This is Abrams Small Arms Research new CAS-V rail system, that was debuted at the 2004 SHOT show. Most of you know that I pretty much like most of the rail systems out there right now, but, the ARM's SIR is my setup of choice. I have to say, this one is going to be very close to tying for that first place spot with me.
First, its a pretty light system. I will get a weight on our digital postal scale at work tomorrow for everyone. This system free floats the barrel, but does not require the removal of the delta ring, barrel, front sight, or anything. Its one of the simplest installs I can think of. It is however very rigid and solid system. Another nice thing is that as that in similar fashion to the SIR, it allows you to mount and remove rails where you need them. You'l notice in the pics below, that it also has provisions to mount rails at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions, in addition to the normal 12, 3, 6, and 9:00 spots. I have tried a number of after market items on the rails, and everything fits great. I only noticed two small things. The ARMs throw lever mount on the Laser Devices OP-6 light that I mounted, was a bit tight when locking the lever down. Secondly, the Tango down forward grip I tried fit VERY tightly. That said, once you get it on, there is NO wobble or movement of any kind. The Larue Aimpoint mount and ARM's #22M68 mounts I tried, all went on perfectly.
Lastly, and this is a really good thing to me, you'll notice from the pics that the awesome Larue fixed rear sight fits like they were made for each other. Somehow I didnt get my price list with the system, but its on the way to me from ASAR. This is the aluminum alloy version. The Titanium version is still being finalized. Carbine length, midlength, and an extended carbien length are planned, with possibly a rifle length. Please email me with any questions on availability, etc.
And here are the pics.




In the next 4 pics, you can see how the lower half connects with the upper half. There is a stud on each side that the lower rocks into, and then a tab on either side at the front that locks into the upper. Very simple, but it locks up really tight and strong.










Here is a view of the two tabs inside that slide over the notches of the barrel nut. You can see how they wrap around at the top to provide additional support, and help secure the system.




Its also a fairly thin system as well.




With the system, you'll get 3 different length rails, a sling swivel, and a short rail that is taller that the others, incase you need more offset for mounting items.






Rails can be mounted in a number of positions as seen here, including the 5 & 7:00 spots.







With the Larue fixed rear sight, its a GREAT fit.




End shot showing the free float.




Some final shots.

Quoted: Looks nice! Any pictures of the midlength version?

Not yet, but hopefully soon......

I think you need a beta tester to work out the inevitable bugs in the design.

PM me and I'll tell where to ship my (free)  evaluation samples.


CJ

Looks nice and if its rails are to Picatinny spec it already has the ARMS SIR beat! To me, this fixes a lof my issues with the SIR (weight, cost and rails that don't follow the 1913 spec)...


C4

Quoted: It looks HEAVY.  Have you weighed it yet?  With all the rails installed, without and with enough for a vertical grip and flash light and possibly a laser would be nice.  Perhaps just the forearm and seperate weights for the rails so we can figure it out ourselves.

Quoted: First, its a pretty light system. I will get a weight on our digital postal scale at work tomorrow for everyone.

Quoted: Is it touching the front sight and/or the retaining cap? Thanks.....Chad

3rd pic up from the bottom.....No touching at all.

Some more pics of the new Abrams rail system

You do not have to remove the Delta ring, front sight, or anything. As mentioned, you simply hold the delta ring back, as you would for installing regular handguards, and then slide the CAS-V down so that the two tabs go over the barrel nut edge, and then release the delta ring to snap back in place.

Here are the weights I got. Main system, top and lower half, with no rails attached, was 14.5 oz. The rails ranged from .7 to 1.5 oz., depending on length.

Also...I just found out that they can be had in black, OD green, or Tan.

Quoted: From what I understand is that you don't have to remove the front post site or mess with the Delta ring at all. Is that correct? Looks easy to mount and from what others said, its solid.

That is correct.

Quoted: Ok, I guess I just might have misunderstood what the guy told me. My appologies.

[Arnold]No problemo[/Arnold]  

Quoted: Does anyone know the website address for Abram Small Arms Research?

www.abrams.com/

The link to the ASAR part is at the bottom, but is still under construction.

Quoted: are these free floating? or more or less a standard handguard with rails couldn't tell from pic

Yes, as I said in the original post, and as can bee seen in the 3rd pic from the last, they are free floating.