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Posted: 8/21/2008 6:54:34 PM EDT
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Wanted to try something different than the 4-rail FF I have on a few of my carbines and try the VTAC customizable hand guards. Never saw a definitive review so here's my $.02. Carbine before:  I ordered the JPHG-4M (Carbine Length), the JPHG-EXT (Extension, w/ slot for A2 sight), and a 4-inch rail. All from Viking Tactics.The package came with two sling mounts.  With the outer receiver nut and the inner barrel retainer nut removed.  The instructions that came with it ask for red loctite on the threads of the outer receiver nut to hold it in place. I found some instructions from Midway USA where they did not use the loctite, just held the outer nut in place so that the gas tube would still fit through. I compromised with blue loctite. Moly grease on the barrel retainer nut and 50lbs of torque later:   I installed the rail where I thought I would need it before adding it to the upper  Slides onto the outer receiver nut and is held in place by six screws.  Sight reinstalled and sling mount added.   Added the hand guard extension (4 screws)  Complete:  Initial impression: I like the way it looks. Feels very solidly put together. The finish is flat, and it's a very high-quality looking piece. Guard is nice and slim with no excess cheese-graters. I will say that the whole assembly is rather heavy, and now that I have it I realize that the extension tube is probably overkill for me. I had hoped to use the 4" rail section to mount my FUG and light mount, however I'll probably need at least a 6" section to accomplish that. For now I removed the extension section and repositioned the sling mount.  With friend:  I have a few range trips and a carbine class to attend in the next couple of weeks, will post AAR. |
| Great pics. Please let us know how you like it after the class. I'm almost finished with Lamb's book right now and have been thinking of getting the 12" VTAC handguard for my 14.5" build. I like the concept. While I like the CDI factor of all the railed free float handguards, realistically I will only be mounting a light and grip on mine. |
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Great write up and liked the pics of the install. I just had a 20" barrel cut down to 18" and used a 12 " Vtac free float tube to finish it. I really like the idea of being able to put the rails where I want them. Have another 12" Vtac for the next upper thats in the works this one will be a 16" mid length gas system for a wildcat cartridge. Thanks for taking the time to post your setup. Joe |
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I have the same setup and kept the extension on. For me long arms, big guy, I find the extra length handy. I have a PRI front sight/gas block that I will be putting on and let it sit slightly recessed into the pocket. I wanted mine for the same reasons. I didn't need rails everywhere, but wanted options and a slim guard. Benn very happy with mine. |
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I like mine alot and chose the midlength it cause I wanted a PRI flip up front sight and the most 'compact 18" accurate rifle I could build. After I got it, I thought I should've gone full length HG as I like to have both a hand area and a grip on the handguard, but it's really not necessary with this guy. Great piece though. Makes for a very thin grip, rails when/where I need them.  |
Thanks all!
I may put the extension back on depending on how my next range trips go. Like I say I think it looks great, but that's a bit more weight out on the front that I may not need. |
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