pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

[acenoel]

Im going to be purchasing a POF p308 20" in the near future. I can't decide which rail I would like. I've been searching the net for pics where people actually use the hsr for large bell scopes to be laid into the rail as designed. Im gonna purchase a night force 5.5-22x50 or 56. Any pics or suggestions how the nightforce bell and shade fits would be great. And which rings? If you have any pics that wouldI be great! Thanks in advance!

- SN

 

[desertfox01]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

you need the outside diameter of the bell. if it is lets say 58mm (pulling a number out of the air here) then a ring height of 29mm (1.14")will have the bell just touching a flat surface. this will be a clearance needed for the tactical rail (or any monolithic rail). the Hunter version will give you a little over .20 inches of space, I use .20 to give a little margin of error. so a set of rings that have a center bore line height or 0.94 should give you the lowest possible height. different optics have different outside diameters and that is the number you need to know. I am sure you can call night force and find out that information for the scope you want.

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Trust me on this, you WANT the HSR system. It's lighter, more ergonomic, and the rails are exactly where you need them. I've owned predator rail and now own the hunter/sniper rail and the HSR is by far the better of the two.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Killshot,
Not disputing your aversion that the HSR is lighter, but according to POFs site, they're exactly the same weight (out to two decimal places). Did you really find the HSR noticeably lighter than the Tactical rail? Reason I'm asking is I'm in the same situation as the OP. I'm about to pull the trigger on two (nearly) identical POFs, one in .556 and one in .308 and was planning to go with the tactical rail on both. If the HSR is noticeably lighter, I should probably re-think that decision.

Another factor is whether it is possible to mount a Magpul AFG on the HSR rail? Doesn't look like it from the picture, but I can't tell for sure.

 

[jevoe]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

For me the issue lies with the firing position hand placement between the two. The HSR allows a naked rifle grip with my light/laser on the left, bipod underneath, and then I have an open mount on the right if I ever decide to go with redundancy in the event of a light failure. The tactical rail was annoying to hold onto naked, I would have to get a grip to make it comfortable. All a matter of opinion though, try to find a place that has both and shoulder them before you decide if you really want to be happy.

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gstaylorg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Killshot,
Not disputing your aversion that the HSR is lighter, but according to POFs site, they're exactly the same weight (out to two decimal places). Did you really find the HSR noticeably lighter than the Tactical rail? Reason I'm asking is I'm in the same situation as the OP. I'm about to pull the trigger on two (nearly) identical POFs, one in .556 and one in .308 and was planning to go with the tactical rail on both. If the HSR is noticeably lighter, I should probably re-think that decision.

Another factor is whether it is possible to mount a Magpul AFG on the HSR rail? Doesn't look like it from the picture, but I can't tell for sure.</div></div>

If that's what the POF website says I won't dispute that, however, it certainly feels noticeably lighter than my other POF did but maybe that's due to the rail having a different feel to it, as in not as bulky.

In the image below, you can see the rails available on the HSR. There's a small rail on each side of the tube.

 

[redirt78]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Are the two rails interchangeable if you have one and want the other?

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

I don't believe so but perhaps you should call or email Darrell at POF to find out.

 

[redirt78]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Thanks Kill, so you had a Predator railed P308, sold it and bought an HSR railed version? I always thought you just swapped rails.

Any new business info about POF?

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Yes, I had a 2009 production model with a Predator rail system. I sold the setup back in April for $5000, and then turned around and built what you see in my signature photo.

Concerning the business aspect of POF, this is all I know:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just because the company wont comment doesn't mean there isn't truth to the matter. Enron didn't say they were going broke either.

The fact is the Hogan, the brains behind POF, split with POF. Now does that mean POF is going out of business? No, but since Hogan was their parts manufacturer, it's going to be hard for them to find another supplier. Why did Hogan split? That, is where your answer lies. </div></div>

 

[redirt78]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

You did well then haha, can't blame you for making that move.

 

[desertfox01]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the two rails interchangeable if you have one and want the other? </div></div>

yes. They were made made from the same extrusion to mount to the same receiver.

I'll grab 2 rails and post them on the postage scale for ya'll.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Thanks for your reply. Frankly, I have a hard time believing that they weigh the same. The HSR looks like it has less metal overall than the tactical rail. I know it's aluminum, but it has to weigh something, right? Anyhow, thanks for your input, it's very helpful to hear from someone that is running one. I'm going to think about this a little more before committing to one or the other.

 

[acenoel]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Thanks for the replies! If i get the hsr i would like to mount my nightforce bell within the space provided. Will a 5.5-22x50 bell and shade fit in the space provided?

Killshot is there any reason why you didnt mount your scope lower? And if u wanted to would be the bell and shade be too long?

Thanks again!

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: acenoel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replies! If i get the hsr i would like to mount my nightforce bell within the space provided. Will a 5.5-22x50 bell and shade fit in the space provided?

Killshot is there any reason why you didnt mount your scope lower? And if u wanted to would be the bell and shade be too long?

Thanks again!</div></div>

The scope you see mounted is a NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50 and I could fit a 56mm objective on it, including the sunshade. The reason I mounted the scope as high as you see it is because of how my cheek rests on the Magpul PRS cheek weld.

 

[acenoel]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Thanks for the reply! By the way nice rig! Ill be having a hsr 20" waiting for me at my local gun shop when i get back from working in san diego. But till then ill be researching everything i will be putting on it so i apreciate the advice!

Ps. Ill be stopping by the gunshows and purchasing federal matchking bthp 168 & 175 for $177 for 200 rounds so ill have plenty of ammo to shoot. By the way what rounds does your rifle like best?

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: acenoel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the reply! By the way nice rig! Ill be having a hsr 20" waiting for me at my local gun shop when i get back from working in san diego. But till then ill be researching everything i will be putting on it so i apreciate the advice!

Ps. Ill be stopping by the gunshows and purchasing federal matchking bthp 168 & 175 for $177 for 200 rounds so ill have plenty of ammo to shoot. By the way what rounds does your rifle like best?</div></div>

I use Hornady A-Max 168, TAP 168, and FGMM 175gr. You should check out sgammo.com and southwestammunition.com before buying any ammo at a gunshow.

 

[acenoel]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

You dont like factory new federal sierra match king ammo? I thought $177 for 200 rounds was a good deal. What kind of groups are you getting with your ammo?

 

[yellowcarbon]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Hogan has some of the old predator rails for $150. So I would go with the HSR and you can buy a predator if you want. Then you can have both model and decide which you want.

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: acenoel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You dont like factory new federal sierra match king ammo? I thought $177 for 200 rounds was a good deal. What kind of groups are you getting with your ammo?</div></div>

I suggested SouthwestAmmo because Mike is a 'Hide vendor and I like to support the vendors with my business whenever I can. Mike loads his ammo to the exact specifications as the FGMM 175 SMK. That being said, if you can get it cheaper elsewhere, I can't blame you for going with the lowest possible price.

As for grouping, I'm an amateur shooter so my accuracy is no reflection on the rifle but more on my own abilities or the lack thereof. I'm getting about 1.5 MOA right now and I have no doubt it would be much better if I could get more range time but my free-time is pretty limited right now with work, college, etc.

 

[desertfox01]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yellowcarbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hogan has some of the old predator rails for $150. So I would go with the HSR and you can buy a predator if you want. Then you can have both model and decide which you want. </div></div>

The old predator is designed to work on a 223 flat top upper receiver. the 308 rails bolt down into the upper receiver.

 

[redirt78]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Desert, what about the old style Predator that comes on the P308, can you switch it to the HSR down the road?

 

[yellowcarbon]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

Sorry, I am calling it by the wrong name/model. It is the early style P308 rail that has the full top rail set up. Which is nice if you run an IR laser. It also has the horizontal lightening cuts vs. the diagonal ones. I have one of my Hogan .308 and like it well enough. I may have to get another rail to chop up, although I am pretty sure I will murder it with my Dremel.

 

[Vette447]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Desert, what about the old style Predator that comes on the P308, can you switch it to the HSR down the road? </div></div>

I too would like to know this. I have a 2009 P-308 and just noticed the new rail they are making (been out of the loop for a bit) and like it. It would be nice to know if they could be swapped.

 

[timlemons64]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

So, as the sad owner of a POF (should be POS) be sure you read up and research the issues with them and their poor customer service...non existant...before taking the plunge. I love it (P308) and hate it at the same time. Looks great, shoots like crap. A very expensive ornament in my safe if you ask me. I moved on to a killer, sub MOA bolt gun that never sticks, jams, or has excessive cycle issues. The very problems they claim to have solved with gas impingement. Funny thing is my two gas M&P AR15s kick but and have never jammed after over 4K through each of them. Just my $0.02.

 

[KillShot]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ARdude</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, as the sad owner of a POF (should be POS) be sure you read up and research the issues with them and their poor customer service...non existant...before taking the plunge. I love it (P308) and hate it at the same time. Looks great, shoots like crap. A very expensive ornament in my safe if you ask me. I moved on to a killer, sub MOA bolt gun that never sticks, jams, or has excessive cycle issues. The very problems they claim to have solved with gas impingement. Funny thing is my two gas M&P AR15s kick but and have never jammed after over 4K through each of them. Just my $0.02.</div></div>

So, just because you've had a few issues with yours, the rest of them are lemons as well? This is my second P308 and I haven't had a single issue with either of them, although I'm sure that's hard to believe since you think it should be called a "POS".

For the record, every manufacturer is going to have a few that slip through the cracks that need further maintenance whether it be LMT, LWRC, POF, DPMS, etc. It's whether or not the company addresses the issue after the customer notifies then that makes the difference.

 

[desertfox01]

Re: pof 308 standard mono rail or hsr?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Desert, what about the old style Predator that comes on the P308, can you switch it to the HSR down the road? </div></div>

If it has the 5 screw whole pattern for bolting onto the receiver, it will work with the newer version.

OK, thought I had a 11" tactical rail at home, but I have a 11" hunter = 13.9 oz (vertical slots). I also have a 9" tactical (with horizontal slots) which weighs 14.2oz