN I'd have to wait a bit for an ACOG.