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Posted: 11/30/2002 10:50:46 AM EDT
| What is the bet free floated rail system? Is there one that does not require special tools? |
| The best? Probably the ARMS SIR or the Knight's RAS II, depending on what optics you intend to use on it. Both free-float the barrel, provide increased cooling and can be installed by the user with only a screwdriver (the SIR-M requires the removal of the delta ring, snap ring and weld spring so the C model might be a better option for some). |
| The C-More and FIRSH rails are good for the money, but they are not the same sort of systems as the SIR and RAS II. I recently did a side by side comparrison of the FIRSH and SIR systems. I am overdue to report my conclusions. I hope to do so this week. What I can tell you in summary is this. The FIRSH, which is VERY simialt to the C-More rail, is a very good system, especially considering its price. However, the SIR has strenghts and advantages the FIRSH lacks. I sincerely belive not everyone will need or require the strenghts and advantages the SIR offers. But for those who do, the FIRSH may not perform to these higher and more rugged standards. |
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Why ask (this is hard to prove anyway) All you will get is opinions. scientifically it would have to0 be the SIR or RAS II. but after this you run into all kinds of fierce oposition I say SIR (they invented the damn thing KAC just copied and modified) The only reason to buy a RAS II is the ACOG and PAQ-4 and similar lasers mount lower (but then if you run the little cord to the virtical grip you can mount the laser out of the way and thus give yourself an unlimited field of view negating this aspect. I just believe the RAS II is only half way to the SIR as it relies on barrel nut clamping (IE free float handguard style) The clamp is required becase the rail mounting hardware has been shortened for the ACOG. the clamp and smaller diameter RAS will inevitably lead to more barrel heat (although this is allready low with any RAS.) so the decision is yours, but as for me I believe the original inventor deserves to reap the benefits and in this respect it seems like the Thompson VS. Hyde SMG affair of the early part of the last century. |
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The S.I.R. is a good product, but I like the KAC RAS FF because it is less bulky, and there is no plastic involved (that I know of). Of course, this is pure personal opinion. I did not like having to get someone else (read "competant and skilled") to put it on for me though. I am going to get the RIS and RAS II for another two setups, just cause I can easily install them (and like them), and while I don't like the bridge on the RAS II, I am trying it just to be authentic in cloning what some of the military uses. Oh, I also don't like how the SIR changes the rail height, but then again, I like the full length rail better than the split system of my RAS FF. If I put a full rail on my RAS FF, I might as well have gotten the SIR in the first place. Bottom line, do you want to free float or not, otherwise everyone will have there own likes and dislikes. Your mileage may vary. My .02 |
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Quoted: Thanks, I like the free floated type! I think I'm going to go with the cheaper C-More Quad-Rail! Although the others are nicer this one fits my budget better! You'll like it less after you have to take off the front sight block and brake/falsh suppressor to install it. Hope your muzzle device isn't welded. |
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Quoted: The S.I.R. is a good product, but I like the KAC RAS FF because it is less bulky, and there is no plastic involved (that I know of). How about the plastic pannels that you will absolutely NEED to put on unless you want to hold on to uncomfortable aluminum rails that will heat quickly. These necessary rails are not only plastic, but they will add as much circumference to your handguards as the SIR is to begin with. |
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Quoted: Quoted: The S.I.R. is a good product, but I like the KAC RAS FF because it is less bulky, and there is no plastic involved (that I know of). How about the plastic pannels that you will absolutely NEED to put on unless you want to hold on to uncomfortable aluminum rails that will heat quickly. These necessary rails are not only plastic, but they will add as much circumference to your handguards as the SIR is to begin with. I assumed ALL of the systems with rails will require the panels, but I was referring to the mount itself. Like I said, I don't know the SIR system that well, but I was under the impression that the bottom piece was plastic, and not metal. I hope I am wrong, am I? [>:/] edited to say: I should have been more specific, I don't like the bulk on top of my receiver, the RAS FF does not add anything there. Of course, if I add the swan sleeve, there it is anyways, and yeah, I just bought a RAS II and it has the bridge. Don't really like it there, but the reasons I got it outweigh that dislike for me. |
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Yes, the SIR lower half is plastic. That is actually one of the reasons I like the SIR. One, the lower is not metal rails which heat up easily and are uncomfortable to hold on to. However, you can add rails as you need them. If you dont need them, just remove them entirely. I find that a better option than having to cover them with rails. In additon, the plastic lower half of the SIR simply does not heat up. A handguard made of aluminum will heat up quickly. RAS II looks great and I should have mine this coming week. I have had the SIR about 6 months now. I am sure I will like them both. They are primarily the same unit with small, but noticable differences. I agree fully that finding out which of these small differences matter most to you will determine which of both of these excellent sytems will suit you best. But I do believe my prefference will continue to lie with the SIR for the above listed reasons. Time will tell and I cant wait to find out. |
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