Fortis REV 12" rail first impressions
I got in on the Rainier Arms pre-order for the new Fortis REV rails last month. They promised delivery by the end of January and they met that promise. That right there was a big thumbs up for Rainier Arms considering the current climate.
The Fortis is packaged in a simple cardboard tube. There are no instructions, but for anyone who has worked on an AR-15 the installation is self explanatory. If you are not currently running a low profile gas block and GI barrel nut you will have to install them to run this rail. My setup below is a BCM 16" barrel, with a BCM lopro gasblock, and BCM barrel nut on an Aero Precision upper. To install, slide the rail over the whole works.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1c1096e9.jpg
Snap it in place over the barrel nut...
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8866ec99.jpg
Install the cap piece through the dovetail and torque down the screws. You will find that the cap will bottom on the rail once the screws are tight. This is a nice feature that gives a good visual indication that it is seated properly and offers some protection at stopping the screws instead of stripping them out. Further protection at stripping the screws is the stainless inserts they screw into.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7bcd437f.jpg
The Fortis rail has anti rotation tabs on both sides.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...psea835dde.jpg
Re: Fortis REV 12" rail first impressions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AKDoug
I have no need for any of the lower rail. Be kinda cool to have a rounded lower section there.
I was almost set on jumping into one of these rails, but I am like you on this, I have no need for the full lower rail. Also, I have small hands, and I am glad that you pointed out how tall this rail is because I am sure it will be too big for me due to the "c clamp" grip I like to use. This rail just looks cool as hell, but is not practical for me I am afraid and I would only be buying it for the "cool factor". If they make a tube style rail using the same design, I would be all in. It would also be nice if they would make it with optional rail segments instead of the permanent segments used now. Maybe they will listen to the consumer and make some adjustments to the design, only time will tell. Thanks for the review, it helped me a lot.
Re: Fortis REV 12" rail first impressions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JonnyVain
How would you rate the rail as far as comfortability? Do you find that your fingers slip in the 'holes'? Does it have a "cheese grater" feel?
Re: Fortis REV 12" rail first impressions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AKDoug
If you have a Dremel, you have the only tool you need. There are plenty of YouTube videos and information around here about shaving the front sight base (cutting it off to make it a low-profile gas block) and cutting off the delta ring. It really is not that big of a deal if you have any mechanical ability at all.
What he said. Just pop your tapered pins out of your FSB using a punch and hammer (or a press if you have one), the shave it down and paint it. You may want to shave it, slide it on and see if the rail clears before you put the final touches of paint on it as it may require more trimming. The delta ring is also fairly easy to remove with a dremel and a pair of pliars. Just take your time and make sure you aren't cutting into your barrel nut or receiver. Also, as stated, youtube is your friend. Good luck.
Re: Fortis REV 12" rail first impressions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AKDoug
In reality, you can shave an FSB in place. It really isn't that hard. Those BCM FSB pins are a bitch.
True words. I had to beat the living hell out of mine to get them out. The trick is to use an oversized punch and a decent sized hammer. The FSB definitely can be shaved in place, I just prefer to take them off as it makes it easier to shape it and it gets it away from things you might not want that cutting wheel to touch.