A drop in free float rail?

[Armati]

I am looking for a rail system that can be dropped in without removing the barrel. Ideally, I was looking for a smooth modular rail like the VTAC.

http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.4_hg_mod.php

I would only need rails to mount a PEQ-2 and a tac-light. My rifle does not have delta ring and is fitted with an ARMS SIR.

Hate for ARMS mounts aside, the only thing that seems to fit the bill is the ARMS Spartan Rail system:

http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?mode=products&sub=rails&id=[hsh]56M-CV-EXT

http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?mode=products&sub=rails&id=[hsh]56M-CV-C

Any thoughts or other options?

[SomeOtherGuy]

If you have a carbine length gas system and want to clear a front sight tower, the Troy Delta is worth a look:

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/drop-in-rails/troy-battlerail-delta

If you have a low profile gas block or don't mind removing the gas block for installation, the Troy Alpha and Apex handguard system are worth a look.

The VLTOR CASV also came to mind, but I believe that's intended to work with a delta ring. I don't know if it also works without one.

If you don't mind a quadrail, there are a number of drop-in two piece options that free float and work with a GI nut without the delta ring - Troy and Midwest Industries for starters.

[thisaway]

You might wish to consider the Daniel Defense OMEGA rail series.

[Eurodriver]

edit nevermind.

[hotrodder636]

You might wish to consider the Daniel Defense OMEGA rail series.

The Omega series are not slick (aka smooth) as the OP stated he wanted. However the Modular Float rail system the Daniel Defense makes is. OP check this link:
https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/modular-float-rail.html

[justin_247]

I am looking for a rail system that can be dropped in without removing the barrel. Ideally, I was looking for a smooth modular rail like the VTAC.

http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.4_hg_mod.php

I would only need rails to mount a PEQ-2 and a tac-light. My rifle does not have delta ring and is fitted with an ARMS SIR.

Hate for ARMS mounts aside, the only thing that seems to fit the bill is the ARMS Spartan Rail system:

http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?mode=products&sub=rails&id=[hsh]56M-CV-EXT

http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?mode=products&sub=rails&id=[hsh]56M-CV-C

Any thoughts or other options?

ARMS is not very good quality... I would avoid them.

Being that you don't have a delta ring, that sort of limits your options.

Apex comes to mind. Here's an example of one of their handguards:

http://www.prestoimages.net/store30/rd3738/3738_pd211484_10.jpg

http://www.apexhandguard.com/store.php?seller=ApexMachiningCompany&navt1=19974&pd=347061

Other than that, your best choice is probably the VLTOR CASV.

Are you willing to remove your front sight post, at least? If so, there are a few more options that open up to you.

[Armati]

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far. Just giving some of these products a look online, here are my thoughts so far:

Firstly, I need a system that locks up directly to the factory barrel nut. The DD Modular Rail has the right form factor but it has a proprietary bbl nut. What about the RIS II? Does it lock up directly to the factory bbl nut? The Omega Rail seems like a good bet but it may be a bit fatter than I want.

I like the Vltor CASV but I am trying to get away from the built in riser mount. I have one in on the ARMS SIR and I have to pay special attention to sorts of optics mounts I use. Then, if I want to use that optic on another gun, I have to get a different mount.

The Midwest Industries Gen2 Two Piece Free Float seems like a good bet. I don't know much about MI as a company. Recommendations?

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=422

The Troy Delta Rail seems to fit the bill but what is with that crazy lump on the bottom of the rail?

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/drop-in-rails/troy-battlerail-delta

The Apex rail seems very interesting. I like that it seems to be the slimmest modular handguard of the lot. Does anyone have experience with Apex?

[glockeyed]

Samson EVO

http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/category/Samson_Evolution.html

Troy alpha rails

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/free-float-rails/troy-alpha-rail%C2%AE-13%E2%80%B3-no-sight

[HKBanger]

1. Go to Ebay.com.
2. Search "Troy Alpha Rail".
3. Buy whichever length / color you want.
4. Pay anywhere from $150-$190 depending on the length, etc.
5. Be done with it.


It uses factory barrel nut, does not use delta ring, and is just like the original TRX only better. It's also the lightest rail on the market.

[QuackXP]

What about the DD Omega?

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/omega-rail.html

[Jmacken37]

Troy Alpha Rail is what you want. You may need to shave down your FSB depending on the length rail you want.

Don't buy on Ebay, buy here!

Jake

[jonconsiglio]

Daniel Defense Omega and Centurion Arms C4 would be at the top of my list. Not sure about the Omega, but you do need to cut the delta ring and hand guard cap off for the Centurion, but that's extremely easy to do. The C4 is an awesome hand guard.

Unlike others apparently, I do not know exactly what you want, but these are good choices if you are looking for a solid railed hand guard that is acceptable for a fighting rifle. Troys are nice too, but tubes are not for everyone.

[justin_247]

I strongly encourage you to go to a reputable gun store and pick up a few of the weapons available with different handguards so you can get a feel of what exactly you want. Don't worry about the install...

Then, once you make up your mind, you can buy from Gun Gallery in Jacksonville, and they'll install for free anything that you buy from them.

... just an idea to open up your options a little.

[Armati]

The Troy Alpha is the right form factor but need something that does not require removal of the barrel or the front sight.

[glockeyed]

The Troy Alpha is the right form factor but need something that does not require removal of the barrel or the front sight.

are you talking permanent or temporary? i dont' know of any that will slide over a FSB.

[SomeOtherGuy]

The Troy Alpha is the right form factor but need something that does not require removal of the barrel or the front sight.

The Troy Delta is probably closest to what you're looking for. Otherwise, you have two-piece FF quadrail options from Troy, Midwest Industries, and Centurion. DD also has a two-piece FF quadrail, the Omega, but I'm not sure if it's compatible with a GI nut that does NOT have the delta ring, as you've indicated yours does not.

[halo2304]

The VLTOR CASV also came to mind, but I believe that's intended to work with a delta ring. I don't know if it also works without one.

The CASV does require a Delta ring. It may work without it but I don't think it would be as rigid.


I like the Vltor CASV but I am trying to get away from the built in riser mount. I have one in on the ARMS SIR and I have to pay special attention to sorts of optics mounts I use. Then, if I want to use that optic on another gun, I have to get a different mount.


I have the CASV-M model which has a full length riser but they also make the CASV-S model which has the riser only above the upper receiver. The rail above the barrel is (I believe) the same level as the A3 upper receiver.

[deadeye99]

I put the apex
http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/hh499/fishnb/IMAG0496.jpg // on my lmt and I love it.

[Stickman]

I am looking for a rail system that can be dropped in without removing the barrel. Ideally, I was looking for a smooth modular rail like the VTAC.

Here is the Rainier Arms rail made for them by Samson, it is a variant of the Samson Evolution series rails. These attach using a standard barrel nut, and no delta ring. They are high quality, you put rails on them where you want, and leave them off where they are unwanted. You can also check out the Evo series rails, which have a "S" cut into them instead of the triangle as shown below.

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Magpul%207/STKL7363-A-1200-Stick.jpg

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/BCM/868W4781-A-1200-Stick.jpg

[Leonidas24]

Since we're all kind of shooting into the dark trying to figure out what you want, here's some questions you might want to answer for the forum/yourself before pursuing any further:

1. Why don't you want to remove the front sight post? Are you using a 14.5" barrel in conjunction with a pinned muzzle device?

2. If yes to question #1, are you against cutting down the FSB in order to fit a longer free float hand guard?

3. Earlier you said that you wanted a slick rail with only enough modular rails to mount a PEQ-2 and a flash light, but then you asked about the RIS II. The RIS II is not slick, requires the removal of the FSB, and also uses a proprietary barrel nut and thus does not apply to your quandrum.

In conclusion several people have already suggested a Centurion C4 rail in whatever length you need. Which leads me to another set of questions.

1. Barrel length.

2. Gas system length.

Once you answer these questions you may assign yourself the appropriate model of rail.

[gunfighter48]

I just put the MI 2 Piece 10" Free Float Rail on my AR last week. I'm very pleased with the rail. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to install. You'll need a Dremel tool to cut off the delta ring, spring pack, and spring clip. Put the two pieces on the existing barrel nut, tighten 6 screws, and you're done. Once they are tightened down there is NO movement what so ever. They also have built in QD sockets for QD sling hardware. They aren't cheap but they're a lot more affordable than many on the market.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e11/gunfighter48/MIRail1-1.jpg

[munch520]

It's been said many times, Centurion

[Armati]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Just to clear things up here is the deal. I must be able to return this gun to it's original condition without too much gunsmithing. That means I cannot remove the FSB or the bbl nut.

So, I pretty much need a two piece system that mounts to the factory bbl nut. Here is what I have narrowed it down to so far:

Troy Battle Rail:

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/free-float-rails/troy-battlerail-12-mrf-cx

Midwest Industries Gen2 Two Piece:

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=422

ARMS Spartan:

http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?mode=products&sub=rails&id=[hsh]56M-CV-EXT

Centurion C4:

http://www.centurionarms.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=C4-FSP-rails.tpl&product_id=82

Vltor CASV:

http://www.vltor.com/casv-els.htm


On the Vltor, again, I am trying to get away from the bi-level system.

The Centurion seems very good but what makes it almost $100 more than other similar systems?

[Leonidas24]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Just to clear things up here is the deal. I must be able to return this gun to it's original condition without too much gunsmithing. That means I cannot remove the FSB or the bbl nut.

So, I pretty much need a two piece system that mounts to the factory bbl nut. Here is what I have narrowed it down to so far:

Troy Battle Rail:

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/free-float-rails/troy-battlerail-12-mrf-cx

Midwest Industries Gen2 Two Piece:

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=422

ARMS Spartan:

http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?mode=products&sub=rails&id=[hsh]56M-CV-EXT

Centurion C4:

http://www.centurionarms.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=C4-FSP-rails.tpl&product_id=82

Vltor CASV:

http://www.vltor.com/casv-els.htm


On the Vltor, again, I am trying to get away from the bi-level system.

The Centurion seems very good but what makes it almost $100 more than other similar systems?

I remember seeing a post in the not-so-distant past which said that if you're looking for a free float rail, you can choose 2 of 3 options for your rail. 1) Lightweight, 2) Strong, 3) Cheap. The Centurion is strong and lightweight, but not cheap. The Troy is strong and cheap, but heavy. The same goes for the MI if my memory serves correctly. It's a give and take. I've handled the Centurion rails before I have to say they were the finest 2-piece quad rail I've held.

Construction was superb, they were lighter than similarly sized rails of competitors, and the finish was tank proof (figuratively, but I'm sure you get it.)

No matter which rail you end up with any of those choices will be fine for your not-so-well-described application. If you end up with something you don't want someone else will buy it on the EE.

[halo2304]

Just to clear things up here is the deal. I must be able to return this gun to it's original condition without too much gunsmithing. That means I cannot remove the FSB or the bbl nut.


Do you mean "remove" as in replace with something else like a lo-pro gas block or do you mean "remove" as in take off for installation of a delta ring and spring? Also, maybe I missed it, but do you have a carbine or mid length gas system?