Free Float rail suggestions - Rifle length

[Steve S.]

Gettin ready to give my 16" carbine a makeover. I'm looking for a rifle length free float to put over a lowpro gas block.

The two I am currently considering are the YHM Diamond Rifle length and the Midwest Free Float Rifle length.

The pro of the YHM is that it is lighter (about 16oz, not bad for a rifle length) and the pro of the MI is the off chance that I decide to convert to piston (probably not likely), there is enough clearance.

Anyone have any experience with these rails? I'm open to other suggestions, but I'd like to stay around the $150 mark(got to get IDPA gear for a new handgun and some other gear for 3gun, not to mention just buying an EOtech XPS). The only requirements I have are Free Float (I sling-shoot) and Rifle length (my carbine length is just too small for my monkey-arms).

Appreciate it, guys....

[Belmont31R]

Eat Ramen until you can get either an LT, DD, or KAC rail.

[jvencius]

Eat Ramen until you can get either an LT, DD, or KAC rail.

What he said...

I have a LaRue rail on my Sabre and it's the cat's azz--quick install with common AR tools, dead-nuts stable even when I was really trying to torque it around, and slim enough that rail covers didn't make it uncomfortably large to hold.

[Steve S.]

Eat Ramen until you can get either an LT, DD, or KAC rail.

What's the big advantage over the other two? Does the YHM or MI flex? I run a little 3gun, but this is in no way gonna be a duty rifle. I searched around to find the advantage of more expensive rails, and the consensus is that cheaper rails are heavier, but 16 ounces for a rifle length rail seems pretty light.

I'm the type of person who doesn't mind spending the extra money on quality, but there is a lot of equipment that I just can't justify (the night vision model of my EOtech I just couldn't find a reason to spring the extra cash for since I will probably never use NV). I look at it as my rail doesn't need to survive being dropped from a helicopter if i'm never gonna jump from one.

That being said, if there are some real advantages, I'll stock up on Ramen tomorrow . I couldn't find any negative reviews about either rail on any of the major part vendors websites. The difficulty of installation is a non-issue. I built the rifle from the ground up and have a carbine length free float on there currently.

Not trying to offend anyone, that's why I asked on here, but if the advantages of an LT or DD are slim to none (i know the DD Omega is only about 2ounces lighter vs the YHM), I just can't justify it for my uses. I'd rather see the extra cash go towards a nice FTS EOtech magnifier.

Anyways, please give me the heads up on the free floats. I'd rather do it right the *2nd* time (knew i shouldn't have bought a carbine length). Thanks bros.....

[Steve S.]

Also, is it true the LaRue won't allow the Magpul VFG to fit without sanding it down? I'd thought I heard that somewhere before....

Not a huge issue, just curious.

[spamsammich]

want a FF rail that won't break the bank? Troy TRX Extreme or VTAC TRX extreme. Done and done.

[Steve S.]

Anyone have any experience with the DD Omega 12" with the front sight post cut out? It would save a lot of hassle and money by not having to dump my current flip front sight / gas block combo for a lowpro and rail mounted sight. I found it on sale for $180, which seems really low for a DD rail.

This price has me excited. I used a lot of DD parts on my build, including the Barrel and BCG, and I'm at about 500 rounds with it and zero malfunctions. I've ran mostly M193 and most people don't believe me when I tell them I'm still waiting for any sort of FTF.

[spamsammich]

Anyone have any experience with the DD Omega 12" with the front sight post cut out? It would save a lot of hassle and money by not having to dump my current flip front sight / gas block combo for a lowpro and rail mounted sight. I found it on sale for $180, which seems really low for a DD rail.

This price has me excited. I used a lot of DD parts on my build, including the Barrel and BCG, and I'm at about 500 rounds with it and zero malfunctions. I've ran mostly M193 and most people don't believe me when I tell them I'm still waiting for any sort of FTF.

I run that Omega X FSP rail on my Colt 6920. No complaints at all. It is a LOT of rail for the money. You get a solid lock up system that is compatible with the DD Lite rails, integrated QD cups with rotation limiters, and 3 free ladder rail covers.

[Steve S.]

I run that Omega X FSP rail on my Colt 6920. No complaints at all. It is a LOT of rail for the money. You get a solid lock up system that is compatible with the DD Lite rails, integrated QD cups with rotation limiters, and 3 free ladder rail covers.

Appreciate the feedback, amigo. Looks like thats the way to go, since I can keep my gasblock and flip front sight. Kinda wanted a longer sight radius, but I haven't touched the irons since I got the EOtech.

I'm still interested in the difference between LT, DD, KAC rails vs. YHM, MI, etc. rails so I can pass the word along, so my original questions are still up in the air.

Appreciate it guys...

[Steve S.]

I'm gettin ready to order the DD Omega X 12" FSP rail, but Midway is out of the wrenches for the install. Is it true that the CAR stock wrench will work?