AR Sponsor
Posted: 3/7/2016 9:23:47 PM EDT
| I'm thinking about removing the FSP on one of my uppers and installing a low profile gas block. I want to put a free float rail on but don't want to spend 4-500 dollars. What options do I have? The upper is a standard M4 upper with a 16 inch barrel. Ideally i'd like to stay under $200. |
|
I use the Fortis Rev II Mlok free float rail on my AR-15s. It uses the standard barrel nut. Not sure if you can get it for $200 but it will be close (depends on the length). I prefer that model because it only has the top rail (which I really don't need either but ya never know). The handguard is really secure/sturdy, is light, and I like the look and concept of Mlok. Right now I only have a Mlok bipod stud installed but it's been secure, no issues. I just didn't want to go with a proprietary barrel nut since I'd have to pay a gunsmith to remove the standard nut and torque on a different one. My AR15s already had a low profile gas block so I was able to just install the rail myself.
|
|
I just picked up a Matrix Arms handguard the other day for a budget build. Came with a barrel nut as well, so saved me a good bit of cash. You can come in well under $100 for a US made handguard. I am impressed by the rail I received for what I paid for it. It is only a friction/clamp style mount, so I am curious to see how it will hold up in the long run, but for now I am satisfied with the quality. No really rough edges or anything. Definitely not as refined as a higher end one, but not bad at all and perfectly serviceable. Go here as they seem to be the primary vendor for Matrix, and have the best prices.
I threw a lousy quality pic of the rail installed in this thread. I actually completed the build over the weekend, so maybe i'll snap a better pic of it. Also, if you want to save even more $, you can always just shave down your FSB instead of buying a new GB. |
|
Quoted:
Is there anything I need to consider in regard to length? With a lopro gas block on, the sky's the limit as far as length. Any of these rails will fit over that block. It's just up to you to figure out what kind of grip you use and how you want your rifle to look. I have long arms, so the "thumb over bore" works great for me. The 15 inch rail puts me directly behind the muzzle, and no gas block sticking out the front to burn myself on! |
|
Quoted:
Is there anything I need to consider in regard to length? Just whatever you think will work for you and your shooting style. If you drive the rifle dynamically, then you are going to want something 12-15" I would suspect. If you are a magwell gripper and don't need a ton of accessories, then a 9" will work just fine. If this is your first free floated rifle or non M4 setup, I would suggest going with 12-15" to give you lots of future options. As long as you don't mind the slight weight addition, then you can't go wrong going with longer instead of shorter, as it gives you more options with mounting positions, longer sight radius, shooting style, etc... |
|
Quoted:
Midwest industries is what you seek. Save some coin and chop your front sight and keep the pinned gas block. Agreed. This is one of the few times (a carefully applied) Dremel tool is an appropriate gunsmithing tool. It's not rocket science to trim down your gas block, and if you mess it up you're not out much money. Midwest Industies rails are a great value for the money. |
|
Quoted:
I just picked up a Matrix Arms handguard the other day for a budget build. Came with a barrel nut as well, so saved me a good bit of cash. You can come in well under $100 for a US made handguard. I am impressed by the rail I received for what I paid for it. It is only a friction/clamp style mount, so I am curious to see how it will hold up in the long run, but for now I am satisfied with the quality. No really rough edges or anything. Definitely not as refined as a higher end one, but not bad at all and perfectly serviceable. Go here as they seem to be the primary vendor for Matrix, and have the best prices. I threw a lousy quality pic of the rail installed in this thread. I actually completed the build over the weekend, so maybe i'll snap a better pic of it. Also, if you want to save even more $, you can always just shave down your FSB instead of buying a new GB. Here's a 15" matrix... very light at 12oz. I had used a Joebobs gas block and had clearance issues on the top corners of the block. The handrails are small inside and their block is more squarish than most others. A grinder fixed the gas block issue and the handrails don't feel like they're going anywhere, even though it's just a "friction" based nut. The top rail lines up perfectly on mine as well which is nice. 
|
|
Quoted:
ALG Defense  ALG is my choice. I have some of their EMR V1 M-LOK, EMR V2 M-LOK, and EMR V3 M-LOK. They are great rails. I also have a UTG MTU004SS PRO Rail. Its a good rail but is available with Key Mod only. ALG is available with either KeyMod or M-LOK. I don't necessarily think M-LOK is technically that much better than M-LOK, but in the long run I think M-LOK will overwhelm with numbers and KeyMod will fade away. |
|
Quoted:
ALG is my choice. I have some of their EMR V1 M-LOK, EMR V2 M-LOK, and EMR V3 M-LOK. They are great rails. I also have a UTG MTU004SS PRO Rail. Its a good rail but is available with Key Mod only. ALG is available with either KeyMod or M-LOK. I don't necessarily think M-LOK is technically that much better than M-LOK, but in the long run I think M-LOK will overwhelm with numbers and KeyMod will fade away. Quoted:
Quoted:
ALG Defense ALG is my choice. I have some of their EMR V1 M-LOK, EMR V2 M-LOK, and EMR V3 M-LOK. They are great rails. I also have a UTG MTU004SS PRO Rail. Its a good rail but is available with Key Mod only. ALG is available with either KeyMod or M-LOK. I don't necessarily think M-LOK is technically that much better than M-LOK, but in the long run I think M-LOK will overwhelm with numbers and KeyMod will fade away. UTG has mlok now but the price is inline with AGL now so it makes it a wash in saving money |
AR Sponsor