Differences between Samson & MI Industries carbine FF?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Differences between Samson & MI Industries carbine FF?

Posted: 12/22/2005 2:05:31 AM EDT

I am trying to figure out the differences between the samson MRFS-C and the MI Indst. MCTAR-20 carbine length FF forend. The Samson costs about $100 more than the MI but they both also look almost identical. Is the Samson worth the $100 more? Is the barrel nut locking mech. any better or different on the Samson? I have done extensive searches on both and also in the forend sticky but cannot seem to find much about the differences. I am trying to decide which to get for my M4gery. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: 12/22/2005 4:39:33 AM EDT

[#1]

two different companies making similar items with variations like every other item out there.

Posted: 12/22/2005 8:55:28 AM EDT

[#2]

Well for starters, the Samson is 4.3 oz lighter than the MI. That is pretty substantial. The MI will add almost 1/2 lb to the front of your rifle. The Samson will add less than 1/4 lb.

Posted: 1/13/2006 3:23:38 PM EDT

[#3]

The weight looks to be the biggest advantage of the Samson over the MI. Both are rock solid from all I've read.

HS

Posted: 1/13/2006 8:01:21 PM EDT

[#4]

MI needs to put their handguards on a diet...

Posted: 1/14/2006 4:58:10 AM EDT

[#5]

It sounds like you are comparing a free floating handguard to a none free floating handguard, correct? If so that would explain the difference in price.

Posted: 1/14/2006 4:17:09 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
It sounds like you are comparing a free floating handguard to a none free floating handguard, correct? If so that would explain the difference in price.

Both claim to be free float in as they bolt/clamp to the barrel nut. You must remove delta ring to install these. There are some cosmetic differences & the Samson is lighter. I've prety much decided to go with the Samson now. I like the small lines running the length at venting holes on the Samson also.

HS

Posted: 1/16/2006 9:07:12 PM EDT

[#7]

The Samson MRFS is built with two tabs that extend on either side of the receiver. These tabs make it impossible to rotate the rail and turn the barrel nut.
I could be wrong, but I don't see anything on the MI that would keep it from spinning other than the gas tube.
If nothing else, the weight would be your biggest reason to spend the extra cash.

TalonArms.com

Posted: 1/16/2006 11:05:35 PM EDT

[#8]

"MI needs to put their handguards on a diet..."

The machineing that lowers the weight of the samson rails costs money. The MI is in a lower price bracket.

If people tighten their barrel nuts to 60-80foot lbs they won't ever have to worry about being able to put enough pressure on the foregrip to turn the nut; as a side-effect their zeros won't budge either.

Posted: 1/17/2006 8:01:45 AM EDT

[#9]

+1

The additional machining done to the extrusions to lighten the weight on a Samson or Troy Ind rail adds additional costs. MI designed and built a product to fit into a different price bracket, and by all accounts they have done an excellent job. Dollar for dollar MI is tough to beat.

Each buyer needs to weigh (no pun intended) their requirements and their budget. And fortunately they should be able to find a product that fits perfectly.

MI has pins that index into the teeth of the barrel nut to prevent rotation.
If the barrel nut is installed properly, the pressure of a VPG ain't gonna spin it.

MI, Troy, Samson --- it is all good stuff.

Posted: 1/17/2006 12:49:51 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:

MI has pins that index into the teeth of the barrel nut to prevent rotation.
If the barrel nut is installed properly, the pressure of a VPG ain't gonna spin it.

It's my understanding that as little as 38 ft/lb is considered adequate torque to tighten a barrel nut to the "next" indexed position for the gas tube and still be in spec. If your gun is NIB from a reputable manufacturer you're probably in the 60-80 ft/lb range, but a used rifle off the EE might not be that tight.

I personally think the anti-rotation tabs on the Samson MRFS are a very good idea given all the variability that can creep into an AR build. YMMV, of course.

Posted: 2/14/2006 10:02:42 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
Quoted:

MI has pins that index into the teeth of the barrel nut to prevent rotation.
If the barrel nut is installed properly, the pressure of a VPG ain't gonna spin it.

It's my understanding that as little as 38 ft/lb is considered adequate torque to tighten a barrel nut to the "next" indexed position for the gas tube and still be in spec. If your gun is NIB from a reputable manufacturer you're probably in the 60-80 ft/lb range, but a used rifle off the EE might not be that tight.

I personally think the anti-rotation tabs on the Samson MRFS are a very good idea given all the variability that can creep into an AR build. YMMV, of course.

ETA: +1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Differences between Samson & MI Industries carbine FF?

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