View Full Version : Does anyone use Quadrails anymore?
Surfing around the webs I put down a impulse bid on a 13" Troy bravo quadrail and ended up winning with a bid of 56$. I feeling like I got a heck of a deal but I'm doubting my purchase a little bit. I feel like it will combo well with my PSA CHF 16" barrel with pinned gasblock that I plan on shaving down. Weight is no big deal as this gun doesn't serve a specific purpose that weight becomes a factor (mostly sits at the back door for yard security use). So chime in if you still rock the old school quadrail and feel free to post pics.
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jason.mayberry68
09-03-17, 20:37
Surfing around the webs I put down a impulse bid on a 13" Troy bravo quadrail and ended up winning with a bid of 56$. I feeling like I got a heck of a deal but I'm doubting my purchase a little bit. I feel like it will combo well with my PSA CHF 16" barrel with pinned gasblock that I plan on shaving down. Weight is no big deal as this gun doesn't serve a specific purpose that weight becomes a factor (mostly sits at the back door for yard security use). So chime in if you still rock the old school quadrail and feel free to post pics.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProI still run 2 quadrails...2 is a YHM Diamond and the other is a Hera. Love em both.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/e67f63d94e5feaa967851e09bd77e4bc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/cceca09984c0ed7e65c9adae861c7880.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/0229f94d90f646fc569c8dee94da255c.jpg
I have a Centurion Arms C4 Cutout Rail on my Colt. I really like it.
NYH1.
jason.mayberry68
09-03-17, 20:41
I still run 2 quadrails...2 is a YHM Diamond and the other is a Hera. Love em both.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/e67f63d94e5feaa967851e09bd77e4bc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/cceca09984c0ed7e65c9adae861c7880.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/0229f94d90f646fc569c8dee94da255c.jpgAll the pics didn't come thru...here is some more. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/1bf109a1fca1df233cd2fb39e9a7d771.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/3409e3d9d0e1ff9d93bfe7dd277fca3a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/09b6b6be7e3b341266fcf4f78ba567fa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/b6f088bbc4f15117d494e15d17a10fe4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/09e888f779684f8a0cca354731b52f3f.jpg
I'd say you got a great deal. They may not be as slim and light as more modern hardware, but they still get the job done.
I still run a couple of DD Lite Rail 12.0s. One is on a 6.8 and the other's on a 308. I have no plans to change either of them.
My photos of them don't show the rails very well.
I have 3 DD Omega's. Two 7" and one 9" and a DD Lite 9". One of the Omega's is on an upper with a 16" Wilson fluted barrel. It shoots surprisingly well, 1/2-3/4 MOA. The Omega is pretty much a drop in that does free float. The DD Lite is on a BCM BFH 14.5" that shot a 5/8" group (5 rounds, Hornady 75 gr, Nightforce SHV 3-10). I run an Aimpoint Pro on it when not testing for accuracy. I like how they look and they feel good in my hand, but recently have been shooting a 14.5" Colt/BCM LW with a Keymod and Trijicon MRO. It's definitely lighter, but I'm not getting rid of the quad rail guns.
All I use are quad rails. I see no reason not to use them. I have looked at all of these newer rails and I am not impressed. I have 12 ARs and of them I have one Keymod and one MLok. I will most likely ditch them and put a quad rail on them.
My go-to gun still wears a 12" DD RISII. However, it is in need of a new barrel, and I am cannibalizing it to build two guns. The RIS and some other parts are going on an SPR type build, the rest are going on my next version of go-to fighting carbine, which will have a Wedgelock or Geissele in MLOK. A lighter rail allows me to either have a lighter gun, or a heavier profile (or longer) barrel in the same weight gun.
Lots of LE agencies still use Picatinny quad rails.
Lots of LE agencies still use Picatinny quad rails.
Yup. If we include duty weapons issued by Military or Law Enforcement organizations, quads are extremely common and still do their jobs well.
I put quads on all three of my builds. I only have one assembled so far with a 16" barrel -running a MI t-series 15". Good balance and weight. I would use them in the future.
Running DD Lite III rails on two BCM uppers. Love em.
Glock9mm1990
09-04-17, 02:11
I just recently replaced the Magpul MOE handguard with a Midwest Industries quad rail on my BCM midlength and will be doing the same on my Colt 6920. Hell I still like the simple FSB and delta ring setup, I consider myself old school :) Quad rails are going nowhere, many people prefer them over the fancy rails because they are more durable under hard use.
Include me in the "still use them" contingent. They're definitely not the current flavor of the month. Likely won't be anytime soon either. But, I still like them. Durability is solid and I personally like the look. I'm also still a fan of traditional FSBs. So, switching over to M-LOK or KM is tougher if I want to retain the longer handguards.
Two of my three still wear quads...DD lite for the .308, and the proprietary on the LWRC. My Colt rocks the magpul moe bidness it came with.
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Carbine Centurion C4 on a 10.5 upper with FSB. Rock solid set up. I have a couple of keymods and an mlok. They all do their job. I would say you got a great deal on the Troy rail, it should serve you well.
Thanks for all the words of encouragement guys/gals. I have never shot this gun/barrel for accuracy since it's always been iron sighted but I think once I get the rail I'll throw a scope on and test some better ammunition. I have heard good things about the (gasp) PSA CHF barrels I'll give it a try. This build may turn into a long(ish) range steel shooter and my Varmint gun can go back into its dedicated role (after proving its likes 55gr Varmint bullets way more then any match ammo last range session)
How the gun currently sits, subject to change.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/61bf96d705470cb80095479a02f3cee6.jpg
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I have 5 ARs, 1 with standard handguards, 2 with MLOK rails, and 2 with quadrails.
The quadrail rifles both have DDM4 rails, and a nice benefit is that they resist heat very well; my MLOK ALG EMRV3 gets very hot, very quick, but the DDM4 stays cool. Plus, there are excellent rail cover options, and QD mounts are easy to get.
Both types of rails have their place.
I'm getting ready to make another purchase and I'm going quadrail. I'm not carrying one all day and I've never had an issue with it. The extra weight doesn't bother me and I like the DD lite lll/m4 rail. If we still mount our optics and sights that way, it works for me.
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I have a Troy middy Battlerail.....It works for me and I just added the Magpul ladder rail covers on areas not covered by a light or optic.
I have 1 rifle with keymod and 2 with quads.
I prefer the quads the feel better in my hands.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/d52cf3f245adac711321431c8f1c995c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/97f0d6f29aee09da550d34bba5e2a670.jpg
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Eurodriver
09-04-17, 07:04
I love how the internet views everything in terms of obsolescence as soon as something better comes out. You'd think the 16" carbine gas platform wont even cycle from the type of shit you see online. Or that a 300 lumen WML is trash because there's a 500 lumen version out. Or the 4 MOA T1s can't hit anything now that the 2 MOAs are out...
Like, shit doesn't wear out just because it's not last night's tech. What do you care what everyone else is using? Why are you "doubting a $56 quad rail purchase a little bit"? It surely isn't because the rail failed you or there being some inherent weakness. Are folks that insecure about using rails (believe me - this is not the first thread of this nature) because all the cool kids are using MLOK? It's ok to say yes. Damn near everyone on the internet is.
Give me a stock 6920 with plastic hand guards and iron sights. I'll outgun 90% of the internet with it.
That's what people should care about - "hey my skinny drill time is .7 seconds slower than the guy next to me I train with. How do I get faster?" It sure has nothing to do with your hand guard
"Does anyone use Qaudrails anymore?"
I do. I was at the range on Saturday and decided to run my DD V5, and my BCM A4 clone. I still think that my DD is probably the one I'd pick up in a fight. I was constantly looking to replace the quadrail for something else and have my mind settled on a 13" Mk 8 from Geissele, but after my 4 rifle ( I call her "Hillary") with a Midwest G3, I've sort of lost my push to replace my DD quadrail. It works, it is very light for a quad and its decently comfortable.
Outlander Systems
09-04-17, 08:57
Howdy,
I firmly believe the Gucci rails were a solution in search of a problem.
HTH.
christopher.dow
09-04-17, 09:19
I started off with quad rails and built a few rifles with them--mostly look-a-likes of various service rifles. I have switched to MLOK on my newer build, but the funny part is I always end up mounting a roil section for attachments. M1913 is still the standard. In fact, my most recent build reused a Hera rail I had laying around.
I'm planning a couple of bolt gun builds and will use rail sections for the bipod mounts because I don't see the need to buy a new Atlas for every rifle.
Use what you like and don't worry about fashion!
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hotrodder636
09-04-17, 09:34
Euro was pretty spot on. Things don't become immediately obsolete when the new hotness comes out. Unless you have a specific reason to doubt your purchase, lint it and rock it until you realize or find out you want/need something different.
I have one AR with an MLOK (ALG EMR--lightweight choice for my wife's AR) one BCM KMR (original--lightweight choice for my SBR before MLOK was out) and several quads. While I like the lightweight of the ALG and BCM, they get hot wicked fast compared to my KAC or LMT quads. The quads feel more substantial and I don't have to worry about KMR nuts or MLOK nuts or wicked expensive MLOK QD mounts. While the MLOK and KMR have a use for me, lightweight options, I prefer the quads for the above listed reasons.
Hammer_Man
09-04-17, 10:05
I still use them for sure! They are tried and true, and all accessories mount to 1913 rails. My biggest gripe right now, is that all of the quad rails I like are no longer in production...
I have never used a quad rail on any of my ARs. I don't like their feel and don't want the added weight, girth or cost of rail covers. I don't need or want all that rail estate. MLock isn't a fad. MLock is simply cooling vents of universally accepted dimensions
Have two BCM builds that are rocking quad rails. One a 9 inch DD Omega, the other a 12 inch Larue. They work, they get the job done, and most attachments are going to be easy to mount.
Not really against keymod or Mlock just not convinced they are going to be the future. Not when pic rail is still pretty much standard on top of the damn things. That said, am considering one of the BCM Mlok rails, as well as a BCM quad. Of course that Mlok rail is likely going to be for a rather specific build, one more towards lightweight than other previous builds, or at least Light weight as a major consideration.
Also, on the side note, as Euto pointed out the handguard is a lot lesser concern than most seem to think. I have an old beat up Bush that has no rails, just standard single heat shield handguard, and a carry handle iron which I can generally outshoot all the other guys at the range with their ARs with scopes, rds, rails, tubes, lasers, and all the other shit.
Of all my rifles/uppers I still use quad rails (Centurion) for anything I use for duty or "hard use." I just personally feel they are more robust and the attachment of lights or other hardware is much sturdier. The downside is a small premium in weight which again, for me, is acceptable. I tend to use my Keymod uppers for gaming or training.
4 Midwest Ind, 4 ALG, 1 SOLO, all M-Lok. Ditched the Troy quad as soon as I fondled the others.
My HD gun has a Centurion carbine cutout on it. I really like it, it's not going anywhere.
My other AR has a 13" KMR and I like it more for a Recce type gun.
Spin Drift
09-04-17, 12:49
My Mod 1s are as close to a quad as I have.
That being said, the KAC Mod 2 in M-Lok has become my favorite.
How much stuff do you really hang on a 14.5" or 16" AR?
A light? Maybe a bipod if it is set up for LR, that's usually it.
Eurodriver
09-04-17, 12:51
I have never used a quad rail on any of my ARs. I don't like their feel and don't want the added weight, girth or cost of rail covers. I don't need or want all that rail estate. MLock isn't a fad. MLock is simply cooling vents of universally accepted dimensions
Where do you mount your IR lasers? I don't trust an additional attachment point and haven't found an MLOK compatible LAM yet.
I run a troy quad on one of mine rifles.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4386/36696215862_8a76545d8f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XUHGuW)s&w1 (https://flic.kr/p/XUHGuW) by hd_rolling (https://www.flickr.com/photos/22585324@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/36470677450_3f9b43645e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XyMKMC)s&w 2 (https://flic.kr/p/XyMKMC) by hd_rolling (https://www.flickr.com/photos/22585324@N07/), on Flickr
BrigandTwoFour
09-04-17, 13:33
I still have use for them.
20" BCM with DD Omega 12
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/p1010661.jpg
I've got another 16" BCM LW that has been rocking plastic handguards for years, but I've been putting serious thought into switching to a Centurion C4.
Given the choice I would usually go with a MK8 geissele if I was building from the ground up, but there is nothing wrong with a quality quad rail. One of the BCM uppers is a 14.5 with a Daniel quad rail, and i have no complaints about it. I would be more concerned about the quality than the style. Ie. a Centurion quad rail is much preferred over a utg MLOK.
Glock9mm1990
09-04-17, 14:12
I run a troy quad on one of mine rifles.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4386/36696215862_8a76545d8f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XUHGuW)s&w1 (https://flic.kr/p/XUHGuW) by hd_rolling (https://www.flickr.com/photos/22585324@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/36470677450_3f9b43645e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XyMKMC)s&w 2 (https://flic.kr/p/XyMKMC) by hd_rolling (https://www.flickr.com/photos/22585324@N07/), on Flickr
Where did you buy that rail? Thats what I want for one of my rifles.
I have a Centurion Arms C4 Cutout Rail on my Colt. I really like it.
NYH1.
Oh yeah, I'm a traditional FSB kind of guy too. Use them on everything but my Mk12(ish) build. ;)
NYH1.
justin_247
09-04-17, 15:13
Bottom line: M1913 / Picatinny rails are still the standard, and are not going away anytime soon. I say go with it and see how you like it.
Nothing wrong with M-LOK or KeyMod, though. The longer or heavier the barrel, the more useful they become, especially when it comes down to cutting down weight and improving balance.
However, I will say that, in retrospect, I wish I had gone with lightweight barrels on my builds.
I'm in the same boat as most and still have 5-6 AR's with full quad rails. I've yet to delve into Keymod or MLOK but, if I had to choose, I'd most likely go with MLOK just from an aesthetics standpoint.
I do have plenty of slick type rails and all of them are KAC URX 3 and URX 3.1 rails. The only other one is a Geissele SMR Mk1 rail. One quad rail I do plan on getting eventually is the Centurion C4 Cut out rail for my 6920.
Yup. If we include duty weapons issued by Military or Law Enforcement organizations, quads are extremely common and still do their jobs well.
I agree that quad rails are the most idiot proof and require the least maintenance. Keymod and MLOK all require more parts. More parts = more things can theoretically fail when equipment is abused / more money needed to keep spare parts, which for LE or Military is probably the cost-prohibitive factor. That being said, I'm not saying that keymod or MLOK will fail under absolute rotten conditions, but then again, I am not a LEO or killing bad guys in the sandbox to have experience to say that.
I say you got a great deal. Will you need all that space, probably not. Then again, will most people with MLOK or Keymod attach a whole bunch of stuff to their rails...probably not. Does it feel a lot less like a cheese grater than a quad rail and weigh less, sure. Is it worth the extra money, is a question only you can answer.
Thanks for all the kind words yet again. I will update with pics and a range report as soon as I receive the rail
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Where did you buy that rail? Thats what I want for one of my rifles.
It's the Troy battlerail Charlie, I waited for a sale and picked it up from one of the online stores for $180. Can't remember which one?
It's one of the few that is a free float but lets you keep your A2 front sight and Delta ring, all you have to remove is the front sling swivel if you have one.
https://troyind.com/products/charlie-blk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UPz00hCMiU
Where do you mount your IR lasers? I don't trust an additional attachment point and haven't found an MLOK compatible LAM yet.
I don't have a laser. Being a civilian, I haven't found a need for one yet. My house defense AR has an optic, sling and weapon light. For a sling I installed QD cups on Slimline handguards, mounted as flush as possible without fabricating anything myself. For a weapon's light, on one AR, I use a Mossie Tactical mount. On the other, I fitted a short section of rail to the Slimline handguard at the 12 o'clock position. I trimmed things until the rail fits to the underside of the top half of the handguard. It pokes out in front of the handguard and over the low profile gas block. It works great, but it needs a couple of minor tweaks before I can call it good.
If I needed to mount a laser, I'd look at a handguard with a top rail. I don't mind top rails, I just don't want side or bottom rails. If getting a top rail didn't work out, I'd fab something up and make sure it was good and solid
Midwest Industries also makes a FSP rail. Sells for around $200. Also a FF; requiring the sling swivel and delta ring be removed. I believe mine is a Gen 2. Either way, it's been rock solid.
http://i.cubeupload.com/tGTxFZ.jpeg (http://cubeupload.com/im/tGTxFZ.jpeg)
I still prefer the dependability and aesthetics of a quad picatinny rail over that of the newer MLOK and KeyMod rails. I still have a couple of Troy carbine length free float rails and DD Omega, plus a Colt Canada C8IUR. I wouldn't trade any of them.
I run Centurion C-4's on my SBR and all but one rifle that still has Magpul handguards. I'm thinking of trying one of the Carbon Fiber rails with the top rail and MLOK but don't have a reason, just ready to try something else on one rifle.
RobertTheTexan
09-04-17, 22:13
Hi my name is Robert and I'm like quad rails. The cases where I don't have a quad rail is the case where a hand guard was given to me , like an URX 4 so that's awesome, and for my 308 because I wanted to shave weight. Every other case, 18" SPR included has either a LaRue Tactical Centurion C4, or Troy Bravo for my truck guns. A lot of people complain or comment about LaRue not changing. Why try to fix what isn't broken?
The things I need to run attach very securely with 1913. The LaRue and Centurion C4 hand guards provide protection for my barrel, much more so than a lightweight thin piece of aluminum. I find they bring balance and a heft that I personally like. I like the fact I don't have to worry that the hand guard falling short.
Hell I just started using quad rails recently. I'm not really "trendy" when it comes to firearm updates.
FWIW I use an old school KAC FF RAS on my most shot 5.56 AR. It is a quad rail and I can put a light, vfg, whatever on it.
New stuff is great and all but meh, I like my carbine just fine.
1913 rails will never truly be obsolete.
People can commercially buy what they like but I am keeping my rifle as is.
I love how the internet views everything in terms of obsolescence as soon as something better comes out.
Agreed. Quad rails have about a 20 year head start on M-lok or Keymod, so a decade or so from now would be a better time to ask.
dale.labs.5
09-05-17, 05:46
i love mine
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RobertTheTexan
09-05-17, 05:59
Agreed. Quad rails have about a 20 year head start on M-lok or Keymod, so a decade or so from now would be a better time to ask.
Right, IF the newer products are an actual improvement over the old. I don't view either as an improvement over picatinny. Personally I find MLOK is most often a pain in the butt and keymod is just flat out fugly.
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theorangecat
09-05-17, 06:21
I don't dislike anything about my quad rails enough to make a change.
toc
RAM Engineer
09-05-17, 11:58
KAC Canadian/SAS RIS or Larue Tactical free floats are all I have on my guns with rails. If the DD RIS II's were commonly available again, I might use one of them.
Averageman
09-05-17, 12:24
I have a quad rail on my favourite and first AR.
Being that it was bought in the bad old days and bought second hand it still serves me well.
I'm not sure that I would change anything on that gun. It's ugly as sin but has never hickupped once for me.
titsonritz
09-05-17, 15:11
Agreed. Quad rails have about a 20 year head start on M-lok or Keymod, so a decade or so from now would be a better time to ask.
And pic rails provide a stronger mount up than either, it wouldn't surprise if it is the last man standing in a decade.
Glock9mm1990
09-05-17, 16:25
It's the Troy battlerail Charlie, I waited for a sale and picked it up from one of the online stores for $180. Can't remember which one?
It's one of the few that is a free float but lets you keep your A2 front sight and Delta ring, all you have to remove is the front sling swivel if you have one.
https://troyind.com/products/charlie-blk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UPz00hCMiU
Thank you, my Colt 6920 already came with the sling swivel removed because it has the Magpul SL handguard on it. I'm am definitely buying the Troy Charlie rail now. That rail looks so badass :D
Glock9mm1990
09-05-17, 16:29
And pic rails provide a stronger mount up than either, it wouldn't surprise if it is the last man standing in a decade.
Agreed, I think I will choose BCM's new quad rail over the M-lok once it comes out.
LookAtYourself
09-05-17, 19:21
And pic rails provide a stronger mount up than either, it wouldn't surprise if it is the last man standing in a decade.
Crane stated in their test results that m-lok outperformed pic rail for some of their tests. I just wish they specified how and what they did for whatever test that was.
I love how the internet views everything in terms of obsolescence as soon as something better comes out.
There is a great point to be had here. I remember getting my hands on an A.R.M.S. SIR system back in the day and how that thing was supposed to be the greatest ever at the time and how it was modular, like some rails today where you could configure it how you liked. That thing was a flaming POS brick. Not saying it didn't accomplish the goal, but honestly, if I had been running a RAS I'd still have the RAS the ARMS rail got sold, or rather traded. New does not equal better in every case. And so many ride the hype train that it isn't funny. It is also why I am rarely an early adopter unless the item is cheap and I can vet the living piss out of it.
Crane stated in their test results that m-lok outperformed pic rail for some of their tests. I just wish they specified how and what they did for whatever test that was.
One thing I am going to bring up over the pic vs KM vs Mlok vs ducktape vs magic farts debate for rails and mounting systems is that compared to all the competitors pic rail does have the advantage of allowing a bit more in the range of adjustability in mounting of items. For somethings, not a huge deal, for others, like say a VG, it can be a bit of a deal if you are trying to get things, "just right." I will admit that for most shooters that it probably doesn't make much of a difference, but if I can adjust my grip by a quarter inch at a pop opposed to what an inch, 3/4 of an inch at a pop there is something to be argued for it. No system is perfect though either.
Glock9mm1990
09-05-17, 19:39
Crane stated in their test results that m-lok outperformed pic rail for some of their tests. I just wish they specified how and what they did for whatever test that was.
I thought they only tested mlok vs keymod.
Johnny Rico
09-05-17, 20:10
I do. If it ain't broke...
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/643/23529988862_090b409273_c.jpg
That said, I doubt I'll have them on my next AR. I see no compelling reason to swap out perfectly functional hardware on an existing rifle, but if starting from scratch it makes sense to use KeyMod or M-Lok.
LookAtYourself
09-05-17, 21:13
I thought they only tested mlok vs keymod.
They did. I just re-read what i had read previously and i believe what they did was they tested a 1913 pic rail accessory on an m-lok pic rail section that was attached to an m-lok handguard and the product failed before a competing accessory that used a direct m-lok attachment did.
"Failure load testing demonstrated that M-LOKTM systems support the highest load of all modular rail systems tested. In fact, the test equipment used to interface with 1913 accessory rails secured with the respective modular rail system across testing repeatedly failed prior to failure of the M-LOKTM attachment system."
So after reading it again, i'm assuming the pic rail section is what failed.
I have no problem putting rounds on target with my pic rail... but its a urx iii so its only a half-er.
Maybe full pic rails turn guns to crap?
Honestly any of the 3 will fit needs. If youre unsure, get a pic rail.
ManOnFire40
09-05-17, 22:10
I'm currently running Centurion C4 quad rails. I'm just old skool.
Why abandon a perfectly good rail that works well? Besides weight, ladders rectify the only other beef I have with quads. The cutout C4 is perfect for my 10.5" w/FSB. The first upper I ever bought was an LMT w/Lite Rail from Grant. Still feels just right for a full length. If weight were all important we would all have only skinny barrels.
The first super-light I tried, the KMR keymod, is now least liked both for the mounting system and looks. But I'm not going to expend the effort and bucks to change them out for minimal gain.
My favorite two are probably the least versatile- the original CMR and MK4 SMR. But jeez they feel good and look sexy. If you keep a slew of ARs they don't all have to have be do-all guns.
Glock9mm1990
09-06-17, 01:03
They did. I just re-read what i had read previously and i believe what they did was they tested a 1913 pic rail accessory on an m-lok pic rail section that was attached to an m-lok handguard and the product failed before a competing accessory that used a direct m-lok attachment did.
"Failure load testing demonstrated that M-LOKTM systems support the highest load of all modular rail systems tested. In fact, the test equipment used to interface with 1913 accessory rails secured with the respective modular rail system across testing repeatedly failed prior to failure of the M-LOKTM attachment system."
So after reading it again, i'm assuming the pic rail section is what failed.
I'm willing to bet after reading that, standard quad rails are still stronger then both keymod and mlok.
skimbleshanks
09-06-17, 01:41
Yes people still use quad rails. I am one of them. My reasoning is that there is no point to have to mount a mount (pic rail) before you mount an accessory. Just seems like another point for failure and an unnecessary complication. Yes they weigh more, but a couple ounces won't kill you and you would probably hump less weight if you put down the burgers and beer. "I gots 15 AR's but haven't run a mile in a decade". We all know of that guy. Also there is always rail where I need it and I don't have to worry if it is mounted correctly. One other thing. Having quad rails is certainly not what holds me back from making hits or making them quickly.
ExplorinInTheWoods
09-06-17, 08:33
On my go bag gun I have a seekins sar rail, I got it cheap since they stopped making it in favor of mlok. It's actually lighter than m16 length handguards. If you're mounting stuff like a peq or dbal and a light I prefer quad rails. For my light go bag gun and 3 gun rifle I have troy alpha rails that I like. For my ar pistol I built for my dad it has a Troy bravo 9inch rail. The pic rail is the best attachment method, but for some stuff it's nice to have a mlok or keymod rail if you don't hang extra stuff on there.
Pic rails for go-to-war guns. GWOT has shown that pic rail-equipped guns work well for killing POS.
I do. I have 2 guns with quad rails, one with a Knights URX 3, and one with a Noveske NSR. I like them all, just different guns with different goals.
I've had to build a couple with keymod and m lok just to have but there's just something about an ar with a quad rail...especially a dd or kac quad rail at that.
I have a few with keymod rails, one with a DD FSP ris II and one with a 12" Larue quad rail.
The Larue quad rail upper is the one that just gets to the range every time
Pic rails for go-to-war guns. GWOT has shown that pic rail-equipped guns work well for killing POS.
You do know that if you enlist they give you a go to war gun, don't you? :jester:
Since this has kind of morphed into a discussion on the merits:
Seriously, I didn't take my first AR to the prom with a quad-rail. I think a lot of the bias toward the quad-rail in general is from guys who actually used them during deployments. They experienced the inherent usefulness and adaptability of the quad rail and are sticking with equipment that has proven itself to them under adverse conditions. Who can argue with that?
My perspective is that my AR's need a rail which will allow me to attach, at most a front BUIS, a QD sling attachment, a stubby vertical foregrip, a white light with a tail switch, and a bipod mount. I honestly can't see that I will ever have need of an IR light, or a laser.
By and large I use either the ALG EMR V2 or V3. Both those rails have a co-witness top rail (the V@ is shorter, the V-3 runs the length of the rail. I can direct attach the short VFG, bipod mount and qd swivel where I choose, generally at the same or lower price than the pic rail attachments. I just add one rail section for the light mount.
TL;DR: I prefer the slimmer, round tube rails.
That is what is great about these rifles, the user can easily address their preferences.
QuickStrike
09-06-17, 19:17
My main AR has one. 6920 with a centurion arms FSB cut out rail.
Still holds a light and sling attachment point just fine and is long enough for my stumpy arms. I see no reason to change it for the latest thing.
On future uppers or rifles though, I prefer Mlok.
I've tried many different rails over the last 9 years and still have many of them. I have a few different ones from Troy and some BCM KMRs in the safe but my favorite is the quad rail in particular my DD MK18 RIS II. It is an absolute tank and without a doubt the toughest of the rails I have.
I've tried many different rails over the last 9 years and still have many of them. I have a few different ones from Troy and some BCM KMRs in the safe but my favorite is the quad rail in particular my DD MK18 RIS II. It is an absolute tank and without a doubt the toughest of the rails I have.
This. Love me some G rail...but there is nothing quite like the ol tank.
Well the Troy bravo rail came in today and I did a chop of the fsp and installed it. Install was smooth without problems. I was able to get out and do some shooting aswell. First experience with my newly purchased RMR and things went well. Sighted in for 50 yards and played around on my steel.
Before:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170908/ca8d4ddc410eddb9354081b7f207c2d9.jpg
Today:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170908/857906658127b7d31c20dd224d78a658.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170908/a45a02d8dbabbc912288191021ca859d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170908/cd8982e8893ce4f2be0179a810d0c6bb.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Still running a KAC M4 RAS on my Colt 6933 work rifle. Have had random desires throughout the years to build an upper with an extended modern rail but I always back away and realize that my current setup has been uber reliable going on a decade and will continue be the rest of my career.
recently acquiring an MRP, man it feels good to be back. Classy piece, although the KMR is nice as well.
TacMedic556
09-08-17, 22:33
I have a RIS II no my SBR and very much appreciate it. Many LE still do and I know of one unit getting ready to acquire all new URGs with RIS II rails.
Several RIS II and I doubt I will ever change... I'm used to them.
Centurion, Larue, KAC, DD, etc. all make solid pic rails. No need to change what is not broken.
I assume a KAC RAS II free float rail will work unmodified with a Colt 9mm upper ?
Bought parts for a 10.5" suppressed SBR earlier this year with Noveske CQB quad rails. I was away from the shooting scene for a number of years and then jumped back in before really understanding what M-Lok and Kmod were all about, so I went with what I knew, which was a quad rail type setup.
Just got my tax stamps in and put a few hundred rounds through it. Loving it so far! It's admittedly a little weighty up front with the can attached, but not at all unwieldy. After further research I had a brief moment of considering replacing my Noveske rails with M-Lok, mostly just because of the supposed weight savings, but that's both silly and impractical as I have a barrel with the switchblock for the suppressor, and I don't see any M-Lok rails with a cutout for a switchblock. My plan is to just relax and shoot this one like crazy, and wait until either the next build or barrel replacement time to try out the popular new rail types.
The Resistance
09-09-17, 13:47
This is an excellent thread and interesting subject.
My LE duty/patrol rifle (SIG) is rocking an agency purchased quad rail with a Holosun optic (which is much better than I expected).
My personal rifles:
1) brand new Midwest Industries 15" M-lok which replaced a Midwest Industries 12" with proprietary rails
2) 20" rifle with 15" Midwest Industries proprietary rails
3) 16" Advanced Armament with 12" Advanced Armament proprietary rails
4) Bolt gun with Key Mod which I really dislike, but won't replace since the couple things I want on it are there.
I probably would not purchase a quad rail again, but my duty rifle with rail covers is just fine. The minimal weight is not noticeable because of all the other crap I am carrying when I am toting that bitch too. If I grab the shotty it's even worse.
recently acquiring an MRP, man it feels good to be back. Classy piece, although the KMR is nice as well.
Rifle length or Carbine?
A Rifle length has been on my radar for...yeesh 9 yeahs now. Just never got around to it.
Some might say the barrel change is "gimmicky" but I'm thinking one piece upper and a stainless barrel that will never be changed.
I have an LMT rifle and got kinda manic/depressive with handguards when what I really wanted (and should have gotten) was the MRP upper.
I just want an honest, robust LMT.
Tigwelder1971
09-10-17, 20:26
I run Centurion, KAC, and SF quads....I still think quads are sexy.
My nephew still uses them, as do I. Insert BCM QMR rail here....
https://68.media.tumblr.com/fab41a96a819791b99a68e601365f6c2/tumblr_ow51whhVoa1rrcg2fo1_1280.jpg
Yup. 16" BFH BCM upper with centurion arms 12" quad rail and 11.5" with centurion arms FSB quad rail.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170912/f8ea77d2682e108b62e5bfa302e0cf89.jpg
Renegade04
09-11-17, 21:31
A BCM QRF.
https://i.imgur.com/AUbhTrT.jpg
Boba Fett v2
09-14-17, 17:04
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but the introduction of Keymod, MLOK or other minimalist type systems have not rendered the MIL-STD-1913 quad rails obsolete, not useable, irrelevant, etc. Last I checked quad rails still work and I'd wager a large percentage of folks still run them despite them not being the flavor-of-the-month on the intrawebs. One of my favorite set-ups still sports a KAC URX II and I have no plans to ever change it out unless something catastrophic happens to it.
Glock9mm1990
09-20-17, 22:07
47571
Just added a Troy Charlie Battlerail to my Colt 6920 today.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/157376915@N07/3e868w
Diamondback
09-21-17, 01:38
They can be heavy and clunky, but still have their virtues. Frankly, the death of the fixed Front Sight Post for modern handguard compatibility has me worried more than the death or non-death of the quad... there just aren't a lot of "Extended Carbine Length" handguards, no matter what accessory mount you favor, that extend past the gas block like a CASV but still have a slot for the FSB while still being short enough for use on 10.5"-11.5" builds anymore. (There is Midwest's MCTAR-20XG2, but it's 12.5"-and-longer, not so great for pistols and/or Mk 18-derived builds.)
I still have them, but only on one rifle. They may not be the cool, flavor of the month thing to have anymore, but they still get the job done just fine for me.
Hammer_Man
09-21-17, 09:55
They can be heavy and clunky, but still have their virtues. Frankly, the death of the fixed Front Sight Post for modern handguard compatibility has me worried more than the death or non-death of the quad... there just aren't a lot of "Extended Carbine Length" handguards, no matter what accessory mount you favor, that extend past the gas block like a CASV but still have a slot for the FSB while still being short enough for use on 10.5"-11.5" builds anymore. (There is Midwest's MCTAR-20XG2, but it's 12.5"-and-longer, not so great for pistols and/or Mk 18-derived builds.)
Have you looked at Centurion Arms? https://www.centurionarms.com/product-p/0609-cc.htm
Diamondback
09-21-17, 13:52
Have you looked at Centurion Arms? https://www.centurionarms.com/product-p/0609-cc.htm
Thanks--pricier than I'd like and not as flexible as a CASV, but it's an option to put on the Alternates List. OTOH, if any further Gremlins are built *I'm* not going to be the one footing the bill or doing the sourcing and building... well, maybe ONE more, but if it happens the GF was specific about "like mine but a right-handed version."
I decided they were still cool after fighting with various roundish tubes. I welcome a wider flat bottom when shooting off the bench.
Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170922/d8036e5fcbb964d8bea905589a92bcf7.jpg
She's not very sexy, but I have no reason to ever change this setup. (It does sport a T1 now and I've ditched the stubby vert grip ) Never so much as a hiccup out of this workhorse.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I just bought another Centurion C4 carbine cutout rail, so yep. I sure do times two.
Achilles11B
09-21-17, 23:54
I'm putting together an SBR that will have a KAC quad rail and FSB just to have something similar to what I had in my 11B days. Yeah, there's sexier handguards out there but it's more of a nostalgia thing than anything. And, as others have previously stated, they'll still do the job.
I just bought another Centurion C4 carbine cutout rail, so yep. I sure do times two.
Probably my next rail purchase as well, especially since they have the cutout for Midlength gas systems. Get some pics up when you get it mounted!
Probably my next rail purchase as well, especially since they have the cutout for Midlength gas systems. Get some pics up when you get it mounted!
It's gonna look just like this but with FDE plastic and an SL stock. I'm cloning my own gun!
https://photos.smugmug.com/ARs/i-NVqtDPF/0/72f0b1c4/X2/IMG_1809-X2.jpg
Hammer_Man
09-23-17, 02:24
It's gonna look just like this but with FDE plastic and an SL stock. I'm cloning my own gun!
https://photos.smugmug.com/ARs/i-NVqtDPF/0/72f0b1c4/X2/IMG_1809-X2.jpg
That's a nice looking blaster you got there! You have me second guessing my decision to go with a RAS II on my carbine build. How does the C4 rail deal with heat? I read a review on Brownell's, that the C4 rails can get pretty hot, do you find that to be true?
Great looking gun, 17K. I have a similar setup in foliage green but with just a Moe handguard. Now you have me thinking of adding a C4 with some FG rail covers...
I see a lot of Centurions still, which was my choice 4 years ago when I went all in with them. I've considered changing and have installed and messed with a few KeyMods and MLOK's for friends. I'll likely try one and I'm sure it will be good to go but I kind of prefer the Centurions because most of my stuff has 14.5" pinned barrels. Time will tell but for now I'm just assessing and reading on the other systems. My next carbine will be a 16" and will mor than likely by MLOK, probably a Colt of some kind as I'm Coltless for several years.
That's a nice looking blaster you got there! You have me second guessing my decision to go with a RAS II on my carbine build. How does the C4 rail deal with heat? I read a review on Brownell's, that the C4 rails can get pretty hot, do you find that to be true?
It's no different than any other quad rail that I can tell. It handles heat a lot better than my KMR, but the KMR has very little surface area and is a lot closer to the barrel than the C4. I also don't use any VFG on the KMR. At any rate, high volume shooting is always done with at least one Mechanix glove on.
I run Knights RAS kits on almost all my rifles. I like having the ability to mount accessory anywhere I want without having to buy extra rails.
ManOnFire40
10-26-17, 18:35
I run Knights RAS kits on almost all my rifles. I like having the ability to mount accessory anywhere I want without having to buy extra rails.
I agree with you 100%. I'm not scared of a little weight neither and I run centurion C4 quads.
My favorite rifle wears a 12” RIS II. She’s a pig compared to “insert lighter weight rail here” but she’s my favorite rifle to shoot
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All my stuff sports quad rails.
Fordtough25
10-29-17, 17:34
Agree as well, I use the kac m4/m5 rails as often as I can. Except for my Noveske nsr, its keymod and light as air but don't love the attachment setup.
thegreyman
10-30-17, 09:49
Loving this thread!
Spartan2323
10-30-17, 15:08
The quad keeps things simple, no need for extra hardware and rails pieces etc. yes heavier and maybe not as ergonomic but for me keeps things simple.
Spartan2323
10-30-17, 15:09
And I wonder if there will be reliability issues with the various attachment methods under strain. More parts often lead to more failures
bowman57_2
10-30-17, 15:15
I still don't get why people say there are more parts to fail with MLOK or KeyMod. You can get just about any accessory you want that mounts directly to whichever system you use.
LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-30-17, 15:39
I'd go to MLOK if I didnt have a crazy parts bin full of pic rail hardware. So, while quad rails continue to be produced, and accessories are produced for them, I'll stick with it.
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