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Posted: 4/20/2012 6:53:12 PM EDT
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I'm getting close to ordering a free float rail for my SBR. I've narrowed it down to the Samson Evolution or Troy Alpha. 11" would be the perfect length. I'm having troubles deciding between the Samson or Troy. I'm leanings towards the Samson right now but my biggest hesitation is not knowing of Samson Manufacturing until just a couple days ago and I don't know much about them.
I know either one is good but which is better, the Samson Evolution or Troy Alpha? Edited to Add: Sorry if this topic has been discussed before, but I haven't been that much attention to rail systems posts until recently. |
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I have the older Troy Extreme (The Viking Tactics version in FDE) 11" version and I just bought a Samson 7".
I like both, but I like the Samson mounting system better. It's easier to align everything and clamps down better. I can't speak directly to the Troy Alpha, however. The Samson is a little larger in diameter. Some people like a larger size, some like the super small Troy. I like both, leaning a bit towards the Troy. The Samson has tabs on both sides of the upper to prevent rotation and help with alignment (The troy only has it on one side) The Samson uses two clam shell pieces that fit around the stock barrel nut and the rail system clamps it all together. The troy uses an internal clamp that grabs the barrel nut. The Samson is smoother, the Troy is a bit more "grippy" in texture (again, I have the Viking version with the slots, not the Troy version with the holes) I like the texture of the Samson better, but the troy is more grippy. I chose the Samson for my newest build because I needed the larger internal diameter. I'm happy with the rail system. If you like the Samson, also check out the Rainier version (made by Samson, but different cutouts): http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2963 
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I went with the Troy alpha. It retains the stock barrel nut and clamps down securely. I have a 13" on my 14.5 pinned. I love the way it looks and now i'm contemplating another 13" or 11" for a 16" rifle i have.
the samson one looks great too. I just like troy products and they troy alpha just screams quality. I really like the thin diameter tube as well. Oh and no helicoil's w/ the alpha. |
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Quoted:
I went with the Troy alpha. It retains the stock barrel nut and clamps down securely. I have a 13" on my 14.5 pinned. I love the way it looks and now i'm contemplating another 13" or 11" for a 16" rifle i have. the samson one looks great too. I just like troy products and they troy alpha just screams quality. I really like the thin diameter tube as well. Oh and no helicoil's w/ the alpha. I've noticed a few people that comment about the helicoils. Has anyone actually had any problems with the helicoils stripping out? I have yet to see a thread about them actually stripping. BTW, both brands use the stock barrel nut. |
| I have the Troy alpha 11in, I really like it. Something to consider is the Troy will allow you to mount anything at a 45 angle without any special add ons vs the samson. Troy also improved the mounting system sinse the trx extreme. Instead of using the two screw squeez tight system like the Samson. It uses three bolt around the sides. This seemed to make it even more solid. |
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Rainier ships their version of the Samson on the RUC. The Samson on my RUC is light, tight, and great quality, the cutouts are cool to look at too. The clamping method the rail uses to secure it seems to be holding up with no problems, but I do not plan to ever remove/reinstall it without being prepared to replace it with another, or with an Alpha. One of the two clamp screws (the screw closest to the magazine well) has the clamp maxed out, no space left for further tightening. The second screw has at least an 1/8" space left. That’s my reasoning. Again, its not hinting at ever being a problem.
I converted my Colt 6450 9mm AR into a flattop (RRA) with a custom ADCO barrel. NO gas block obviously, and no front site post––so I can't speak to the gas tube line-up. It was the perfect opportunity to see what a 9" Alpha was all about. Talk about stupid-proof. The anti-rotation tab wasn't really needed, the rail lined-up perfectly with the upper, uses factory barrel nut, its tight, and has optional slots or holes. Just take time with torqing it down, alternating back-forth between the 3 mounting fasteners (like a car's wheel). My next rail will most likely be another Alpha. |
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I own both and prefer the Troy mainly for the mounting system and the fact that you can put a QD sling mount into one of the holes which keeps it very low profile.
That being said I have no issues with my Rainier/Sampson and would be more than happy to buy one again. I also prefer the Rainier Arms version which is slightly lighter and comes with a QD sling mount included. |
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Quoted: I've noticed a few people that comment about the helicoils. Has anyone actually had any problems with the helicoils stripping out? I have yet to see a thread about them actually stripping. It wasn't a huge problem, but it was enough of an issue that Troy came-up with the Alpha rail attachment method instead and is using it exclusively now. |
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