Troy Alpha rail upside down?

[G19A3]

I REALLY like the narrow diameter of the Troy Alpha 7.2″ rail for my carbine length gas system:

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/free-float-rails/troy-alpha-rail%C2%AE-7-2%E2%80%B3-no-sight

Can the rail be mounted upside down? The reason I ask is I have no need to mount anything at 12 o'clock. However, I do want a rail at 6 o'clock for a VFG.

Even better, do they make a handguard similar and of same diameter as the Troy Alpha where I can just mount a small piece of rail (adjustable along the rail lengthwise) for just a VFG (Magpul RVG)? I realize there are various FF handguards, but I don't want to drill and mess with it and I like the looks of the Alpha.

[richiecotite]

My alpha rail came with 3 rail sections, I think the 4" one runs about 25-30 bucks. It has an anti rotation that might not allow upside down install

*waits for markm to post disparaging remark about tubes*:o

[SomeOtherGuy]

I believe the channel is needed at the top to accommodate the gas tube.

[wahoo95]

Check out the Midwest Industries Gen 2 Free Float if you like the small diameter ...plus it comes with add on rail sections like you described.

[bobsolla]

I REALLY like the narrow diameter of the Troy Alpha 7.2″ rail for my carbine length gas system:

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/ar15m16-rails/free-float-rails/troy-alpha-rail%C2%AE-7-2%E2%80%B3-no-sight

Can the rail be mounted upside down? The reason I ask is I have no need to mount anything at 12 o'clock. However, I do want a rail at 6 o'clock for a VFG.

Even better, do they make a handguard similar and of same diameter as the Troy Alpha where I can just mount a small piece of rail (adjustable along the rail lengthwise) for just a VFG (Magpul RVG)? I realize there are various FF handguards, but I don't want to drill and mess with it and I like the looks of the Alpha.

i have a new style alpha rail and there is no way you can mount it upside down.the mounting lugs on the barrel nut will not allow it,plus then the anti rotational tabs would also be useless.as mentioned,they come with one larger rail and two smaller ones you can mount anywhere.

[nanners83]

The JP VTAC and Apex tubes both come without a top rail. I believe the Apex is a bit thinner and the JP is a bit thicker when compared to the Troy alpha.

Rail Chart (https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsFnUZMkZNF2DQ&output=html)

Apex Tubes and Rail Pieces at Rainier (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/browse&category=forearms/railsystems_apexmachiningcompany)

JP VTAC Tubes at Rainier (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=709)

15.5" JP VTAC Tube at Rainier (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2383)

JP VTAC Rail Pieces at Rainier (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=759)

[G19A3]

Check out the Midwest Industries Gen 2 Free Float if you like the small diameter ...plus it comes with add on rail sections like you described.

But it still has that funky rail section on top, which I don't need.

[G19A3]

I believe the channel is needed at the top to accommodate the gas tube.

Crap! I think you have a point there. I thought that hollow channel was for lightening purposes. Didn't figure the gas tube went through there. Thought the gas tube travelled WITHIN the "circular" diameter of the tube. Can anyone with one confirm?

[nanners83]

Crap! I think you have a point there. I thought that hollow channel was for lightening purposes. Didn't figure the gas tube went through there. Thought the gas tube travelled WITHIN the "circular" diameter of the tube. Can anyone with one confirm?

I've got two. The gas tube does pass through the top rail channel.

[GTifosi]

Absolutely.
Not a chance in the world the gas tube or gas block will fit inside the tube circular diameter.

[rjacobs]

Check out the Apex Machining stuff.