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Posted: 11/22/2006 1:28:43 PM EDT
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This is going to be my christmas present (maybe to myself, who knows) I have a RRA Entry Tact. I have the ARMS 40 BUIS and Eo-Tech. I want to get a rail system to mount a light and down hand grip. What rail system?? oh yeah, I want to keep my front site!!! and have the color or the rail match pretty good to the color of my rifle. I am also looking for a easier type install I was thiking : Surefire MidWest industry Thoughts? |
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I'd break down your choices into four catagories. 1. Non free-float two-piece rail systems. These are the least expensive and easiest to install as they assemble exactly like your standard plastic handguards. Rails from Samson, Yankee Hill Machine, Midwest Industries, and KAC are popular choices. I'd vote for the MI #17 because I think they have the highest quality at the lowest price. As with all models of this type however, don't be surprised if there exists a slight wiggle in the rail. Especially with a vertical grip. MI#17  2. Locking non-free float rails These rails include the SAS upgraded KAC rail and the Surefire M73. These are non-free floating rails, but attach much more securely than type #1. Starting with the M73, this rail attaches to the barrel with a unique tensioning system. Imagine a mini extension ladder laying horizontal along the barrel. This is how the M73 locks into place. Once the upper and lower rails are placed on the barrel similar to the standard handguards, two beefy set screws are tightened and extend the rail system just like extending the ladder. The upper rail wedges and locks against the handguard cap while the lower rail wedges and locks against the barrel nut. There are also interlocking teeth that engage and lock the two halves together along the entire length of the rail. The KAC rails engage the front handguard cap in much the same way as type #1, but use small metal "claws" that engage the barrel nut and tension the rail tightly against the barrel. In my opinion these are the most secure non-free float rail systems. Rock solid. I own two M73s and they have served me very well including a flawless performance at a 3-day carbine class. SAS upgraded KAC  Surefire M73  3. Two piece free float rails These types of rails require a small amount of disassembly, namely the delta ring. It can be either cut off, or removed once the barrel is removed. These rails free float the barrel and clamp securely around the barrel nut to provide a very stable rail platform with the potential of improved accuracy. Popular choices include systems from Troy, Samson, GG&G, and Midwest Industries. This type of rail is rock solid. Also in this group is the one-of-a-kind ARMS SIR rail system. This two piece rail free floats the barrel, but the civilian version does not require the delta ring to be removed. I vote for the MI #20. High quality at an unbeatable price. I own one of these rails and am very happy with it. MI#20  4. One piece free float rail systems. The most complicated to install, these rails require removal of the front sight base because they replace the standard barrel nut with one specific to their installation. Popular choices include KAC, Daniel Defense, Yankee Hill, and LaRue Tactical. This type of rail is rock solid as well. I'd vote for the LaRue as the quality is unparalleled and the price is very competitive. LaRue Tactical  Good luck and happy hunting. This thread shows several rail installations if you're interested in the details behind the more complicated installations. www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782 |
| either one of your choices will work just great. I personally have the Surefire and I would never switch it for any other. If you don't mind the top rail on the Surefire being lower than the top rail on the receiver, which was a very ingenious idea than go with the Surefire. You can find new or like new in the EE for around $125 and under. |
I think Randall (AR15barrels.com) charges something like $ Not 100% on those numbers, but that should give you a ballpark. ETA: Randall's Service Order Form |
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I think i am going to go with option 3. the MW Ind #20. How true is this statement from there web site?? "No removal of barrel or front sight for installation. Simply cut off the delta ring for a easy install" Is the delta ring easy to cut off w/ a dremel. I suppose i no longer need the delta ring with the rail. |
you shouldn't have any problem cutting the Delta ring, just take it slow and be careful. Maybe mask of the area around the delta ring just in case, good luck |
the ladder rails will help very little with heat, they are more for protecting the rails in the areas where you won't be touching the handguards, like with using VG |
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The MI rails are pretty nice. KAC is very good quality. The LaRue are exceptional. You may have some problems with the SF rails as they have had issues with the rails not being quite 1913 spec. Same with the YHM stuff, particularly the older versions. As for shooting without panels/ladders, I know a lot of people do it. Just keep in mind that panels protect the rails as well as your hands. I've seen a few rails get chewed up from not clearing a hatch totally, as well as some damage from doors ar falling over. And I've seen more than a few hands, chairs, car seats, consoles, gear, and an MDT terminal get cheese-gratered from a rail with no panels. "Panels: they're not just for bling anymore." |
| I have 2 Bushmaster carbines with MI #20's on them. They are rock solid and the rail matches perfectly with my flat top. Mine have never loosened. I used lock tight on the screws. A few officers have had the 1 piece free floats loosen up. MI's are fairly easy to install. Just be careful cutting the Delta ring. |
I just got a smoking deal w/ shipping included from Krista at RBPrecission on a MI#20. Im if interested |
Good post. I too, have not bought one so far simply because there are so many choices with so many confusing options and no central places where they can be compaired to side by side or by category. This was the closest I have seen to such a comparison. Thanks, S.O. |
Happy to help. You are right, this is a very confusing subject. Maybe someone will find the motivation to expand on what I've done and get the information tacked in this forum? 
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Try here. |
you're kidding about the DD-Lite, right? they are sweet, but, For the OP, they are not simple compared to the MI, surefire, or KAC RAS... you need to remove the existing barrel nut, flash hider, and sight tower to install versus just popping off the handguards. My Vote: value- surefire - relatively reasonably priced, SOLID lockup- no wiggle. Cool- KAC RAS w/SAS bottom rail. - very solid, issued all over the military (i know not a big deal), goood covers. |
Optics on rails isn't a real good idea. The non-freefloat (even locking types) are going to have some movement. Optics are better off being mounted to the upper, or at worst onto a mount that joins the upper and the tube. |
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