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Thread: Why so much rail?

  1. #1
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    Why so much rail?

    So this may seem like an odd question and i reckon the answer is mostly preference but: Why do some of you have so much rail space when all you have mounted is a fore-grip and a light ? The m4 is a light weight , battle rifle. Why would you weigh it down with an unnecessarily long rail? The only reasons practically i could see would be A) you have really long arms and its more comfortable B) your gas system requires you have a longer rail to cover the gas block, though i suspect thats more for looks than anything. I do understand some people think they just look cooler and i also get that if you have a DMR styled rifle you need the extra rail length for proper bipod position. What i dont get is why you would put an 11" rail on a 14.5 carbine? Not trying to knock anyone im just curious. I want the lightest most maneuverable gun possible and i have carbine length gas systems so i only buy 7" rails ,because thats all i ever need.

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    Quote Originally Posted by philipeggo View Post
    A) you have really long arms and its more comfortable
    You answered it right there. That and a longer sight radius when shooting irons. With the cost of rails being just about equal between the short rails and the longer rails, the extra hand space and sight radius is an easy choice.

  3. #3
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    Many guys now shoot with their support arm way out on the forearm (Magpul style is what I have been told its called). I have a midlength and place my hand way out front as well. I actually could probably use a longer rail.
    Last edited by C-grunt; 03-03-11 at 15:45.
    C co 1/30th Infantry Regiment
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    Quote Originally Posted by philipeggo View Post
    I want the lightest most maneuverable gun possible and i have carbine length gas systems so i only buy 7" rails ,because thats all i ever need.
    If you have a carbine-length rail system on your gun you do not have the lightest gun possible.

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    Quote Originally Posted by rob_s View Post
    If you have a carbine-length rail system on your gun you do not have the lightest gun possible.
    Whats shorter? pistol length? and then my gas tube would be exposed and wouldnt want that to come to harm.

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    Quote Originally Posted by nimdabew View Post
    You answered it right there. That and a longer sight radius when shooting irons. With the cost of rails being just about equal between the short rails and the longer rails, the extra hand space and sight radius is an easy choice.
    Ok cool was i jw, im kinda on the short side so to me having long rails and extending my arm out that far would be a tad bit uncomfortable.

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    Quote Originally Posted by philipeggo View Post
    Whats shorter? pistol length? and then my gas tube would be exposed and wouldnt want that to come to harm.
    I didn't say "shorter".

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    I originally had a 12" quad rail on my rifle. Like you said it was a lot of wasted weight for no reason. I switched to an 11" TRX Extreme and haven't looked back. I keep my hand in fairly close, but this still gives me a good sight radius with my MBUIS. And I only have what additional rail and weight that I need where I need it.

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    Quote Originally Posted by philipeggo View Post
    Whats shorter? pistol length? and then my gas tube would be exposed and wouldnt want that to come to harm.
    Rob is implying that if light weight is your priority, you're better off with no rail at all. The advent of items like the MOE handguards and pencil barrels becoming widely available allows you to mount a vfg & light without a rail and still have a very light / functional weapon.

    Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by rob_s View Post
    I didn't say "shorter".
    Rob's kindof becoming a renaissance man lately. What he means is that a set of MOE handguards would be lighter and cheaper than a rail. Especially with the advent of Mount-n-slot, if all you're going to do is mount a light and VFG, that's probably the best way to go.

    I am actually one of the long rail kind of guys. I run a DD 14.0 Lite on a 16" Barrel.

    ETA: Dang, took a phone call and postponed my posting.
    Last edited by ASH556; 03-03-11 at 16:18.
    Semper Paratus Certified AR15 Armorer

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