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Posted: 3/8/2004 10:33:00 PM EDT
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Howdy all. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with the Specter kit, preferably the lightweight model. Currently I have a Hogue FF kit on the front, and ordered a KAC RAS II over a month ago, and I think I might want to cancel the order to actually get "a" product. Plus the "hump" on the RAS II is looking less and less attractive as time goes on, though I do not actually have it to see how it looks and feels on my rifle. Does anyone have experience with either product (or hopefully both)? What I am basically looking for is a rail system to mount a light and forward grip, and possibly my COMP 2 with a M2268 with cantilever. Current rifle is RRA A4 16 inch with A2 stock, Hogue furniture, and #40 BUIS. Current use is to mimic my service rifle and all around plinking and 3 gun. Disassembly of the FSP is required either way, so that is a non issue. Thanks for your time, and your opinions are welcomed. -Redfoot |
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Love my RASII rig. You can lose the cantelever spacer, put the #22 back together and mount the M2 atop the hump. Perfect co witness. It is very solid and will work great with your light and grip. Gone through alot of forends but still have all my KAC units, including the RASII. take care... |
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Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to mount the sight further forward, but I guess "on the hump" is far enough. Another reason I was considering others than the KAC RAS II is that my upper was sent with a mistake on the forend, so I have to install the barrel nut spring, etc. for it to look right, something I was trying to avoid in the first place. Now that barrel dissaembly HAS to be done either way, I was looking at a system that looks a little more streamlined and integral. Of course I might change my mind with the KAC in hand, but when it gets here is another story. BTW, anyone know any good AR 'smiths in the Colorado Springs area, or a complete list of the tools I would need so I can do the job myself? Thanks, -Redfoot |
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Y.H. Specter kit on RRA/ADCO lightened mid-length chrome-lined barrel. [IMG]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/315352/Dsc00553.jpg[/IMG] [URL]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/315352/Dsc00552.jpg[/URL] [IMG]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/315352/Dsc00551.jpg[/IMG] [URL]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/315352/Dsc00550.jpg[/URL] [IMG]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/315352/Dsc00549.jpg[/IMG] [URL]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/315352/Dsc00547.jpg[/URL] Crappy stock will be gone soon, I'm eyeing one of GreenO's repro' stocks. |
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The lightweight spector handguard weighs 13.3 oz with the end cap. The flip-up front sight is 2.5 oz. That combined weight is the weight of a lot of carbine tubes only. I believe the YHM carbine lightweight weighs 10 oz. For reference, the lightest FF railed handguard is the Daniel Defense Carbine at 8.5 oz. |
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Thanks for all the great responses. I am still waiting for a review of the Troy Industries forend, but for all of you leaning towards the YHM, they have been a pleasure to work with, answering most of my questions within a day or less. The suspense is killing me!! -Redfoot |
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I just wanted to post a note about the problem dot_bob had with getting the end cap over his permanently mounted muzzle brake. Quoted: I went with the YHM Specter, obviously. Went on smoothly enough, I had to grind the inside of the front piece, to fit over fake brake. Well off for the test fire. [url]http://www.dotbob.us/specter1.jpg[/url] YHM does carry an end cap that has a 1 1/16" opening. It was designed to accommodate bull barrels but it would work for anyone with a permanently mounted muzzle device with a diameter of 7/8" to 1 1/16". The Specter forearm kit normally ships with the 7/8" end cap. But, we do allow customers to substitute this for the 1 1/16" end cap. Simply ask for a swap in the comment section of the web order form. Or by placing the order by phone toll free at 877-892-6533 |
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Archer_YHM, It's good to see you "guys" on AR15.com. I've talked to Paul before ordering your fip up front and rear sights, picatinney rails, sling swivels, and a number of other things. Keep up the good work and make sure you keep taking care of Bushmaster. You two make a great team! [8d] |
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Archer_YHM, I saw that option this morning, lol, also saw the upper I really want to put this on. Guess I will have to order another one after I get it here. This is a great product, I himed and hawed about what to put on my RRA m4 with the cursed fake brake. So happy with my choice. I sold the plastic two piece hg replacements I was using to "get the effect", Whee Whoo. Anyways, this was my first barrel off mod, and your instructions made it a smooth one. THANKS Mike |
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Quoted: Hi, I wonder if anyone has installed the end cap that comes with the kit? Does it still leave the barrel free floating? Any pictures of it installed? thanks Yes, the end cap continues to allow the barrel to be FF. The reason I couldn't install mine is because my barrel is a mid-length setup therefore the gas block is to far forward. |
| I installed mine, I sold a really nice camera to pay for this project. Sorry no pics that show it clearly, but as stated it does not touch the barrel. I've got a RRA m4 profile barrel with permanent brake, I "sanded" mine to get it over the brake. You can order it to fit over the brake, if you want/need. I'm waiting for two lowers to come back from repair, when I build the uppers, YHM will be on both. I'm hooked on the solid feel, and ease of install. |
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Quoted: Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to mount the sight further forward, but I guess "on the hump" is far enough. Another reason I was considering others than the KAC RAS II is that my upper was sent with a mistake on the forend, so I have to install the barrel nut spring, etc. for it to look right, something I was trying to avoid in the first place. Now that barrel dissaembly HAS to be done either way, I was looking at a system that looks a little more streamlined and integral. Of course I might change my mind with the KAC in hand, but when it gets here is another story. BTW, anyone know any good AR 'smiths in the Colorado Springs area, or a complete list of the tools I would need so I can do the job myself? Thanks, -Redfoot If I'm reading you right, there is no disassembly for the RAS II. Just remove the old handgaurds and install the two pieces per instructions. So easy I could do it. |
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The issue was that my rifle does not have a barrel nut for it came with the Hogue FF Forend. So no matter what the FSB/barrel would have to be disassembled to install the RAS II (and I am an AR newbie and lack the requisite skill/tools). Agreed, that is one of the pluses for the KAC system, easy install/removal. Right now I am sold on either the YHM Specter or the Troy MRF, just waiting for a review on the latter. |
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Thanks for the info and pics. I've been looking for a FF handguard for my new Bushmaster 1:7 barrel. One question, is the Rail on the bottom a 'standard' or does if have the cutout section in the middle like the 12, 3, & 9 o'clock rails? The reason I ask is several of the foward grips (including the KAC) have a tab that locks in the slots - with those cutout section the handgrip doesn't lock in nearly as well. |
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The RAS2 and SIR's are the only two that can be put on with ease and never have an alignment problem with the receiver, and no disasembly of the barrel, or anything else. That to me is another big savings that is sometimes over looked. Never mind the hastle of gunsmithing with the tube/rails of other less costly types. |
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Quoted: One question, is the Rail on the bottom a 'standard' or does if have the cutout section in the middle like the 12, 3, & 9 o'clock rails? The reason I ask is several of the foward grips (including the KAC) have a tab that locks in the slots - with those cutout section the handgrip doesn't lock in nearly as well. It is like the 12/3/6 rails. |
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Quoted: The issue was that my rifle does not have a barrel nut for it came with the Hogue FF Forend. So no matter what the FSB/barrel would have to be disassembled to install the RAS II (and I am an AR newbie and lack the requisite skill/tools). Agreed, that is one of the pluses for the KAC system, easy install/removal. Right now I am sold on either the YHM Specter or the Troy MRF, just waiting for a review on the latter. Oh, alright, my bad. I misunderstood your earlier post. I'll crawl back to my cave now [cuddeling AR]. |
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Quoted: Quoted: The issue was that my rifle does not have a barrel nut for it came with the Hogue FF Forend. So no matter what the FSB/barrel would have to be disassembled to install the RAS II (and I am an AR newbie and lack the requisite skill/tools). Agreed, that is one of the pluses for the KAC system, easy install/removal. Right now I am sold on either the YHM Specter or the Troy MRF, just waiting for a review on the latter. Oh, alright, my bad. I misunderstood your earlier post. I'll crawl back to my cave now [cuddeling AR]. That is funny! Corey lists some poblems with the MRF I still like the two systems from the big boys on the block, best. The SIR ans RAS2, in that order. |
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Quoted: Quoted: The issue was that my rifle does not have a barrel nut for it came with the Hogue FF Forend. So no matter what the FSB/barrel would have to be disassembled to install the RAS II (and I am an AR newbie and lack the requisite skill/tools). Agreed, that is one of the pluses for the KAC system, easy install/removal. Right now I am sold on either the YHM Specter or the Troy MRF, just waiting for a review on the latter. Oh, alright, my bad. I misunderstood your earlier post. I'll crawl back to my cave now [cuddeling AR]. That is funny! Corey lists some poblems with the MRF I still like the two systems from the big boys on the block, best. The SIR ans RAS2, in that order. |
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No prob, and that was one of the reasons I like the RAS II. Easy install. And as nice as the Hogue FF forend is , I am almost wishing I had the standard barrel nut setup to put on some less expensive rails (read FOBUS) for all I need is a vert grip, bipod, and light. Steve at ADCO said he would be happy to swap it out for me, but right now time is too tight to be without my rifle for too long. I am checking out that post as well. Hmmm. Depending how long it takes Troy to address the issues and if the issue is with the one particlular unit or the whole run, I would have to say that YHM looks like a winner again. More and more though, it looks like I should eventually aquire the proper tools and learn to do this stuff myself. However, I think an article or two may be in order if I was found 'smithing an upper in my barracks.... Thanks for your input guys!! -Redfoot |
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