Question on rails and covers!

[dutch308]

Hey folks, I am going to be installing a rail system on my rifle in a couple months and had a question about whether rails and covers from diferent manufacturers were compatible. I have also noticed that some of the covers have locking clips on them and some don't. How durable and dependable are the covers without the locking devices? Any help would be greatly appreciated! D

[Ridge_Runner_5]

Most rail systems are designed so that they will only work with the same kit from the same manufacturer.

Rail covers are ideal, as they protect the rails themselves from damage from being banged around and whatnot, and they protect your hands from burns and/or cuts you might get from using the rails...

[dutch308]

RR5, Thanks for enterchangable question. I understand that the covers protect rail and shooter, what I was wondering was has anyone had problems with the non-locking covers coming off while running them hard or just in general. Thank, D

[Ridge_Runner_5]

The locking ones you've seen are likely Knights Armament covers...I've only used Magpuls, and never had a roblem...first I used the XTs...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/89Sunbird/AR-15/DSC_0002-1.jpg

...and now I use the XTMs. Neither have had any trouble coming loose, or not giving me a good grip on my handguards.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/89Sunbird/AR-15/DSC_0001.jpg

[dutch308]

Thanks, thats what I was wondering about. D

[rifleman2000]

Even the KAC rail covers can get loose with abuse. We used to wrap electrical tape around the whole handguard assembly to keep them tight.