Why would you buy it without getting whatever hardware you needed?
My guess is it probably wasn't a surprise the rail had keymod attachments. Just a guess tho. ;-)
-john
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Exactly.
The reason I like the NSR/keymod concept is because it gives the benefits of lightweight, low profile modular rails less the "adapter upon adapter" mounting of other designs. Since with modular rails (say a 11-12oz 12" DD MFR), once you start mounting 1913 sections on the order of 1-2oz each, you negate what ever weight savings you gained over a full rail (a 15oz 12"DD lite for example). Essentially I am sold on the direct mount, lightweight, keymod concept (15" of NSR weighs only 11.6oz!), but I am gonna be the sucker if the industry doesn't come around with more keymod attachments! Namely a stubby vertical grip and a bi-pod.
Prospects for attachments look good though with the Knights URX 4 and new Vltor VIS-KM coming out. We'll see...
Yeah... there's no doubt that if weight savings are a concern, the NSR is right at the top. I can see it's appeal for some guys. It's just not my thing.
Speaking of the Noveske MURs... they stopped even showing them on the Noveske site? Anyone know what the scoop is on those ever being available as a stripped upper again?
The Magpul MOE 5 slot rail section weighs .7oz. The MOE 7 slot rail section weighs .8oz. This is with all hardware/screws. Noveske specifically built in the channels to accept the MOE backplates on the NSRs.
There is not a significant weight gain to add rail sections where you need it. Unlike a TROY tube, for instance, where you're adding those large rail chunks.
The point of the keymod is to eventually do away with rails minus the top. Making for a slimmer package WHILE the accessory is mounted.
-Jax
Good point.
Though they only balance the weight issue for compatible mod rails, and you still have the annoyance of screwing with the backing plates. For the keymod, the Magpul rail sections are still an adapter upon an adapter, which negates the improved mounting concept (and bugs OCD types like myself:p ) Anyway though, the sections are probably the best interim solution if trying to maximize weight savings afforded by the rail.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spre...hUVpYMVE&hl=en
Line 173, the weight of the double shielded CAR handguard pair is 7.5oz (add .5oz for the delta ring and handguard cap), and the standard barrel nut weights about 2oz for a total of about 10oz.
According to Noveske the 7" NSR w/ barrel nut weighs 7.5oz, add maybe 1oz for the Noveske panels and your at 8.5oz--9oz total. So if you we're going to swap handguards and keep your FSB you would maybe save 1oz, gain a free float barrel, but would probably lose some heat shielding effectiveness.
If you are gonna take it a part to do the swap, it might be more beneficial to ditch the FSB for a lo-pro gas block and longer rail:
10oz CAR handguard setup + 4.5oz FSB (no bayo lug) = 14.5oz
1.5oz lo-pro GB + 8.7oz 9" NSR setup + ~1oz panels + 1.1oz Daniel Defense fixed front sight = ~12.3oz.
Gain 2" of free float rail and lose about 2oz over your current setup. Not bad considering you would also gain a mounting system.
Thanks jerrysimons.
Exactly the info I was looking for.
The thread kinda took off on a different tangent. Thanks for getting it back on track.
Another question...
The NSR plastic panels don't seem to go all the way back to the upper receiver (There are no "mounting keyholes."). Is that normal? I guess the screws that attach the handguard to the barrel would get in the way, yes? Wouldn't the handguard in that area get considerably hot considering the chamber is right about there?
Thanks again.
You are supposed to grip it further down the rail. Unless you have money to burn, the NSR may not be what you are looking for.
Like all modular and railed handguards, if utilized with attachments (BUIS, laser, light) and shaved/low profile gas blocks you get mounting options, additional rail estate, and a longer free floating platform. It seems a waste if you are simply replacing standard M4 handguards.