AR Sponsor
Posted: 1/3/2011 3:20:08 PM EDT
| These are about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of other brands,whats the diff ? |
|
there are lots'o'threads on this topic...but utg is basically an airsoft company that makes stuff that fits on real rifles. they will work as a handguard, but don't expect them t stand up to combat style abuse.
they're made overseas, but are now making some of their rails in the US. lotta hate for use of these "Toy" rails on real guns: they "knock off" US designs and don't spend $$ on R&D, and are made overseas, out of spec in rail dimensions, etc. .......that said, they are cheap, and if you do your research and find a decent brand w/ good fit and finish, they will work as a handguard for recreational purposes. so ask yourself what you need it for, and then decide if thats the route you want to take. |
|
UTG uses thier own designs and are moving manufacturing operations to the U.S. The rails are made in the U.S. now by U.S. workers.
I used a set of the 2 piece for 9 months of training. Never failed in any way. I ran a VFG, sling attachment and light. They locked up tight. Down side is they are heavier, and wider than some. Any accesory I mounted fit. I sold them to a friend that still has them mounted. The "Pro" series is the ones mmade in the U.S. Others are made or were made in Taiwan, not China. As stated, decide what the use and need will be. If you want a proven battle worthy rail, get Daniel Defense, LaRue, or Knights. If you simply want a railed handguard to hang stuff off of for the range, the UTG will work. Funny people who never used them always have negative comments about them but if you google complaints, you won't find many complaints from actual users. They are what they are. Dave |
|
Actually mine was very durable. I beat the crap out of it and it took it fine. The rails were not quite in spec, and they were RAZOR SHARP! The thing also weighed a ton, and was pretty ugly. The aluminum was also soft making ding it up much easier than higher quality rails. All in all it worked, but I hated it! I ended up having the fsb and getting a13" Troy TRX Extreme and I couldn't be happier. If cost is a concern, look at Yankee Hill or Midwest Industries. They are excellent high value options that won't break the bank. Their quality is works better than the utg stuff.
If you still want to try one, send me a prepaid box and I'll send you my old carbine length Utg free float for free. I don't want it and couldn't in good faith sell it, but if you could use it great. I was just going to hack it for some rail pieces or use it when I build my brother in laws AR (but I don't really think he is that bad). IM me if you want it, I'll shot you my address. |
|
I'll secong the Midwest Industries for a mid range price alternative. I just received a T-Series from M.I. It's lite weight, looks good and locks up tight. I've also used the M.I. 2 piece free floats on a couple builds. I've had them for years and just transfered them to a new build.
T-Series 7" 
2 Piece 7" 
Dave |
| I think they are made in Dayton, Ohio... one our members is a vendor to subcontractor that makes them. The ones I have had are no heavier than other brand. The rubber rail covers are extremely heavy, of course you don't have to use them. I put a set of midlengths on a scale and the weight sans rubber covers was in the neighborhood of most standard handguards. I use TRX Extremes now, very light weight and priced pretty good. I agree they are sharper. |
I've had a carbine length UTG drop in on one of my ARs for a while. It fits snug on the barrel. All the accessories fit no problem. I went with a Midwest Industries MCTAR 20P free float with my second AR. I used an Adams Arms Piston kit and there is no fit issues. I like the look and the price was decent.  They are far from the most expensive rifles. I use the one on the right (Bushmaster) for work. The one on the left (Del Ton Mutt) will get there this Spring. The UTG rail covers are bulky. I have ladder rail covers on both. |
|
Quoted:
UTG uses thier own designs and are moving manufacturing operations to the U.S. The rails are made in the U.S. now by U.S. workers. I used a set of the 2 piece for 9 months of training. Never failed in any way. I ran a VFG, sling attachment and light. They locked up tight. Down side is they are heavier, and wider than some. Any accesory I mounted fit. I sold them to a friend that still has them mounted. The "Pro" series is the ones mmade in the U.S. Others are made or were made in Taiwan, not China. I can verify that. I have seen the 20foot extrusions at my aluminum extruder. The quality of UTG as a whole seems to be improving. The whole concept of designed in China, built in the US makes no sense though 
Quoted:
I think they are made in Dayton, Ohio... one our members is a vendor to subcontractor that makes them. The ones I have had are no heavier than other brand. The rubber rail covers are extremely heavy, of course you don't have to use them. I put a set of midlengths on a scale and the weight sans rubber covers was in the neighborhood of most standard handguards. I use TRX Extremes now, very light weight and priced pretty good. I agree they are sharper. I know the extrusion is done in Akron. Are they machined in Dayton? |
|
I believe thier new plant is in MN. I have pictures of it some where. I've tested some of UTG's equipment for the past 5 years. I do not recommend it for serious work but for most it will hold up fine.
I spoke to the one of the engineers yesterday about a new folding mechanism to adapt a collapsible stock to an AR lower for .22's. It's in design and should be released this month. By the way, the engineer is also in MN. UTG Optics will also be made in the U.S. starting this year. That will give them better quality control. You don't see many companies moving operations TO the U.S. for better quality. At least they are attempting to up thier play. It would certainly be cheaper to have the products made overseas. Leapers/UTG has no reson to appologize for making it's mark in Airsoft. However, that does not mean they are not capable of expanding and producing better quality gear for real weapons. Many companies over the years have done this. The U.S. made hand guards I have handled were much nicer than the Taiwan made. Sharp edges were gone, finish was much better, and the anodizing was much nicer. Quality of the aluminum? I don't know. I'm certain for the price it doesn't stack up to higher end brands. As I said, at this point, they are not combat worthy but will work fine for guys on a budget. Dave |
|
Quoted:
thanks,im thinking about the mid length utg free float for my carbine and cutting down the front sight so it will slip over it I hope.im not planning on going into battle with it but u never know,seriously! That probably won't work. You have to pull the front sight to install. If you have rail over 3 sides of the fsb then you will have trouble reinstalling that sight tower. Edit.- Oops, not sure if I was drinking or what, but that will work fine. I don't know why when I replied I was thinking you were cutting down the rail to go around the fsp. Yep, Tuesday... 90 proof peppermint schnapps and assembling the largest and biggest pain in the ass dollhouse in America. |
AR Sponsor