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Posted: 1/4/2004 10:10:46 AM EDT
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I've got a new Colt (LE) M4 that I using for a new project and I've got the rail system narrowed down to the RAS FF or the MRE.... Between these two rail systems, which would you choose and why? |
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I would go with the MRE it give you more rail space to mount accessories and lights further foward, this will decrease the barrel shadow and give you more hand room. The only reason I would go with a short FF-RAS is if you need to use the bayonet lug. Last but not least the FF-RAS MRE looks cooler![:D] |
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My sole reason for choosing the MRE is that is that it looks cooler and not many people have them [;)]. Unless you have NV, IR indicator and a light, the standard M4 FF RAS is probably adequate, but who can settle for adequate? I'll never say I am done with any rifle as it may change with my needs (or wants), but I think I am done tinkering with this one for a while: [img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=21189[/img] |
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Those of ya that have seen this tired old pic cover yer eyes [;)] [img]home.earthlink.net/~whitman/THREE.JPG[/img] The MRE takes more time to install, because you have to slide the FSB back on, and drive the taper pins in through the little holes on the MRE RAS. The MRE does give you more rail area than a carbine FF RAS, but not as much as a rifle lengh FF RAS [:d] The MRE has cutouts for the FSB and bayo lug, but honestly I can't imagine anyone needing more rail area than what the MRE offers. If you wants to use the rifle length FF RAS, don't get to get a KAC low profile gas block. For front sight, you can use the KAC rail mounted front sight, or Troy Industry's unit, it mounst to the rail like the KAC but the sight itself is like the PRI flip up sight. [img]troyind.com/images/Web%20front_sight4.jpg[/img] Given the options you listed (MRE or carbine FF RAS), I'd go with the MRE. You can mount the flash light and a rail mounted sling attachment further forward. The CQB Solutions slings are invariably too long, the ability to mount the front sling further up helps address it. Now maybe one day someone would make a rail mounted bayo lug...[thinking] |
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Thanks for all the responses and pics guys....The rifle will be used as my SWAT carbine and I was curious how the MRE balances, does it make the rifle feel much heavier, is it worth the extra cost, etc. I don't want to go with a full length because the front sight base is staying in place, (I don't care for fold down front sights on a SWAT gun) WES, I can't buy both, I've only got (1) AR left that doesn't have a rail system on it....And it's a COLT this time so we won't have a problem with the pins this time...HOPEFULLY [;)] |
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MY THOUGHTS ON THE MRE: THE DIFFERENCE IN WEIGHT IS NEGLIGIBLE. A LOT OF ITS UTILITY DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU LIKE TO RUN THE VERTICAL GRIP. I LIKE IT OUT A BIT ON A 14.5" OR 16". THIS MEANS THAT IF I USE A "C" SWITCH ON THE SUREFIRE, THE LIGHT NEEDS TO BE A BIT FURTHER OUT. THE MRE GIVES ME THE REAL ESTATE TO DO THIS, AS THE PICTURE SHOWS. BUT IF YOU RUN THE VERTICAL GRIP FURTHER AFT, AS ON THE 10.5" PICTURED, ALL THAT EXTRA REAL ESTATE IS OF LITTLE USE FOR MOUNTING GEAR. ONE IRREFUTABLE ADVANTAGE OF THE MRE: DOING WHAT IS KNOW AS THE "CRAZY INDAN" DRILL AT MID-SOUTH ( DO NOT ASK ME WHERE THE NAME CAME FROM, BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW! ), WHICH INVOLVES MULTIPLE TRANSITION DRILLS FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY WEAPON, FAR FEWER FIRST AND SECOND DEGREE BURNS OCCUR WITH THE MRE. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE HOW HOT THE FRONT SIGHT TOWER AND BARREL GETS DURING EXTENDED FIRING. JUST BECAUSE A NOMEX FLIGHT SUIT IS FLAME RETARDENT DOES NOT MEAN IT IS A GOOD INSULATOR. WES GRANT [URL]MSTN.BIZ[/URL] |
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Quoted: Thanks for all the responses and pics guys....The rifle will be used as my SWAT carbine and I was curious how the MRE balances, does it make the rifle feel much heavier, is it worth the extra cost, etc. Just as a point of reference, mine weighs 9 lb 14 oz with a loaded 30 rd mag. Heavier than I would have liked, but I don't think there is much I can pare off and still have the flexibility this set up offers. |
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The M4 is a little light in my opinion and the FF RAS MRE is a barely noticeable change. It will allow you to mount a bi-pod and foregrip, with a place to grip the conventional forearm at the same time (have your cake and eat it too) not possible with the M4 FF RAS. My vote is on the MRE FF RAS. They make the M4 feel a little more like a rifle, and a little less like a toy (which is what the M4 feels like to me.) [b] before you jump all over me, I know the M4 is NOT A TOY (I own one and am issued one) but that doesn't mean it doesn't feel today like my Redrider felt in my hands when I was 12.[/b] |
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I went from a standard carbine RAS to the MRE. At first I didn't get the full benefit of the system, then when I got the PRI M69 weapons mount for the PVS 14 I wound up mounting the Eotech fully forward onto the RAS. This meant I had to find another place for the IR. While it will obviously fit back on the side section between the barrel nut and front sight it works much, much better mounted just under the sight. I couldn't be happier with mine. |
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They are harder to find, sometimes you have to custom order them (most dealers have to make a KAC direct order to get one), for whatever reason, it seems less people want to install them or something. (It seems that the MRE is a landslide victory here, so I don't know why the MRE is so hard to get in stock.) |
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I thought I read somewhere that the MRE's were contract over-runs, originally designed as per SEAL specs, or something of that nature. There are a few still floating around out there, and MSTN has told me they may be getting some from Knights. I don't think Knights is still making any more MRE's, hopefully someone will chime in and give us more accurate info. Excalibur Arms is another excellent source of KAC gear, they may have some more left. I currently have one, and it's my personal favorite of all the available units, even if I don't use all that rail. I wish I could find a "non-rail front filler tube", I could order separately. I am looking for either a gas block with rail that is flush with the Knights MRE rail, so I can put a flip up front sight, or a folding gas block/front sight setup that lays flush w/ rail when retracted. This is to sit in in the area that is for the regular front sight post. Primarily, I'd like whatever it is pinned / staked, but most options are for set screws. Any suggestions? |
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