Thoughts on VTAC Rifle Length FF Tube

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Thoughts on VTAC Rifle Length FF Tube

Posted: 11/2/2009 6:15:03 PM EDT

Well? I am building a 16" upper. I have a Spike's M4 Upper, Spike's Billet CH, Spike's 5.56 Titanium Muzzle Brake, Spike's/Dan Young NM M16 BCG on the way. I want to get a 16" barrel and a VTAC Tube. Anybody have anything similar to that? Like the VTAC tube? Hate it? Reasons why or why not? Pics would also be greatly appreciated. The upper is going on my already built Spike's SL-15 lower.

Thanks!!!

WD

Posted: 11/2/2009 6:29:21 PM EDT

[#1]

I have a Rifle Length VTAC on my Rock River (middle) and I really like it. It can be a pain to put on and line up but it's solid, light and feels good in hand. Only complaint is that it has a little ring to it if your not holding the handguard

Posted: 11/2/2009 6:42:06 PM EDT

[#2]

I have the VTAC Rifle Length on a Denny's GTS 6.8SPC Recon upper. l love this rail, very sturdy and can set it up however you want. IMHO there is no need for Mil-Std rails all over the FF rail, 98% of us will never come close to using them to their full potential. You actually have more options because you dont just mount at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, but also at 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, and 10:30. The rail is also very light which gives a very nice balance to the rifle. The rail has a grippy texture making it easy to hold on to.

About the only down side is that it's hard to find the 2" rails for mounting.

You will not be disappointed. 3rd rail system l tried, wish l had gone to it sooner.

Posted: 11/2/2009 6:47:45 PM EDT

[#3]

It is a very good FF tube for the money, I like the option of adding a rail where needed and everything else is smooth. Its priced very well too.

Now another to consider is the Troy Extreme rail, its even lighter than the JV V Tac tube and has many of the same qualities, in an even slimmer profile.

Posted: 11/2/2009 7:14:41 PM EDT

[#4]

Great rail system, like above poster said most people never even use their rails and just end up having to cover them up with rail ladders anyway cause they suck to hold on to. Although I must admit that I am one of those that has bought rails for the looks. You will not be disappointed with the VTAC, my only complaint is the odd ringy sound also mentioned above, but this is basically a non-issue, its not loud or anything though. These are the ideal setup for a 3-Gun rifle.

Posted: 11/2/2009 7:17:24 PM EDT

[#5]

I have the mid length and echo what was said above....good rail, a bit of a bitch to line up on install, heald in place by red locktite so you aren't going to be removing the nut anytime soon.

My advice is that is you intend to mount a sight on the rail, get something more rigid. I can flex my VTAC if I apply pressure to it....not much, but some. Same with sling tension.

If you get the Vtac, get the top rail section and use that for allignment by putting a carrying handle across the gap. That will allign the rail to the upper. When you are doing this part of the install, you have very little time to get it right as the locktite is setting up and if you use the method I described, it is a snap. Also, apply some lube when sliding the rail tube over the barrel nut portion. I have to apply lube and lightly tap it on with a rubber mallet.

Good rail overall.

Posted: 11/2/2009 8:07:41 PM EDT

[#6]

Which Lo Pro gas block works best? Or will any lo pro gas block fit under it?

THanks!

WD

moar pics?

Posted: 11/2/2009 9:22:26 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
It is a very good FF tube for the money, I like the option of adding a rail where needed and everything else is smooth. Its priced very well too.

Now another to consider is the Troy Extreme rail, its even lighter than the JV V Tac tube and has many of the same qualities, in an even slimmer profile.

Plus the TRX is 20 times easier to install than the JP/VTAC.

Posted: 11/2/2009 9:24:00 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Great rail system, like above poster said most people never even use their rails and just end up having to cover them up with rail ladders anyway cause they suck to hold on to. Although I must admit that I am one of those that has bought rails for the looks. You will not be disappointed with the VTAC, my only complaint is the odd ringy sound also mentioned above, but this is basically a non-issue, its not loud or anything though. These are the ideal setup for a 3-Gun rifle.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t29/Cubieman/tg2.jpg

Great looking rifle Cubie.

The part about covering up rails with rail covers is the truth, and I no longer have any guns with full rails, except a drop in rail on my 9mm carbine because it was free.

Posted: 11/2/2009 9:49:24 PM EDT

[#9]

I'm using the Young lo profile gas block on the two upper guns and a YHM lo profile gas block under the YHM spectre customizable handguard.

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Posted: 11/3/2009 6:03:16 AM EDT

[#10]

Here's my 300 Whisper build. 16" Noveske barrel, rifle length Vtac tube, Aimpoint, ITT PVS-14, and Omega 30 can.

CHRIS

Posted: 11/3/2009 6:30:35 AM EDT

[#11]

the new one is bad ass. Simply, slim, light as hell.

High speed instructor ran one for 3 days in the VTAC class. I'm getting ready to order one for a race gun

ETA: the new one is a project with TROY. It's the V-TAC Extreme Battle Rail - 13", 11", 9", 7"

Posted: 11/3/2009 6:45:03 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
Which Lo Pro gas block works best? Or will any lo pro gas block fit under it?

THanks!

WD

moar pics?

I like the LaRue Tactical low profiles.

But you can cut the Sight Tower and Bayo lug off your front sight base and make it into a low pro gas block.

Posted: 11/3/2009 6:46:54 AM EDT

[#13]

You guys convinced me to buy one as well. I have been toying with the idea for a while now. Thanks.

Posted: 11/3/2009 7:04:05 AM EDT

[#14]

I have a midlength and Carbine length. Love them. They are light, very sturdy, but the one drawback is they are kinda finicky to install. I used a rubber strap wrench to hold it in place, and put a drillbit in the gas tube port to keep it lined up. God forgive me for not remembering the size.

Posted: 11/3/2009 7:10:57 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:

Quoted:
It is a very good FF tube for the money, I like the option of adding a rail where needed and everything else is smooth. Its priced very well too.

Now another to consider is the Troy Extreme rail, its even lighter than the JV V Tac tube and has many of the same qualities, in an even slimmer profile.

Plus the TRX is 20 times easier to install than the JP/VTAC.

Correct.

I watched Jeff Cramblit remove his at the AA Ozark Midwest 3 Gun Championship with a few turns of a screw and cranking on the tube, it was impressive. I cannot remove mine so easily due to a switch block being installed.

If I didnt have the switchblock, Id just opt for a low pro GB, Noveske, Vltor, Pri or any other quality company block, they all work well.

Posted: 11/3/2009 7:14:21 AM EDT

[#16]

Pic of my Troy Extreme 11" in action

Below is a pic of my JP CTR 02 with 12" Vtac

JP below

Really, the JP V tac tube is a great buy for the money and many use it in 3 gun. I heard JP rifles was back ordered but I looked online and people have them in stock so I assume they got caught up.

Posted: 11/3/2009 9:52:49 AM EDT

[#17]

Thanks for all the responses. I am building a multi gun rifle and have everything except for the handguard, barrel, and gasblock. I just spent $400+ at Spike's for the upper and parts so I am waiting until after the 1st of the year to finish the rest. but I am definitely going with the VTAC, I like the other mention tube also but, to me, I like the looks of the VTAC better, just my opinion.

Thanks again,

WD

Posted: 11/3/2009 3:40:03 PM EDT

[#18]

I have the VTAC in midlength. It is one of the relatively few quality free-float tubes that has the inner diameter to accomodate my silencer. While I like it in general, and won't sell mine, I don't know that I would buy a second one. Mine has a good bit of flex unless the collar screws are well torqued. It also transfers heat worse then any other rail I have tried. To be fair, there is not a lot of air space between the can and the rail. I'd buy it again, but I don't know that I would buy two of them. My humble, high-drag low speed opinion.

The oven glove of justice!

Posted: 11/3/2009 4:21:12 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
I have the VTAC in midlength. It is one of the relatively few quality free-float tubes that has the inner diameter to accomodate my silencer. While I like it in general, and won't sell mine, I don't know that I would buy a second one. Mine has a good bit of flex unless the collar screws are well torqued. It also transfers heat worse then any other rail I have tried. To be fair, there is not a lot of air space between the can and the rail. I'd buy it again, but I don't know that I would buy two of them. My humble, high-drag low speed opinion.

http://www.johnnyego.com/firearms/ars/morears2/vtacb.jpg

http://www.johnnyego.com/dump/fdccjune09/og1.jpg
The oven glove of justice!

That is a neat build.

Posted: 11/3/2009 4:34:27 PM EDT

[#20]

I have heard about the heat issue but I plan on using a 16" barrel midlength gas system. I don't think it will get too hot but I could be wrong. The price is the most attractive part to it, at least for me. And it looks cool.

Thanks

WD

Posted: 11/3/2009 5:54:58 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have the VTAC in midlength. It is one of the relatively few quality free-float tubes that has the inner diameter to accomodate my silencer. While I like it in general, and won't sell mine, I don't know that I would buy a second one. Mine has a good bit of flex unless the collar screws are well torqued. It also transfers heat worse then any other rail I have tried. To be fair, there is not a lot of air space between the can and the rail. I'd buy it again, but I don't know that I would buy two of them. My humble, high-drag low speed opinion.

http://www.johnnyego.com/firearms/ars/morears2/vtacb.jpg

http://www.johnnyego.com/dump/fdccjune09/og1.jpg
The oven glove of justice!

That is a neat build.

I take that as high praise coming from you. Thanks.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Thoughts on VTAC Rifle Length FF Tube

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