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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - JP/Vtac Hand Guard Question (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/7/2008 3:12:10 PM EDT
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Why does nobody on here seem to have them? My friend has them on a couple guns and I really liked them....What are yalls thoughts? |
LINK Link talks about the Loctite thing. Probably not an issue, it just turns some people off at the idea which could explain why you don't see tons of them around They look like a fine piece to me but I use all LaRue rails |
I REALLY LIKE MINE!! I installed a rifle length JP V-Tac on my 16" middy and can't be happier.  Installation is easy and it is extremely strong. The best thing about it is that you only have to have rails only where you want them, so it is much more comfortable to shoot than a 4-rail. It is also very light so you don't end up adding tons of weight to your rifle. Here's a couple pics of mine:    Best of all is the price. You get a high quality, STRONG, free float tube with the ability to add rails anywhere you want all for around $149.00 Did I say that I like mine? 
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| Check out the "how to guide" link on Midwayusa.com. They show installation of a V-tac handguard and state that using loc-tite is not really nessecary. I plan on using a V-tac on my first build. They also come in OD green!!! Should look great with my OD Magpul PRS stock and MIAD grip. |
| I now only use the JP/VTAC tubes on my builds. I strongly encourage others for their build. The design is much better for using unless you need the rails to hang stuf on and you can add rails where you want them and not have them anywhere else. They are available in carbine /mid/rifle lengths and are easy to install. As far as loctite you can use the red but it is far easier to sand a small amount off the back of the main reciever nut to index it to the reciever. then you can torque to the proper level using the barrel nut. it will accept just about any low profile gas block. I prefer to use the pri-adjustable and I use the rifle length on just aboout every build regardless of gas system. I cannot find any down side to this forearm. |
I just ordered one for a build I'm doing. On the JP site, I clicked on the 'shorter' rail sections, and they said that they were not suitable for the 12oclock position. Do you have to use a full length rail for the top? or Can you use a short rail for merely mounting a folding front sight? |
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Allright, allright, you've forced my hand :-) I've had my SPR configured a few ways, and I haven't decided which to stick to yet..    Right now I have 1 2" rail at 10 o clcock and 1 2" rail at 3 o clock and 1 4" rail on bottom, I'm using a sling stud to mount a sling on the side and have discarded the harris bipod and the vltor/td bipod in favor of sandbags. I've dupmeed the TA21 for a TA11C on a larue mount And I replaced the vltor a1 clubfoot with a vltor emod. the JP tube rules. Like the AR itself, it is infinitely adaptable. |
DitchDr, I just got a pic of the OD Green. I have questions of how well it will match my RRA w/ OD Green furniture and MIAD grip. If you want I can send it to you for your opinion. Czar |
I just don't like having to buy rail covers. granted they're comfy as HELL, but they also bulk up the front hg. Plus, there are certain rail positions that I will NEVER ever put anything on. useless weight. with gloves on (don't know why you'd shoot without a good pair of gloves on!) grabbing teh slim vtac hg is sweet as hell..... I hear why folks like fatter m4 handguards on carbines, but on rifles? no thanks. |
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Czar, There was a pic on here somewhere of an AR w/ Magpul PRS stock, MIAD grip, and OD V-tac. Just looked for it and can't find it again. The color appeared to match pretty close although I could tell it was not an exact match. I'm kinda picky 'bout things like that and it's a close enough match for me! The rifle looked great. I'll let you know if I come across the pic again. |
Thanks, Czar. |
I agree. I considered one for a build but didn't care for the Loctite deal. Plus once you added the cost of the rails to the initial tube cost it put the price high enough that I just went to my usual 4 rail free float suppler. LaRue. I still like the look of it though and if you don't need all the rails, its a good buy. |
Thanks, DitchDr. That was one nice build. There is a slight color difference between stock/grip and VTAC FF HG, but I might get the black version and try to match the HG later. The tech guy tolded me that they paint them w/ Duracoat. I do like the VTAC look over other FF HG set-ups (the smooth tube) w/ the option of putting the rail portions as needed for 3-gun matches and etc. Thanks for the help, Czar. |
Got a link? I just looked and could not find it. BTW I love the one I have on an AR15 and just received another for my AR10. |
Could you elaborate on this technique? It sounds interesting. Pics would be great if possible. TIA Seydou |
Thanks, ZZIXX. Awesome job. The lighting will explain the color shift. DitchDr., The tech guy @ JP also told me that the OD color was an add'tl 40.00 $s to the cost of the HG. I might still go w/ the black version and change color later. |
www.midwayusa.com/midwayusa/StaticPages/pdf/Instructions/AR-15%20Varmint%20Rifle%20Instructions.pdf |
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I used this handguard on my latest build and it is b far my favorite... super slim and light. From Midway or Brownells with C&R it is a great deal. I read the midway guide and thought "I can totally do this without loctite... I have a strapwrench." FWIW the midway guide does not tell you how to do it without loctite, only that they didnt use it. Well, after trying for a few hours I gave up. Aside from the method mentioned earlier of sanding the outer nut, it seems there's no easy way to do it without loctite. Its really important the outer nut doesnt move at all if your going to mount a buis on it. It sure turned out great though, and at least its still easy to remove the barrel if I ever want to. Plus, I know the HG isn't going anywhere. |
Thanks. Not sure I will skip the locktite since it has worked well for me the first time. Plus according to JP it is not that big of a deal if you really want to undo it. |
The drill bit is the ticket for a no locktite install. I have now installed 14 of the JP VT handguards without locktite. |
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I built 2 uppers about 1.5-2 years ago when they first came out, sold em both to ARFCOM members used RRA Middy SS uppers, got pics of the instalation still, USed a YHM Lo Pro gas block.       This is by far the best free float hanguard I have ran accross, I have purchased almost everone that brownells sells and this beats em hands down. I am not a big fan of the 4 railed ones but love the continuose top rail. Am working on another one using the same setup as before except an 18" middy barrel and use some HK sights from Ranier |
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Looks GREAT! After seeing that, I might just have to buy the full length top rail for mine. That is the first pic I've seen with the full length top rail attached. Does the top rail but right up to the upper? From the pics it looks like it does, but I'm not sure. |
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yes, maybe a hairs gap, but in one of the pics I have the scope mount in the first slot of the handguard rail, which means they even got the spacing right. Got it from brownells, $180 for handguard and rail. I think its closer to $200-$225 for it without special pricing. so its definately not the cheapest Free float tube. |
ZZIXX, that thing is a beauty |
I'm seriously considering one of these units. BUT I only want a sling swivel on the bottom.  Anyone know of a way to coat the forend with something so that in cold weather, my hand isn't freezing off holding onto an aluminum forend? I know, gloves are a good idea, but still... |
I love mine, don't have a pic here. I went with the carbine length and used the extension with the sight pocket for an A2 sight.Edit, found a pic... The color actually matches and the pieces lock together tight. But the A2 does get in the way of a 1-4 optic. I ordered yesterday, the 2" rail for a front folding sight. I'll just have that pocket there with the cutoff sight/gasblock in it. I was looking at the top rail for the length, but then couldn't figure out what i would use it for. Oh yeah, they do get cold and they do get "warm". I have a few different thing I may try out. |
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I used blue locktite on mine when I build it 2+ years ago. It's held up just fine through IDPA-style matches and knocking around in the middle of the night. I like the drill bit idea. I'll have to try that if I ever build another one. Assuming you use the right size bit, does it get the top of the tube square with the top of the upper, where you could use the continuous rail? Mine came out a little cock-eyed. 
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Whats the total length of the handguard in the picture. I have been thinking of getting the carbine length handguard plus the extension like yours, but it may be too long. |
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http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p143/duck1022/100_0373.jpg?t=1202443335 Finally got a picture of my own, I really like mine alot. I haven't got to shoot it much yet but so far I love it. Dennys guns recon barrell and rock river lower. |
I just threw a tape on it and from the point it buts to the receiver, to the very front of the guard is exactly 12.5". The carbine length section, is 7&1/8", and the extension with sight pocket is 5&3/8" I originally just used the carbine length, but found it almost too short for me. Once I added the extension, I really liked it. The extension has a slot cut in the bottom for the bayo lug and sling mount. Oh, the color difference is due to more texture on the extension piece. Doesn't bother me, as in person, it's not noticeable. Some pics...   No, it's not wrong, the VTAC logo was printed on the wrong side, again, doesn't bother me, adds character... 
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The Logo is on the right way You put your hadguard on 180 deg off  I almost did 1 out of 5 of mine that way LOL The first section of the handguard needs a 180 deg spin,the second section will still match up at the screw holes.and yes it will spin 180 Deg just try it 
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Nope, if I spin it 180 deg, my holes for the top rail would be on the bottom. I don't think you can see them in the picture, but the holes for the bipod/sling stud are on the bottom as it is and the threaded holes for the 12:00 rail are on top as it sits. I could be wrong, but I'll throw a pic up later to confirm. Thanks -Kirt |
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I'am amazed that your logo is in the wrong place, the JP products are top notch. Quality Control must have been half asleep. I have 5 of these handguards and installed over 15 of them now and never seen a Logo like yours until now. I would call JP and let them know about this issue, send them some good pics soo they can see. They may ask you to send it back to them, or send you a new one for free  |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - JP/Vtac Hand Guard Question (Page 1 of 2)
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