So I'm trying to narrow down some two piece railed handguards for christmas. I'm staying on a budget (my aunt is purchasing for me) and will probably stay with either Midwest Industries or Troy. I really like the Midwest industries stuff and have heard great things in regards to customer service which has me leaning that way. Here is what I have it narrowed down to. Thoughts, opinions, experiences, and suggestions welcome. Let's not bash and I know DD and Larue amongst others may be better but cost twice as much so they're out of the question. I'm not heading into combat any time soon (unless the zombies rise).

 

Here are my options:

 

Midwest Industries Gen 2, 2 piece drop ins

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Midwest-Industries-MCTAR-18-p/mctar-18g2-blk.htm

 

Troy 2 Piece drop in

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Troy-Ind-Tactical-Free-Float-Mid-Length-p/troy%20mrf%20di%209.htm

 

Midwest Industries SS 2 piece drop ins (I like these because they're thin, lightweight, and allow me to add rails only where they're needed)

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/MI-18-SS-Series-Drop-In-Mid-Length-Two-Piece-Ha-p/mi-18ss.htm

 

Midwest Industries 2 piece Free Float (these are a bit heavier compared to the others and require removal of the delta ring assembly)

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Midwest-Industries-MCTAR-21G2-p/mctar-21g2.htm

 

Troy 2 piece Free Float (also needs delta ring assembly removed)

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/free-float-rails/troy-battlerail-mrf-m-9

 

I'm leaning towards the MI SS...I like the lightweight and customizable rails. Just want to hear some of your thought on it. Are the 2 piece Free Float superior to the 2 piece non free float. Basically all I'll be attaching is a Magpul AFG2 and a weapon light with tape switch a little bit down the road. I like that I could add a bipod also if I want to. Just want to hear some thoughts, especially from anyone that's used them.

I see the ones you're picking our are 9" instead of the 7" standard carbine version. Are the 9" ones the ones you need to get the rail to meet with the rail on the receiver? I want the flat top of the receiver even with the handguard then the handguard meet the front sight without removing it

I see the ones you're picking our are 9" instead of the 7" standard carbine version. Are the 9" ones the ones you need to get the rail to meet with the rail on the receiver? I want the flat top of the receiver even with the handguard then the handguard meet the front sight without removing it

 

I have a midlength gas system so I'd need 9". Each one is different so some line up with the top rail some don't. The Midwest Industries seem to have the extension that lines up with the flat top upper. Most are at the same height as the upper some just don't have the extension that reaches over the delta ring. Your gas system basically dictates what size you need especially if you have a front site. Carbine=7" Midlength=9" Rifle=12"

Sorry i don't have any experience with the rails you listed, Just thinking that if you are going to get a railed hand guard, why wouldn't you go for the free float model? They are roughly the same price.

Sorry i don't have any experience with the rails you listed, Just thinking that if you are going to get a railed hand guard, why wouldn't you go for the free float model? They are roughly the same price.

 

I was thinking that but they weigh a bit more than the none free float. Most reviews I've seen on the two piece non free float say they lock up tight with no wiggle room. I guess that's why I asked. Just wanted to get some opinions.

Midwest Industries SS 2 piece drop ins (I like these because they're thin, lightweight, and allow me to add rails only where they're needed)

http://www.bravocomp...a-p/mi-18ss.htm

 

 

 

 

i just got this... its really really really nice..

 

 

 

 

i just got this... its really really really nice..

 

That's the one I've been leaning towards. It's extremely lightweight, thin, and you don't have rails where you don't need them.

I want to go with the Midwest 2 piece free float which would have me cut the delta ring off. How can I find out what size I need? Obviously I could measure my handguards now but that would only give me the length to the delta ring not all the way to the receiver

I want to go with the Midwest 2 piece free float which would have me cut the delta ring off. How can I find out what size I need? Obviously I could measure my handguards now but that would only give me the length to the delta ring not all the way to the receiver

 

It would go by whatever gas system you have M4/Carbine would be the 7" midlength would be 9" and rifle would be 12".