That's interesting. I heard there was hardness issues with the proprietary nut.
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Thanks for the links.
The issue for me is not a fear of installation but advice from several people (including the owner of a local gun shop who sold the TRX) not to alter a "Colt". I was very surprised at how many different people have strongly suggested I don't modify my "Colt". Even taking the FSB off.
That philosophy is debatable I guess, but it was enough to sway me, with all other things considered, to the no mod route. I had considered a clamp on LP block but found many concerns about them here.
I probably would have built a BCM, etc rifle instead but I got a NIB LE6920 for $1100 no tax and free shipping.
rob_s: I had found that link the other day and it was very helpful. I think with the APEX I will just need to remove the delta ring. From what the website has, it is nearly half the weight. But again, I have not found many posts about it here so i was not sure if it was a quality rail.
Well if I were going for the least amount of modification I would go with the DD Omega (zero mod- even the delta ring and HG cap stays). Next up for me would possibly be the Centurion (keep stock barrel nut).
But, it looks like you would like to get your hand out a bit further, and neither of these rails accomplishes that.
The Vltor accomplishes this with zero mods if you are willing to accept the possible (only you know if it's acceptable for you) weight and raised rail penalties. The Troy FSP rail accomplishes it with the stock barrel nut only loosing the delta and cap, but it's possibly a bit heavy...
Personally unless it's a collector item (6920 isn't) I wouldn't give a hoot about modifying it just because it's a Colt. What’s the issue? Resale? Collector status? Reliability? As long as it's done in a competent manner with parts that are not substandard, I’d be fine. But, I wouldn’t be comfortable with a clamp on/set screw gas block on a defensive rifle...
My vote would ultimately be to run the best rail that meets your needs and purpose, mods or not. I would go with either a FSP model from someone like DD, or shave the FSP (rather than clamp/set screw) and run whatever quality rail that you settle on.
If you go with a FSP model you can always keep the nut, delta, and cap. You can have it back to stock Colt form in an hour...
Regarding weight:
The stock rifle with carry handle and front side mount sling attachment weighs 6.92 lbs.
W/0 carry handle 6.36 lbs
Using rob_s's chart:
VLTOR CAVS-EL weighs 16.3 oz
I would be removing the front sight mount, adding a different one and a Troy BUIS. I couldn't find the weight of these but they should be close to canceling each other out.
Unless I'm forgetting something or my math is wrong, the rifle will weight roughly 7.38 lbs vs 6.92 stock. A difference of .46 lbs.
The 11 inch Troy TRX extreme (which is the size I would get) plus gas block weighs 11.43oz total making the rifle weight 7.07lbs.
So the difference between the CASV-EL and 11" TRX is .31lbs
Now I plan to put on a 1-4 scope with mount that will weigh 1.73lbs. So the gun will end up being around 9.11lbs with the CASV-EL vs 8.8lbs with the TRX.
The 9" TRX weighs 1.47oz less.
Thanks to rob_s for this chart as well:D
:headscratch: Honestly kind of hard for me to follow the above. :) But, do have a couple of questions.
Why would you be replacing the FSP with the Vltor? Or did I misunderstand? If you are planning on replacing the FSP regardless then I don’t know why the Vltor is still in the running. Its primary appeal would have been zero modification while allowing the hand a bit further out. If you are willing to modify the FSP there are better options.
Are you off of not wanting to modify now?
Have you switched gears to looking for the lightest solution that meets your needs?
I would not be removing the FSP just the side mount sling attachment that came with the rifle http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...GG8ZXniKYJBL1E
I don't want to modify. I was just demonstrating the actual weight gain between the 2 options which is only .31 LBS.
If you look at my OP I probably will build a dedicated 18" upper if I get into 3 gun. The Colt upper will be then relegated to a self defense rifle so the rail will not be wasted. I would also move the scope to the 18" upper.
just get a DD omega 7 and forget it. you ca use your stock delta ring.
It's not like the 6920 is particularly collectible. That's the only reason I wouldn't modify one. I started with the DD Omega because I didn't want the hassle of disassembling my rifle out of pure laziness. Since then I changed my mind, chopped my front sight down and put a TRX Extreme on. I like the small size and light weight.
Ahh, got ya. I was misunderstanding the following-
So anyway this feels like a bit of tail chasing. If you are locked into no mods to the colt as well as wanting a bit more reach- Well, the Vltor is your only option as far as I can recall.
The small bit of reach gained by the Vltor wouldn't be worth the issues I see as drawbacks (for me). If you were to let go of the reach requirement the DD Omega would keep you stock, and is a quality lightweight setup.
If you keep the added reach requirement but are willing to make non permanent reversible mods you have several options in FSP rails. DD RIS FSP, OmegaX FSP, Light FSP, Troy...
If you are willing to shave the FSP- well, there's a whole world of longer rails open to you :D
Don't take me wrong, I'm not hating on the Vltor, at one time I had one. They are quality kit, just not what I would pick setting something up today. But like I said if you want FF, no mods, AND extra reach, I think its your only option. ;)
ETA- I think you might be missing something on the Vltor Vs TRX Extreme weight issue. I recall my rifle gaining almost exactly 1/2 pound just adding the CASV-EL.