lightest CAR handguard/rail?

Is there a good reference comparing the weights of various handguard or rail options for CAR (or MID) length ARs?

I'm trying to build the lightest AR I can. I'm wondering if there are any railed handguard options that are lighter than the standard (non-railed) handguard.

I'm particularly interested in the Troy TRX. I think I need the 7.2 inch version if I'm going to keep the standard front sight at the CAR mount position.

Does anybody have suggestions or knows the weights of the standard CAR length handguard, the Troy TRX 7.2, or other lightweight railed handguard options?

TIA!

Here you go:
http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/69016/69058.html

Troy TRX extreme is probably what you want.

Also its worth noting that the stock FSB weighs 5.5 ounces. It would be as light if not lighter to to get a 9 inch TRX, DD front sight and low pro gas block. You get two inches more FF tube for no extra weight. YOu also get the option to mount a surefire X300 at 12oc.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a/100_2065.jpg
USGI (Colt) M4 handguards
Delta Ring Assembly
OEM Barrel Nut
Handguard Cap
9.1 oz


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a/100_2064.jpg
DDM4 7" Carbine Rail
8.4 oz


The DD is actually a .7 oz lighter

Wow! That was a quick response.

Would it look funny to remove the front sight base and mount a 7.2 inch Troy TRX Extreme on a 16 inch barrel? This is for a 9 mm AR, so there won't be a gas block extending past the rail/handguard.

I'm guessing the Troy TRX Extreme 7.2 inch with a Magpul BUIS front sight instead of the standard front sight base will be the lightest setup. This should save 2.3 oz in handguard weight and 5.5 oz in FSB weight, for a total savings of 7.8 oz.

If the 7.2 inch TRX on a 16 inch barrel looks funny, I can use the 9 inch TRX for an additional 1.5 oz, with a total savings of 6.3 oz, which is 1/3 pound.

Do these estimate sound reasonable? Does the Troy TRX Extreme include its own barrel nut in its weight? TIA!

i think the 7 inch rail would look funny on a 16 barrel. The 9 inch rail would also give you more are to hold the gun forward. Go with 9. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BravoCompanyUSA

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a/100_2065.jpg
USGI (Colt) M4 handguards
Delta Ring Assembly
OEM Barrel Nut
Handguard Cap
9.1 oz


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a/100_2064.jpg
DDM4 7" Carbine Rail
8.4 oz


The DD is actually a .7 oz lighter

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I always thought it was funny to see guys going the KISS route to save weight when the DD rail assemblies weigh less than the standard barrel nut/delta ring/handguard assembly. When you add in the extra FSB weight too, you could get 2 more inches of rail and a rail mounted front sight for less weight still. And then on top of all that they put on a carry handle which weighs a wopping 9oz. as opposed to an MBUS or DD rear sight which are sub 2oz. I could put on my micro T-1 in a LaRue QD mount (6oz.) and a rear MBUS for less weight than their carry handle.

Anyways, KISS hater rant off. haha.

I have the Troy TRX 7.6 inch on my lightweight. It’s 7.5oz with the barrel nut, so the 7.2 would be a little less.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rav3nwulfe

Anyways, KISS hater rant off. haha.

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I'd say that makes you precisely the opposite.

The 'nouveau' KISS is going to be Aimpoint Micros, light BUIS, and a simple handguard/light setup.
I've got three of these (fixed front, Aimpoint Micro, MBUS Rear, Surefire 6V)

Well, I think my dream 9 mm AR will have a 14" barrel with permanent flash hider for 16" overall length. Troy TRX handguard/rail - still deciding between 7.2, 7.6, and 9 inches. Magpul MBUS front and rear sights. I was never planning on a carry handle and I'll remove the standard FSB. Is there anything else I can do to reduce weight?

I say that's my dream 9 mm configuration because the reality of money may cause me to just get a complete upper with standard front handguards. I'll still have to decide between CAR and MID length handguards.

Thanks for all the info!

is that the same as omega rail?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TehLlama

I'd say that makes you precisely the opposite.

The 'nouveau' KISS is going to be Aimpoint Micros, light BUIS, and a simple handguard/light setup.
I've got three of these (fixed front, Aimpoint Micro, MBUS Rear, Surefire 6V)

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true, guess I should have further defined what I meant by KISS. most that I've heard talking about "returning to KISS" meant going back to the plastic HG, FSB, and carry handle for the purpose of saving weight, when in all reality it does not. if your goal is truly to save weight, you're better off going with a "'nouveau" KISS as you mentioned. the "nouveau" KISS not necessarily being equated with old school M4 style, but with a minimalist approach.