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Posted: 5/18/2006 6:16:50 PM EDT
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How does Surefire forearm compare to others similarly priced (under $200) units on the market? Is one actually better than others? Your $0.02 would be appreciated. |
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I can't comment on the surefire but I have the Midwest Industries two-piece non-freefloat handguards. They are great!!! No play in them, very tight. For what it's worth, I've heard the Surefire's top rail is not at the same height as a flat top receiver. The MI's are. Now for the obligatory pics:    ETA: The MI carbine length are $129 at Bravo Company USA!!! |
That seems dumb  You would have thought they would make sure that the Surefire rails were level with the rails on the receiver.My other two options are MI and YH. I'm just trying to learn if they have negative points... like the surefire's top rail. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge. BTW. Nice Carbine  May I ask why you didn't put any covers on the side and top rail? |
Many don't use a cover on the top rail, it's a PITA to get on and off unless you use a low-pro ladder type cover. He probably took the side covers off to give you a better look at the handgaurd. |
I don't know that "dumb" is the right word. Can you tell me why you prefer a top rail level with the receiver? It's not advisable to mount an optic on a non-FF rail system due to movement. What else would you put there that requires a level rail? I own an M73 along with my friends and we actually prefer the shorter top rail. Specifically, the M73 is a smaller diameter than most other rails. This makes for less bulk and provides a rail system that closely matches the diameter of the stock handguards Another selling point of the M73 is the mounting system. The two set screws serve to wedge the M73's rails against the barrel nut and handguard cap. This wedge pressure, which is parallel with the barrel, also interlocks aluminum tabs along the body of the two rail halves. When tight, the M73 is one of the most secure non-FF rail systems out there. The MI #17 and YHM rails rely solely on delta ring pressure, barrel nut teeth, and the handguard cap to hold it securely . . . exactly like the stock handguard system. It's not advised to put a vertical grip on the stock handguard, why expect it to work any better with a rail system that mounts the same way as the stock handguards? Long story short, the M73 provides a rock solid rail platform that closely matches the diameter of the stock handguard sytem. The MI#17 and YHM make for a larger diameter rail system that isn't anymore secure than factory handguards.  Comparison of M73 with MI#20 (level with receiver rail)  |
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I may be wrong, so please feel free to correct me. I believe I read in reviews on the SF rail when they first came out, that the reason for the higher top rail was to provide a sort of lower 1/3 co-witness for those using the rail as a optics platform. That said, I like the looks of the new MI HG’s and think a purchase might be coming up in the near future. But as a long time YHM owner I’m completely pleased with the performance and quality of the YHM four railed HG’s. They are perfect for adding a v grip or lights to your weapon. 
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