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Thread: 13" vs 15" rail for 16" barrel

  1. #31
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    On the topic of “reach,” I personally don’t like having to reach out to my Inforce WML on a 13” handguard. Ended up backing it up a couple slots at 12:00.
    You could go longer though, if you use a tape switch.

  2. #32
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    Really more about reach IMO than how much light is blocked. I have tried both 13" and 15" with an x300 mounted at 12 and felt like I was over extending my arm with the 15". Was not comfortable. I have relatively long arms also being 6'3".

    If you are using a tape switch that would obviously eliminate the reach problem.

    Either way I would personally use a 13", not sure of the need to have the extra barrel length covered by a 15" rail since I would not be reaching out that far.

  3. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by JediGuy View Post
    On the topic of “reach,” I personally don’t like having to reach out to my Inforce WML on a 13” handguard. Ended up backing it up a couple slots at 12:00.
    You could go longer though, if you use a tape switch.
    We have opposite opinions but that's not a bad thing. I had the same light and Haley thorntail mount on a 13" KMR Alpha rail. It cramped my style and changed to a 15" KMR. All is now good. Like the underwear analogy... It's all about your preferences.

  4. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by GH41 View Post
    We have opposite opinions but that's not a bad thing. I had the same light and Haley thorntail mount on a 13" KMR Alpha rail. It cramped my style and changed to a 15" KMR. All is now good. Like the underwear analogy... It's all about your preferences.
    Yes it does. I had a 16" BCM upper with a 15" KMR rail. Decided later I wanted a 14.5 BFH with an ext A2 P&W. It has a 13" KMRA and in my opinion is the better choice for me.
    That is why BCM has so many choices and options and I shop there.
    POW-MIA, #22untilnone
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  5. #35
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    Haven't done a 12 o'clock light mount since barrel shadow has never bothered me, but do prefer 13" rails vs.15". Seems to have a better feel/balance in my opinion.

  6. #36
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    Some good opinions already. I agree that shadowing is a non issue with the setups being discussed. However, I like to go with the longest reasonable handguard on any given barrel length up to 16” barrels. Among my relevant setups are a DD RIS ~12.5” on a 14.5” barrel, a URX 4 13” on a 14” barrel, and a URX 4 14.5” on a 16” barrel. I’ve been using tape switches with my lights lately. I don’t usually grip that far out that I NEED the 14.5” handguard, but I like the longer handguard when I’m shooting off a sandbag or barrier or whatever goofy stuff I’m doing. Additionally, the extra space up front gets used for my light, sling mount, and front sight, so I have to account for that space not being available. And getting the front sight out there is beneficial when I use irons.

    Either length will be fine, but I occasionally wish for just a little more handguard on my RIS. I suggest the 15” handguard for your 16” carbine.
    RLTW
    “Your posts will be more accurate and received much better if you form your opinions with less emotion and more objectivity and then express them as if you’re in a discussion with friends, rather than an injured and cornered animal fighting for its life.” -Revolution 9 on the hide

  7. #37
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    16" barrels get a 15" rail and 14.5" barrels get a 13" on the ones I have done. I prefer a 16" barrel with mid-length gas system over a pin and welded shorter barrel...keeps it legal and easier for any future disassembly.

    A person's height has nothing to do with what length rail....it's arm length or "reach" in boxing terms, but for naysayers.....yes taller people normally have longer arm reach.

    15" rail advantages have already been mentioned, and the KMR weight difference is minimal......those who disagree should increase their gym time. BCM has quality stuff and a good selection of parts that someone else manufacturers for them.

  8. #38
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    Personally, I like the 15" M Lok rail.
    You only get one shot to make a lasting impression. *** Make it a good one!

  9. #39
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    The extra 2 inches gives you space, need it or not, while the 13 is not going to grow later on. I like longer, as long as the barrel allows pistol or rifle set up.

  10. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by DD_USMC View Post
    A person's height has nothing to do with what length rail....it's arm length or "reach" in boxing terms, but for naysayers.....yes taller people normally have longer arm reach.
    As a tall person with a long arm length, I prefer longer rails so I'd go with a 15" rail with a 16" barrel but each person's style/taste varies.

    But if I was a T-Rex, I'd probably go for an 8" rail.

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