High quality quad rail handguards?

6

6.5mmman

Sergeant
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Minuteman
Feb 1, 2011
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Houston
#1
Im shooting an M&P VTAC rifle, and I love everything about the rifle except the handguard. I want a quad rail for lights etc, plus I cant operate effectively without a quad rail.
wink.gif


Seriously though, this is a working rifle and I dont want to toss a low quality component on it. What should I look into? Id like to keep the rail the same length as my VTAC handguard, just a quad rail.
 
#2
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

This question is a debatable one.. I'm sure you will get a million opinions, I'll start it off.. I've used about every single one in builds at one point or another and my favorite for a true quad rail is the spikes BAR or SAR rail... Made by seekins precision...
 
#3
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

SWS rail, like Noveske uses. So nice and trim....others seem so bulky. Comes with 2 different barrel nuts, so you can pick the one best to "time" with your receiver railtop. Comes with a heavy honkin' nut wrench, as well.

Costs more than others, and you'll never get a suppressor under one, but I love 'em.
 
#5
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

You can get one of the new Gen 2 Midwest Industries quad rail handguards for $130 for the carbine and I think $150 for the rifle.

They make great stuff....I have a Gen 1 on my Ar-10 and it works great. Nice and tight and very well built.

Or, go spend 300 bucks on one.
 
#6
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can get one of the new Gen 2 Midwest Industries quad rail handguards for $130 for the carbine and I think $150 for the rifle.

They make great stuff....I have a Gen 1 on my Ar-10 and it works great. Nice and tight and very well built.

Or, go spend 300 bucks on one. </div></div>
Are you suggesting that a 300 dollar piece of kit has nothing to offer that a 150 dollar one can't? This is a working rifle, and I'm willing to pay a premium for warrior grade parts versus inferior ones.

I don't want to sound like a doucher, I'm just not up and up on what's up to snuff these days. If the Midwest will serve me well, its worth a gander, but I'm not looking for value, I'm looking for tough as nails.
 
#7
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can get one of the new Gen 2 Midwest Industries quad rail handguards for $130 for the carbine and I think $150 for the rifle.

They make great stuff....I have a Gen 1 on my Ar-10 and it works great. Nice and tight and very well built.

Or, go spend 300 bucks on one. </div></div>
Are you suggesting that a 300 dollar piece of kit has nothing to offer that a 150 dollar one can't? This is a working rifle, and I'm willing to pay a premium for warrior grade parts versus inferior ones.

I don't want to sound like a doucher, I'm just not up and up on what's up to snuff these days. If the Midwest will serve me well, its worth a gander, but I'm not looking for value, I'm looking for tough as nails. </div></div>

I would put my Midwest Ind. quad rail against any $300 one...
 
#8
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Not trying to be a jerk but all the options mentioned are at the bottom of the list (Larue is in the crap pile below the bottom) Seekins rails are the best for the money. Best setup and by far the highest quality. Their rails are sold through Spikes Tactical. I will never buy anything other than Spikes (Seekins) again. Plus their new tri rails and stuff for 3-gun are just sweet!
 
#9
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Though the VTAC that comes on it is longer, the rifle is a carbine at heart. I'd actually kinda like to get a carbine length rail, if one exists that is as tough as what I've heard about the sws rail.
 
#11
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

My preference in order: Centurion C4, DD Lite, DD OmegaX. All are light and extremely strong. C4 and OmegaX come with integrated QD. C4 is the easiest to install and remove and also uses a stock barrel nut.
 
#15
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Im really liking the DD lite carbine.

Maybe with new front sight base. Like an A2 base to make it a real carbine? and a nice BUIS on the back.

The DD lite is a good stout quad rail?
 
#16
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Look, the main difference in price with quad rails is whter they are made out out 4140 or 4150 aluminum and if they are free floated or not. If you are looking for max accuaracy get a free floated rail...you will just pay more for it.

If I would have suggested some imported UTG crap for $55 bucks then you can tell me I am full of it. Spend whatever you want....all of the decent stuff is over $100 and its all made by CNC machine and should have T markings on it.

Happy shooting.
 
#18
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look, the main difference in price with quad rails is whter they are made out out 4140 or 4150 aluminum and if they are free floated or not. If you are looking for max accuaracy get a free floated rail...you will just pay more for it.

If I would have suggested some imported UTG crap for $55 bucks then you can tell me I am full of it. Spend whatever you want....all of the decent stuff is over $100 and its all made by CNC machine and should have T markings on it.

Happy shooting. </div></div>

Brother, I never meant to be a douche. Bottom line is, im a total gear snob, and i have the money to throw at it. Im not on a budget, and prefer the best. Thats all. I didnt mean to say you were full of it, or to insult you in any way.
 
#19
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Notice how Daniel Defense keeps coming up? If I could only have one rail, it would be a DD OmegaX 12.0. They are "tough as nails" and then some.
 
#20
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

If you arren't on a budget and want the best quality free float rail by an entire monolithic upper. If you want to swap barrels get an LMT, otherwise but a Mega.
But if you are gear snob with no budget concerns just start buying rails and trying them out on your own. When you don't like one just sell it.
 
#21
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5mmman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look, the main difference in price with quad rails is whter they are made out out 4140 or 4150 aluminum and if they are free floated or not. If you are looking for max accuracy get a free floated rail...you will just pay more for it.

If I would have suggested some imported UTG crap for $55 bucks then you can tell me I am full of it. Spend whatever you want....all of the decent stuff is over $100 and its all made by CNC machine and should have T markings on it.

Happy shooting. </div></div>

Brother, I never meant to be a douche. Bottom line is, I'm a total gear snob, and i have the money to throw at it. I'm not on a budget, and prefer the best. Thats all. I didn't mean to say you were full of it, or to insult you in any way. </div></div>

You definitely need to check out the Mega Monos then.
I have build three so far ~ awesome product.
 
#22
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you arren't on a budget and want the best quality free float rail by an entire monolithic upper. If you want to swap barrels get an LMT, otherwise but a Mega.
But if you are gear snob with no budget concerns just start buying rails and trying them out on your own. When you don't like one just sell it. </div></div>

Ive seen a mono upper build, looked sick, and I may do one eventually. That said, this rifle is not a range toy or for showing off. It will get beat. I dont have time to test out a bunch of inferior products. I needed advice on one that could take a beating and roll with the punches. It looks like the C4 and the DD lite are both good solid choices, and i will probably try both, use the one i like less on another range/course build.
 
#23
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Thanks for the apology but not necessary. Nice tomhearmyoumareva gear snob, just like like me. Buy the best you can get for your rifle whether it's free floated or not. I'm sure you will end up with something badass on your rig. I'd,go middle of the road and spendmthenrestbon ammo to shoot up.

Good luck bro. No offense taken.
 
#24
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

I've had great luck with LaRue, DD, and Troy. The DD has a nice broad range of options, they're light, and slim. I personally like the Troy TRX-Alpha line or similar where you can add rails only where you want, as opposed to a full quad rail. That's personal preference though.
 
#26
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heatseekins</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We are not selling bar and sar rails exclusively thru spikes anymore so all of our dealers that want rails can get them from us and you can purchase from them or direct from our website as well..
smile.gif
</div></div>
Thanks for the update Glen that is great news!
 
#27
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

I have a Daniel Defense 12" lite rail that is awesome. Super light weight for a quad rail system and there is no wiggle or play at all. Super solid rail system
 
#28
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

Think I am going to go with the Gen 2 Midwest Industries rail...if it sucks or is loose I will return it but I think it should lock up pretty tight. Only $125 which isnt too bad.
 
#30
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

For me, it;s only daniel defense. After getting my first, I decided to switch it out for a longer rail, ie m4 7" to a DD RIS II in FDE, and so far, I like it a lot.
 
#31
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _Shay_ ©</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For me, it;s only daniel defense. After getting my first, I decided to switch it out for a longer rail, ie m4 7" to a DD RIS II in FDE, and so far, I like it a lot. </div></div>
Shay didn't you have issues with one of the M4 rails like I did? Where even when torqed to spec then some it still would come loose at the barrel nut? I have owned two and one I had to send in to be repaired for being out of spec. Quick and easy but still anoying. I like the DD rails other than the M4 setup. Seekins is so nice and easy to install and fits my monkey hands.
 
#32
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strangedays</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _Shay_ ©</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For me, it;s only daniel defense. After getting my first, I decided to switch it out for a longer rail, ie m4 7" to a DD RIS II in FDE, and so far, I like it a lot. </div></div>
Shay didn't you have issues with one of the M4 rails like I did? Where even when torqed to spec then some it still would come loose at the barrel nut? I have owned two and one I had to send in to be repaired for being out of spec. Quick and easy but still anoying. I like the DD rails other than the M4 setup. Seekins is so nice and easy to install and fits my monkey hands. </div></div>

Turns out, a pin was missing that held the rail in place, and DD fixed it right up for me.
 
#33
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

I went with the DD 7" lite rail. Gonna combo that with a surefire m600c, A2 front sight lost, and a good rear BUIS. Gonna go with the VCAS for a sling. May also get a CTR stock. I like it better than the SOPMOD on my rifle.

She should be ready for operational operations after that.
 
#34
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

i built my first ar with a SAMSON STAR rail, EXCELLENT quality and the bottom rail is removable to mount a grenade launcher. i also built an ar/10-22 (NORDIC chassis) gun for my nephew and he bought a Midwest Industries quad rail and i was very surprised at the quality of there product. again, VERY surprised. i am now building a dedicated .22 ar and am in a quandary as what to buy - another SAMSON (for redundancy) or save $ and get a MI. i am also considering a KIES quad rail. will probably buy another SAMSON, it is really a fine piece. oh, by the way SteelShot11, aluminum is NOT 4140 or 4150 - that's STEEL. aluminum is 2024, 6061 or 7075 as used in aircraft. 6061 is the softest of the three but weldable. next harder is 2024 and finally the grandaddy is 7075 ($$$). yes, there are other aluminum 'flavors' but these are the ones predominantly used in rail manufacturing (not very much 2024 though).
 
#36
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

You could always put rails on your existing VTAC handguard. Personally I want to switch all my rails out for VTAC tubes, I don't need a mile of rail estate..and the VTAC tubes are just really comfortable and lightweight.

Seekins rail is nice to hold since it was bead blasted so most of the edges are turned down, but the edge of the rails on the muzzle end of the rail are almost razor sharp, and the barrel nut kinda needs a special wrench. Other than that, its pretty well designed and is competitively priced.

Daniel Defense and Larue are pretty tight on the inside diameter so if you want to cover your gas block you will need a micro or low-profile block to make it work.

I don't have first hand experience with Troy/Samson so I can't comment on those systems.
 
#38
Re: High quality quad rail handguards?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boss334OP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Notice how Daniel Defense keeps coming up? If I could only have one rail, it would be a DD OmegaX 12.0. They are "tough as nails" and then some. </div></div>


+1... all of my AR's have a DD rail, the Lite is my favorite
 
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