I just checked out the FN website. That Tac3 complete upper looks super cool. If I was going to buy a complete upper, that would definitely be at the top of the list.
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Zev makes all the wedgelocks for all the other brands like Hodge, SOLGW, Mega, Triarc, Expo ect as well as all the S-lock/Drive locks and Pinchlocks. And they all have different variations in the design like QD cups, all around Mlok slots, no top rail ect. Ti barrel nuts are on the premium versions like the Hodge Wedge which is also in 7075 or the SOLGW M76 LT version but really the weight difference is negligible like 1.5oz or something tiny really not worth it unless you are doing some ultra light build.
Guess that explains the barrel nut difference between S-lock and Drive and lack of backwards compatibility. Do you know if Killer Innovations is related to Zev in someway like some engineers broke off and started their own company because their Glock slide aesthetics are really similar.
Icon Defense was formed by Rick Olsen, founder of Killer Innovations, and Mike Miller who founded Mega Arms. It's similar to the wedge/pinch/spine lock designs, but like on steroids, not surprising as it bears the Hodge clover leaf logo next to the m-lok logo.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f9cf3a42_b.jpg
Thanks for the info, I only heard about Icon last year and was pretty impressed with the quality of their stuff even though their product line is incredibly limited. Damn shame the Drive isnt backwards compatible with the Wedge/Spine/Pinch Lock barrel nut, I hope it was done purely for engineering purposes and not some patent work around or personal issues between the design teams. I wanted to pick one up to try but I swap rails and try different configurations often enough that it would be a pain to have the one odd man out rail in the stable.
So in looking at this setup, what is the solution for "most" uppers without a hole above the gas tube entrance for the anti-rotation pin?
As I suspected, so I would personally pass.
I've built a lot of AR's and having a rail that requires that hole, to prevent rotation, is a non starter in my book. Lot of better, non proprietary solutions available elsewhere for anti rotation.
I'm not drilling holes in my uppers either.
The solution in this situation, if you don't have a hole in the upper receiver, is to use a rail that doesn't use a pin for anti-rotation. When I started this thread I was talking about a receiver and a rail both designed to use a pin. I don't think I would recommend for someone to drill holes in a receiver where there is none. I mentioned "minor" modification earlier, I meant something like using emory cloth on the pin if it's a little tight. If someone has a receiver with no hole in it, just get a rail with anti-rotation tabs. I wouldn't say one way is better than the other, a steel pin or aluminum tabs.