just trying to decide. they are both similar in design and install as well as price.
sampson, mine will be without the cut
midwest
sampson, mine will be without the cut
midwest
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Sampson or Midwest free float?
- Thread starter AXEMAN
- Start date
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
Between those 2, I would personally go with the MI or the Rainier Evolution version of the Samson. Largely for looks, but I think there is additional weight savings compared to the Samson.
If you'll consider 1 more, I would pick a Troy Alpha over either one. Similar in appearance and cost. Noveske NSR if you're willing to pay more (I switched out my Troys for NSRs because the lighter weight and smaller diameter felt better to me).
Between those 2, I would personally go with the MI or the Rainier Evolution version of the Samson. Largely for looks, but I think there is additional weight savings compared to the Samson.
If you'll consider 1 more, I would pick a Troy Alpha over either one. Similar in appearance and cost. Noveske NSR if you're willing to pay more (I switched out my Troys for NSRs because the lighter weight and smaller diameter felt better to me).
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
yeah i just spotted the troy too. they all seem to attach in a similar fashion. all seem to be the same price within a reasonable amount
yeah i just spotted the troy too. they all seem to attach in a similar fashion. all seem to be the same price within a reasonable amount
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
My father just bought a Samson Evo rail and I must say, it was a very nice rail. However, he bought the wrong one (needed a mid-length and bought a carbine). When he went to return it, the store he got it from didn't have a mid-length.
After searching around he bought a MI SS GenII rail in the proper length and it is equally as nice. Very light weight and VERY narrow. It installed without issue and he is very happy with it.
After installing he elected to omit all the rails and just utilize the included sling swivel stud to mount his Harris bipod to the tube.
It turned out to be a very low-pro way to mount it.
My only complaint is that the threaded holes in the tube did not allow the stud to time correctly for the bipod (or a sling for that matter). With the bipod installed in doesn't seem likely to rotate out due to the way the bipod sits against the round tube body preventing rotation.
He elected not to try the stud screwed into a rail section and then mounted to the tube as he didn't want the added weight and height. This may have allowed for proper timing, but it seems to be working as is.
My only other insight with these rails is that the Samson allows for install without removing the barrel nut, whereas the MI requires the removal of the existing nut (and all that entails) and replacing it with their nut. This may sway some buyers.
Overall, I thought both were equally well machined and very similarly designed and while I would prefer a Troy, Noveske, or Daniel Defense, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest either the MI or Samson to those shopping in that price range.
I like the appearance and multiple facets of the Samson, but have much experience using and selling MI products and would probably suggest them over the Samson just because of that.
My father just bought a Samson Evo rail and I must say, it was a very nice rail. However, he bought the wrong one (needed a mid-length and bought a carbine). When he went to return it, the store he got it from didn't have a mid-length.
After searching around he bought a MI SS GenII rail in the proper length and it is equally as nice. Very light weight and VERY narrow. It installed without issue and he is very happy with it.
After installing he elected to omit all the rails and just utilize the included sling swivel stud to mount his Harris bipod to the tube.
It turned out to be a very low-pro way to mount it.
My only complaint is that the threaded holes in the tube did not allow the stud to time correctly for the bipod (or a sling for that matter). With the bipod installed in doesn't seem likely to rotate out due to the way the bipod sits against the round tube body preventing rotation.
He elected not to try the stud screwed into a rail section and then mounted to the tube as he didn't want the added weight and height. This may have allowed for proper timing, but it seems to be working as is.
My only other insight with these rails is that the Samson allows for install without removing the barrel nut, whereas the MI requires the removal of the existing nut (and all that entails) and replacing it with their nut. This may sway some buyers.
Overall, I thought both were equally well machined and very similarly designed and while I would prefer a Troy, Noveske, or Daniel Defense, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest either the MI or Samson to those shopping in that price range.
I like the appearance and multiple facets of the Samson, but have much experience using and selling MI products and would probably suggest them over the Samson just because of that.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
rd62, thanks man. that was a great reply. i wish everybody in every thread was as helpful. thanks man
anyone else have any thoughts?
rd62, thanks man. that was a great reply. i wish everybody in every thread was as helpful. thanks man
anyone else have any thoughts?
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RD62</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After installing he elected to omit all the rails and just utilize the included sling swivel stud to mount his Harris bipod to the tube.
It turned out to be a very low-pro way to mount it.
My only complaint is that the threaded holes in the tube did not allow the stud to time correctly for the bipod (or a sling for that matter). With the bipod installed in doesn't seem likely to rotate out due to the way the bipod sits against the round tube body preventing rotation.
He elected not to try the stud screwed into a rail section and then mounted to the tube as he didn't want the added weight and height. This may have allowed for proper timing, but it seems to be working as is.
</div></div>
Just go to the hardware store and pick up a rubber o ring or a small lock washer and you will be able to time the stud up however you want. Same principal as using a crush washer on a muzzle brake/flash hider. This has worked great for me for mounting Harris bipods.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RD62</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After installing he elected to omit all the rails and just utilize the included sling swivel stud to mount his Harris bipod to the tube.
It turned out to be a very low-pro way to mount it.
My only complaint is that the threaded holes in the tube did not allow the stud to time correctly for the bipod (or a sling for that matter). With the bipod installed in doesn't seem likely to rotate out due to the way the bipod sits against the round tube body preventing rotation.
He elected not to try the stud screwed into a rail section and then mounted to the tube as he didn't want the added weight and height. This may have allowed for proper timing, but it seems to be working as is.
</div></div>
Just go to the hardware store and pick up a rubber o ring or a small lock washer and you will be able to time the stud up however you want. Same principal as using a crush washer on a muzzle brake/flash hider. This has worked great for me for mounting Harris bipods.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I recently installed the MI free float gen 2 on my 3gun rifle and like it alot. Its very sturdy and very light. I was worried about holding onto it near the gas block area (mid length) during high round count stages, but haven't had any issues with being too hot. It installed easily and matched up well to my Spikes upper.
The two areas that caught my attention were:
The barrel nut was not painted, it was unfinished steel which showed slight surface rust
After tighting the two screws at the bottom of the handguard I could see that the paint slightly cracked where the metal had stretched (where the screw blocks are attached to the tube). I checked closely and the aluminum didn't tear or rip, just the thin paint, nothing major.
For that price, hard to go wrong with either.
I recently installed the MI free float gen 2 on my 3gun rifle and like it alot. Its very sturdy and very light. I was worried about holding onto it near the gas block area (mid length) during high round count stages, but haven't had any issues with being too hot. It installed easily and matched up well to my Spikes upper.
The two areas that caught my attention were:
The barrel nut was not painted, it was unfinished steel which showed slight surface rust
After tighting the two screws at the bottom of the handguard I could see that the paint slightly cracked where the metal had stretched (where the screw blocks are attached to the tube). I checked closely and the aluminum didn't tear or rip, just the thin paint, nothing major.
For that price, hard to go wrong with either.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
MI has outstanding customer service. I had had stripped the threads in a free float quad rail. I told them what happened and that it was my fault. They had a new one on its way to me with a pre paid S&H for UPS for the one I broke.
MI has outstanding customer service. I had had stripped the threads in a free float quad rail. I told them what happened and that it was my fault. They had a new one on its way to me with a pre paid S&H for UPS for the one I broke.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently installed the MI free float gen 2 on my 3gun rifle and like it alot. Its very sturdy and very light. I was worried about holding onto it near the gas block area (mid length) during high round count stages, but haven't had any issues with being too hot. It installed easily and matched up well to my Spikes upper.
The two areas that caught my attention were:
The barrel nut was not painted, it was unfinished steel which showed slight surface rust
After tighting the two screws at the bottom of the handguard I could see that the paint slightly cracked where the metal had stretched (where the screw blocks are attached to the tube). I checked closely and the aluminum didn't tear or rip, just the thin paint, nothing major.
For that price, hard to go wrong with either. </div></div>
There's something wrong here, I suggest you contact MI. My Gen2 SS definitely has a finished barrel nut, and the forearm itself should be anodized not painted, mine certainly is, anodizing is a surface treatment not a simple coating, it will scratch, it should not chip, crack or flake, in order for it to typically the base metal has.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently installed the MI free float gen 2 on my 3gun rifle and like it alot. Its very sturdy and very light. I was worried about holding onto it near the gas block area (mid length) during high round count stages, but haven't had any issues with being too hot. It installed easily and matched up well to my Spikes upper.
The two areas that caught my attention were:
The barrel nut was not painted, it was unfinished steel which showed slight surface rust
After tighting the two screws at the bottom of the handguard I could see that the paint slightly cracked where the metal had stretched (where the screw blocks are attached to the tube). I checked closely and the aluminum didn't tear or rip, just the thin paint, nothing major.
For that price, hard to go wrong with either. </div></div>
There's something wrong here, I suggest you contact MI. My Gen2 SS definitely has a finished barrel nut, and the forearm itself should be anodized not painted, mine certainly is, anodizing is a surface treatment not a simple coating, it will scratch, it should not chip, crack or flake, in order for it to typically the base metal has.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I bought the Rainier Sampson rail for my 300 Blackout. Rainier Arms omits one of the two inch rails but includes the $25 sling mount all for less than you would pay direct from Sampson mfg. I also like the triangular cuts vs.the s cuts from Sampson.
Here is a picture Duracoated and mounted.
I bought the Rainier Sampson rail for my 300 Blackout. Rainier Arms omits one of the two inch rails but includes the $25 sling mount all for less than you would pay direct from Sampson mfg. I also like the triangular cuts vs.the s cuts from Sampson.
Here is a picture Duracoated and mounted.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
good looking upper mitch. i liked the sampson due to the heat sheild & the factory barrel nut and the way it installs. plus the indexing tabs that center it on the upper. anyone have a troy to show off?
good looking upper mitch. i liked the sampson due to the heat sheild & the factory barrel nut and the way it installs. plus the indexing tabs that center it on the upper. anyone have a troy to show off?
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I believe the second photo on the provided thread has a Troy rail upgrade.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...135#Post3656135
This guy has quite a few YouTube videos praising the Troy rails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLDPl0rguAE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I believe the second photo on the provided thread has a Troy rail upgrade.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...135#Post3656135
This guy has quite a few YouTube videos praising the Troy rails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLDPl0rguAE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
methinks he doth gush too much. its a nice rail though, the troy that is.
i like the tabs that keep the sampson centered. i like the price on the MI and its got the nut and the tool for it as well. the others i would have to buy the barrel nut wrench as i dont have one.
im also thinking of getting a different FF on my 308 also and these are all good choices for that too
methinks he doth gush too much. its a nice rail though, the troy that is.
i like the tabs that keep the sampson centered. i like the price on the MI and its got the nut and the tool for it as well. the others i would have to buy the barrel nut wrench as i dont have one.
im also thinking of getting a different FF on my 308 also and these are all good choices for that too
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
so... im leanining towards midwest industries. ill post pics as soon as its installed
so... im leanining towards midwest industries. ill post pics as soon as its installed
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I love the rainer sampson rails i have a 12.7" and 15" they have been great.
I love the rainer sampson rails i have a 12.7" and 15" they have been great.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently installed the MI free float gen 2 on my 3gun rifle and like it alot. Its very sturdy and very light. I was worried about holding onto it near the gas block area (mid length) during high round count stages, but haven't had any issues with being too hot. It installed easily and matched up well to my Spikes upper.
The two areas that caught my attention were:
The barrel nut was not painted, it was unfinished steel which showed slight surface rust
After tighting the two screws at the bottom of the handguard I could see that the paint slightly cracked where the metal had stretched (where the screw blocks are attached to the tube). I checked closely and the aluminum didn't tear or rip, just the thin paint, nothing major.
For that price, hard to go wrong with either. </div></div>
There's something wrong here, I suggest you contact MI. My Gen2 SS definitely has a finished barrel nut, and the forearm itself should be anodized not painted, mine certainly is, anodizing is a surface treatment not a simple coating, it will scratch, it should not chip, crack or flake, in order for it to typically the base metal has.</div></div>
I second that.
____
I had the same dilemma. Tough call!!
Fortunately for me, Hamlund Tactical had the MI Gen 2 SS on sale (1 size in black only)monthly special.
It turned out great!
Stud screw mound for a Harris, 3 movable short rails & one with a swivel mount. It has 4 tabs for centering.
Best of all; It is super easy to install.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently installed the MI free float gen 2 on my 3gun rifle and like it alot. Its very sturdy and very light. I was worried about holding onto it near the gas block area (mid length) during high round count stages, but haven't had any issues with being too hot. It installed easily and matched up well to my Spikes upper.
The two areas that caught my attention were:
The barrel nut was not painted, it was unfinished steel which showed slight surface rust
After tighting the two screws at the bottom of the handguard I could see that the paint slightly cracked where the metal had stretched (where the screw blocks are attached to the tube). I checked closely and the aluminum didn't tear or rip, just the thin paint, nothing major.
For that price, hard to go wrong with either. </div></div>
There's something wrong here, I suggest you contact MI. My Gen2 SS definitely has a finished barrel nut, and the forearm itself should be anodized not painted, mine certainly is, anodizing is a surface treatment not a simple coating, it will scratch, it should not chip, crack or flake, in order for it to typically the base metal has.</div></div>
I second that.
____
I had the same dilemma. Tough call!!
Fortunately for me, Hamlund Tactical had the MI Gen 2 SS on sale (1 size in black only)monthly special.
It turned out great!
Stud screw mound for a Harris, 3 movable short rails & one with a swivel mount. It has 4 tabs for centering.
Best of all; It is super easy to install.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I have one of each.
MI:
Smaller diameter than the Samson.
Uses proprietary barrel nut.
Easy to install.
Light.
Samson:
A little bit larger diameter.
Uses standard barrel nut.
Easy to install...aligning the top flat with the top of the receiver takes some playing around to get it all on one plane. You have to torque the screws and hold the rail down or put the whole assembly upside down on a flat table, then tighten the screws.
Lighter than my Troy MRF.
I have one of each.
MI:
Smaller diameter than the Samson.
Uses proprietary barrel nut.
Easy to install.
Light.
Samson:
A little bit larger diameter.
Uses standard barrel nut.
Easy to install...aligning the top flat with the top of the receiver takes some playing around to get it all on one plane. You have to torque the screws and hold the rail down or put the whole assembly upside down on a flat table, then tighten the screws.
Lighter than my Troy MRF.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
do the seekins fit any upper or are they just for the seekins? pictures? prices?
do the seekins fit any upper or are they just for the seekins? pictures? prices?
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
glen i just looked at your rails. i may have to cancel a back order, lol
glen i just looked at your rails. i may have to cancel a back order, lol
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I like the Seekins SP3R, but went with the Samson 12.37" - I liked its looks better than the Rainier version, and it felt better in my hand than the others.
I like the Seekins SP3R, but went with the Samson 12.37" - I liked its looks better than the Rainier version, and it felt better in my hand than the others.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I have the midwest. I hate the way it attaches to the barrel nut, it's a very weak design. I considered both and I think the samson or rainier is probably a better choice now that I have my midwest. Also you need to get an extremely low pro gas block, no clamping or pin style.
I have the midwest. I hate the way it attaches to the barrel nut, it's a very weak design. I considered both and I think the samson or rainier is probably a better choice now that I have my midwest. Also you need to get an extremely low pro gas block, no clamping or pin style.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I like my MI SS Gen II. Easy assembly & included swivel stud. Personal preference is the rel difference.
I like my MI SS Gen II. Easy assembly & included swivel stud. Personal preference is the rel difference.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
its attachment is pretty similar to the ranier/sampson and troy as well i believe.
at this moment the midwest industries is on back order thru brownells. anyone know where one is in stock?
its attachment is pretty similar to the ranier/sampson and troy as well i believe.
at this moment the midwest industries is on back order thru brownells. anyone know where one is in stock?
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
I run a 13" Troy Alpha on my 16" carbine and a buddy of mine just built a 20" rifle using the Midwest 15" and all I can say is I like the way the MI feels over my Alpha. I also noticed that the MI can't move if installed properly. I can't say the same about my Alpha. I noticed it has shifted to the left just a touch. Not very confidence inspiring.
I don't have any experience with the Sampson, but from what I've heard it's suppose to be good, so I would go with which ever you like best, cosmetically speaking.
I run a 13" Troy Alpha on my 16" carbine and a buddy of mine just built a 20" rifle using the Midwest 15" and all I can say is I like the way the MI feels over my Alpha. I also noticed that the MI can't move if installed properly. I can't say the same about my Alpha. I noticed it has shifted to the left just a touch. Not very confidence inspiring.
I don't have any experience with the Sampson, but from what I've heard it's suppose to be good, so I would go with which ever you like best, cosmetically speaking.
Re: Sampson or Midwest free float?
well what at happened was i ended up buying a seekins BAR since i couldnt find the MI anywhere
well what at happened was i ended up buying a seekins BAR since i couldnt find the MI anywhere
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