I just got a 16" LMT upper. This is my first AR. Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but am I pretty much limited to 7" Carbine length rails for this thing?
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I just got a 16" LMT upper. This is my first AR. Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but am I pretty much limited to 7" Carbine length rails for this thing?
It's not a stupid question, it's the begging of an education! You have tons of options.
If you would like to keep the factory front sight/gas block, you can go with a 7" rail (some of which can be installed without removing the front sight/gasblock during installation), or get a longer one that accommodates the front sight, such as the Daniel Defense 9.5 FSP, or the Daniel Defense 12.0 FSP. The FSP versions will require the front sight/gas block to be removed during installation BY A PROFESSIONAL.
If you don't want or need to keep the factory front sight/gas block, you will need to purchase a low profile gas block that will work with whichever rail system you choose. If replacing with a low profile gas block, you can go with whatever length rail you'd like. Again, installation should be BY A PROFESSIONAL.
Good to know. Thanks for the help!
As JLSKIP pointed out there are many options for rail systems. You can stick with the 7" rails which will allow you to keep your front sight intact. There are drop in rails such as the Daniel Defense Omega or the Knight's Armament RAS which are very easy to install and would not require professional installation. Or you can go with something that will replace the barrel nut like the LaRue Tactical rails. These rails probably will require professional installation unless you have all of the necessary tools.
You can go longer with your rails and install a low profile gas block and a rail that extends out over it. You will loose your front sight and need a rail mounted flip up or fixed front site. This route will not be cheap (probably about $400-$500 when it's all said and done for the rail, sight, and installation). Many manufacturers make a rail that works in this role, but Daniel Defense, LaRue, and Knight's Armament are the standards.
All of this rail talk begs the question though, what mods do you have done to the weapon?
What I'm saying is rails are sexy, but usually they are a $300+ expense which could be money best spent in better ways. I would first suggest you spend as much money as you can on ammo (PRVI, or XM193) and high quality magazines (Magpul PMAGs).
Next I would ask, what is you current background and level of training? A carbine class is money better spent than a rail system.
Finally a quality Red Dot Scope (ie Aimpoint) in a good mount (LaRue, Daniel Defense, American Defense, Wilcox, etc.) is probably money better spent than a rail, and a quality sling (read Blue Force Gear, Magpul, etc.) and white light (Surefire) are absolutely indispensable on a serious fighting gun.
One thing a rail system is nice for is it will allow easier attachment of a white light, but Midwest Industries makes a light mount that will attach to the front sight and costs far less than a dedicated rail. Also look into the Magpul MOE handguards. They drop right in, are light weights, and allow you to mount rail sections in such a manor to all you to attach a white light easily.
or just hack off the FSB- the most secure way to go low-profile.If you don't want or need to keep the factory front sight/gas block, you will need to purchase a low profile gas block that will work with whichever rail system you choose. If replacing with a low profile gas block, you can go with whatever length rail you'd like. Again, installation should be BY A PROFESSIONAL.
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Last edited by bkb0000; 09-24-09 at 17:40.
Please also consider the VLTOR CASV. Awesome rail.
Troy MRF-C and MRFS-CX rails are very solid and easy DIY install
http://troyind.com/MRFRails.html
Samson STAR almost identical, install the same way
http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html...ct/STAR-C.html
http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html...t/STAR-CX.html
Because Life is NOT a REHEARSAL-CRTC
Yeah, I'm glad I have a bunch of options. I think I'm gonna just get some cheaper, polymer hand guards to hold me over until I decide what I really want.
How are the Magpul hand guards? Can't you mount accessories to those too?
i wouldn't mount anything but a light to plastic handguards. the MOEs seem to be selling well.. personally, for plastic, i really like the sooper-skinny bushmasters. i can wrap my hand entirely around the guard.. great for muz control.
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