YankeeSC 1,204 Posted November 10, 2016 I would like to replace mine with a quad rail. Any suggestions for a quality moderately priced rail? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatty 241 Posted November 10, 2016 Midwest industries is good for the price. I've got one on my 14.5 build when they were having a sale a while back or wait for some black friday deals to pop up. non-free float drop in quad rails are all pretty much the same... just keep the weight in mind Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,635 Posted November 10, 2016 I would like to replace mine with a quad rail. Any suggestions for a quality moderately priced rail? Couple of questions: - You going for looks or function? - Free float or not? - What are you planning on attaching to the rails? - Is this for a new build or an existing complete rifle? -- If it is going on an existing complete rifle, does it have a pinned muzzle device or are you able to remove the existing gas block/FSB? If you are not going to free float the rail, you are honestly better off with Magpul MOE hand guards. They will do anything you could want with no issues and for a very reasonable price. So, if all you want to add to your carbine is a white light, a vertical grip/handstop, and a sling mount there is no need to add the weight of a full metal rail system for a non free floating system. Now, a free float system is a nice addition - some would argue mandatory - on a rifle for social or gaming purposes. If you are going free float you have some good options - but they are all more expensive than the Magpul MOE. The DD Omega is a nice option for a full rail - easy install option. It's pricey but worth the money in my opinion. The Troy mentioned above is another real nice option for a free float full rail. If this is going on an existing rifle with a pinned brake/Comp and you are handy and feel a little froggy, you can cut/grind down your FSB and that opens a hole slew of new options for lightweight tube style hand guards that use the standard barrel nut. If you can remove the current gas block to swap out the existing barrel nut, your options are endless. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djg0770 481 Posted November 10, 2016 Quad rail is very fat in the hand. Suggest you handle one before buying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted November 10, 2016 Thanks guys! HE you ask good questions ... I admit I am going for looks more than function, although I will probably end up adding a hand stop or grip. Already a sling mount on the fixed picatinny rail gas block. This is for an existing WW SRC NJ compliant model with a welded brake: http://www.windhamweaponry.com/pdf/NewTechSeets/R16M4FTPT-MA-8-12-16%20MSRP.pdf Free float or not? As a newb I don't know the differences/advantages either way. I can tell you I'm not interested in doing the work to remove the brake or block, I would just like this to be "drop in". For it to be a free float would the brake and block have to come off? I am considering this Troy: https://troyind.com/products/drop-7-blk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,635 Posted November 10, 2016 You could get a DD Omega 7. It is a drop in free float 7" rail and would suit your needs. But, you are gonna pay for it. I have used one for quite a while until I determined that I wanted a slimmer, longer, and lighter rail. I would go with the Troy MRF CX 12 if I were you. https://troyind.com/products/mrf-12cx-blk You will find the longer rail extremely useful. Again, if you are gong to do it, do it once, and do it right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted November 10, 2016 I like like Troy 12 inch! Checking to make sure it's compatible with the block and sling mount. I am also liking the Magpul M-LOK hand guard https://www.magpul.com/products/moe-mlok-hand-guard-carbine-length-ar15-m4 plus adding the fore grip: https://www.magpul.com/products/m-lok-afg Decisions ... decisions ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,635 Posted November 10, 2016 You will have to knock that bottom sling mount out. It's easy - just knock out the rivet with an appropriate size punch. It's really a useless piece anyway. A sling mount at 6O'clock is really designed for a carry strap, not a sling. Honestly, with what you are saying, I think you would be better served with the Magpul Option - that's what my HD gun and one work gun have. If you aren't mounting a VIS or IR laser and you don't plan on shooting long distances with the hand guard braced against cover or some kind of support, the Magpul is more than adequate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted November 10, 2016 Quad rails kind of suck. I'd definitely suggest the magpul piece and all related accesories this signature exceeds the 15 character capacity count Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
younggun93 5 Posted November 10, 2016 if it helps at all, I'm looking to buy the midwest drop in M-LOK hand guard. I like it because I can interchange M-LOK components and it weighs like 5 oz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted November 10, 2016 Thanks for all the great advice, I truly appreciate it! I think for this specific application the magpul makes the most sense. My next AR-15 will be different ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
younggun93 5 Posted November 10, 2016 Thanks for all the great advice, I truly appreciate it! I think for this specific application the magpul makes the most sense. My next AR-15 will be different ... thats the spirit why settle for one when you can have two 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatty 241 Posted November 10, 2016 Troy MRF FTW about to put one on my upper soon. you missed out on a great sale at Primary arms... got my MRF-R for 100 bucks shipped Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted November 11, 2016 FWIW, in addition to everyone's input here, I found this super helpful: http://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-ar-15-upgrades-handguards-triggers-bcgs-more/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites