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Posted: 1/2/2012 10:28:19 AM EDT
When I say I'm a newbie, I really mean it. This is the first time I've ever owned an AR and I'm trying to learn as much information as I can. I recently picked up a Windham Weaponry with a 16" M4 barrel and I would like to remove the current handguards and add a tactical rail. If I'm correct, I want to order a carbine length handguard correct as mine measures 6.5"? I'm just confused with the AR "jargon" and I'm trying to figure out what carbine and M4 means. I'm embarrassed to ask these questions  but I just want to be sure I order the right item.
From reading this forum, it looks like I should spend the extra $$$ on a free floating rail which should be easy enough to install. The only thing I use my AR for is a range toy and home defense and I currently have an EOTech 512 on it with Magpul sights. I'd like to pick up something that I can install with some ease and I'm thinking of going with this item and wanted to know if this is a good option or am I going overboard for my needs? http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Daniel-Defense-Omega-Rail-Carbine-Free-Float-p/dd%2010001.htm. Is it also worth ordering the hand guard removal tool as well? ' I appreciate the help. -Chris |
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If you arent planning on mounting an optic on your quad rail, you could get a 2 piece drop in that would work just fine for a verticle foregrip or a light/laser. Plus they look badass. Ive got a 16" bushmaster and also have the eotech 512 and wanted to get a vfg, so I got a yankee hill machine 2piece quad rail, runs about $130, takes about two minutes to put on, just pull the delta ring down, remove the plastic guards and pop in the new ones. Its pretty solid, Ive been really happy with it. And yes, sounds like you have a carbine /m4gery, just dont buy a quad rail thats spec'd for a colt.
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If you arent planning on mounting an optic on your quad rail, you could get a 2 piece drop in that would work just fine for a verticle foregrip or a light/laser. Plus they look badass. Ive got a 16" bushmaster and also have the eotech 512 and wanted to get a vfg, so I got a yankee hill machine 2piece quad rail, runs about $130, takes about two minutes to put on, just pull the delta ring down, remove the plastic guards and pop in the new ones. Its pretty solid, Ive been really happy with it. And yes, sounds like you have a carbine /m4gery, just dont buy a quad rail thats spec'd for a colt. Correct. A drop in will work fine. No real need for a free floated rail unless you are going to be shooting for groups and using a bipod/sling as a shooting aid. Free floating is only a "thing" if you are putting pressure on the barrel while shooting. There is the barrel harmonics to consider but since you aren't a world class shooter we won't even get into that. YHM is a good start... but I would suggest going as light as you can from the get go and you won't change it out later after seeing and handling something with a modular rail. For a carbine length system I would suggest looking at one of the Samson EVO rails with the cut out for the FSB... i think youd want something like this - http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/Evolution-7EX.html Lastly... what are you talking about "spec'ed for a colt"? |
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Correct. A drop in will work fine. No real need for a free floated rail unless you are going to be shooting for groups and using a bipod/sling as a shooting aid. Free floating is only a "thing" if you are putting pressure on the barrel while shooting. There is the barrel harmonics to consider but since you aren't a world class shooter we won't even get into that.
YHM is a good start... but I would suggest going as light as you can from the get go and you won't change it out later after seeing and handling something with a modular rail. For a carbine length system I would suggest looking at one of the Samson EVO rails with the cut out for the FSB... i think youd want something like this - http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/Evolution-7EX.html Lastly... what are you talking about "spec'ed for a colt"? I just ordered my sling last night so I will be using one when I shoot. I also installed the strac grip as I didn't like holding the handguards themselves. I'm also considering using a bipod in the future so after reading your post, I'm starting to think I should go with a free floating one. How are they to install? |
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Quoted:
Correct. A drop in will work fine. No real need for a free floated rail unless you are going to be shooting for groups and using a bipod/sling as a shooting aid. Free floating is only a "thing" if you are putting pressure on the barrel while shooting. There is the barrel harmonics to consider but since you aren't a world class shooter we won't even get into that.
YHM is a good start... but I would suggest going as light as you can from the get go and you won't change it out later after seeing and handling something with a modular rail. For a carbine length system I would suggest looking at one of the Samson EVO rails with the cut out for the FSB... i think youd want something like this - http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/Evolution-7EX.html Lastly... what are you talking about "spec'ed for a colt"? I just ordered my sling last night so I will be using one when I shoot. I also installed the strac grip as I didn't like holding the handguards themselves. I'm also considering using a bipod in the future so after reading your post, I'm starting to think I should go with a free floating one. How are they to install? The samson is a snap to install from what I hear... the DD you mentioned is easy too. There are a couple more out there like the VLTOR CASV system which is an easy install free float. Maybe Troy too. Everything else is a barrel removal situation, which really is as easy as changing a tire, just requires a couple special tools... I personally recommend the installing it yourself and going with a Troy TRX Extreme... everyone should know how to dissemble and reassemble their rifle and own the tools. But it won't hurt my feelings if you go with a drop in free float. Remember when using a sling to shoot there is an actual technique involved in "using" the sling as support... I mention it because when i was new I didn't realize this and after actually learning how to use it it blew my mind  (I didnt grow up hunting or doing much shooting)
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The samson is a snap to install from what I hear... the DD you mentioned is easy too. There are a couple more out there like the VLTOR CASV system which is an easy install free float. Maybe Troy too.
Everything else is a barrel removal situation, which really is as easy as changing a tire, just requires a couple special tools... I personally recommend the installing it yourself and going with a Troy TRX Extreme... everyone should know how to dissemble and reassemble their rifle and own the tools. But it won't hurt my feelings if you go with a drop in free float. Remember when using a sling to shoot there is an actual technique involved in "using" the sling as support... I mention it because when i was new I didn't realize this and after actually learning how to use it it blew my mind (I didnt grow up hunting or doing much shooting)Talk about a million different options and manufacturers....... 
As for the sling, where can I read about the technique you mentioned? |
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Sorry I'm on my phone and can't post links and such but learning how to use your sling as support can be found on google, YouTube, possibly the training subforum here as well.
Essentially you are using your arm and sling to create tension on the rifle which steadies it. Also you should possibly look into local Appleseed shoots, I've never attended one but ibhear they are GREAT for learning the basics like that if you don't have formal training and such. |
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Sorry I'm on my phone and can't post links and such but learning how to use your sling as support can be found on google, YouTube, possibly the training subforum here as well. Essentially you are using your arm and sling to create tension on the rifle which steadies it. Also you should possibly look into local Appleseed shoots, I've never attended one but ibhear they are GREAT for learning the basics like that if you don't have formal training and such. Thanks for the heads up. |
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