VLTOR VIS vs. VLTOR MUR + DD lite or KAC?

[Warg]

I'm about to begin another AR using a Noveske 18" SPR BBL mated to a Noveske lower, Magpul UBR, nice trigger, NF glass, etc- basically a high end piece. Trying to decide between a rifle length VIS versus a VLTOR MUR (which is on my shelf) and a Daniel Defense lite rail or possibly KAC. I don't have to use the MUR as it could be "assigned" to another I'm puting together for my spouse. The cost is a couple of hundred more for the VIS, but I can swing that. This is not a "what looks better" thread, I'm looking for pros and cons between the monolithic rail versus the standard types. The only practical advantage I see with the VIS is a one piece upper rail for mounting optics. Somewhat significant, but is this really necessary with a decent scope mount like the standard or extended LaRue?



Thanks,

Gene

[Southern_Partisan]

I've done some research recently on the Vltor VIS, and here is some of the information I've gathered from the Vltor reps and from knowledgeable friends here on the forum like rob_s and bkb0000:

1.) The VIS is a combination of things. The receiver portion is machined from a 6016 forging while the rail section is made from a 6063 extrusion, and only because you cannot weld 7075 (the MUR receiver is made from a 7075 Forging).

2.) The 60-series aluminums are highly corrosion-resistant.

3.) MilSpec dimensions and tolerances.

4.) Polylithic design - the VIS has a removable lower handguard intended to allow the attachment of the M-203 grenade launcher. An added benefit of this design is greater accessibility for cleaning and preventative maintenance.

5.) The Vltor VIS offers a single-layer aluminum heat shield inside of the removable lower portion of the hand guard.

6.) The VIS enables you to go with a pinned gas block (like on the Noveske Light Reece VIS 16" Upper), as opposed to one-piece monolithic uppers like that offered by Mega that require the use of low-profile set screw type gas blocks.

7.) The VIS is non-proprietary in that you can use any stock barrel.

I hope you find some of this info to be helpful. Good luck on your build!!

[Warg]

Very helpful, thanks.

I just discovered a disadvantage- there is a 5 oz difference in weight between the rifle length VIS (29 oz) vs. the MUR + DD lite 12.0 (24 oz).

[Warg]

I've spent some time reading the specs on both and user's opinions. I'm still on the fence, so here's a poll. Again, please keep this a price neutral when voting.

Thanks.

[Rated21R]

I chose to go with a MUR and a DD Lite. Saved a bit of weight and I really don't need the mono design of the VIS. Plus if I decide to go longer or shorter in the future I don't have to buy an all new setup, just a new FF rail. YMMV.

[TehLlama]

MUR with DD light is surprisingly lightweight, and attractive. I'm currently building a 14.7" in that configuration. Price differential is minimal.

If you want to go even lighter weight, the MUR with the TROY Extreme (TROY or VTAC flavors) is even lighter. I know you're thinking price neutral, but this is the lightest and cheapest option.

[Warg]

MUR with DD light is surprisingly lightweight, and attractive. I'm currently building a 14.7" in that configuration. Price differential is minimal.

If you want to go even lighter weight, the MUR with the TROY Extreme (TROY or VTAC flavors) is even lighter. I know you're thinking price neutral, but this is the lightest and cheapest option.

Agreed- I'm currently assembling a 16 lightweight middy with the Troy TRX and a 14.5 carbine with a VTAC Extreme, so I'd probably go with something different like the DD lite to complete the collection of lightweight rails

[Boss Hogg]

I'd go MUR with a LaRue 13.2". It will look better on an 18" barrel than a 12".

[Warg]

The longer rail is an option. I'm also considering the 14 DD lite.

[Belmont31R]

I don't personally like the VIS since the rail is very wide. I like the dimensions KAC uses, and which are mirrored by LaRue. Some of the DD rails have a bottom rail that sticks down further than either KAC or LaRue. The DD RIS II is build like the KAC, and LaRue where the bottom rail is tucked up more towards the center line than say the DD Lite rails and Omega. The KAC URX mid and rifle length comes with 5 QD sling points if you attach a sling, and the LaRue has two. The LaRue QD points are turn limited so the sling wont get twisted around. KAC are not limited in rotation which is unfortunate because otherwise is my favorite rail system.



The MUR is a good upper to build off of, and gives you more rail choices. I also like the LaRue billet upper, and there is nothing wrong with a regular forged upper either.