I really like the look of the KAC URX FF Rails, and while they are overpriced (like everything KAC offers), I was really considering trying one in the near future.
I THINK that now the “URX II” has taken the place of the original URX? (can anyone confirm this?)
However, I was researching how these rails installed, and I came across this tool, labeled the “URX BBL nut wrench” : http://www.operationparts.com/KAC_KNIGHTS_ARMAMENT_SR_15_URX_BARREL_NUT_WRENCH_p/23386.htm
-Now this thing is a WHOPPING $278.00? Sheesh. Is this tool a MANDATORY item, needed to install a URX II FF Rail?
-Also, I came across this “URX Vise Jaw”, which is another $278.00!
Now I was HOPING that this “Vise Jaw” was NOT really necessary to install a URX II FF Rail. I am THINKING that it might be for swapping out bbls on a rifle that has a URX II installed? Is this correct?
Hell, if that damn “URX II Barrel Nut Wrench” is absolutely necessary to install a URX II, then I sure as hell won’t be buying a URX II rail anytime soon. Maybe if I could find someone to loan me their bbl nut wrench, then I might consider it.
Can anyone confirm if either of these two tools are needed to install a URX II?
URX II’s with the heat shield and lower rail locking tab are the most current design. Yes, both tools are necessary to install the rails. Most people just have an authorized dealer install it for them for a small fee (~$50-$75).
Chuck @ Operation Parts, Wes @ MSTN , and Marvin @ Nefarious Arms all install these rails. On a side note, the cool thing about dealing with Marvin is that he is a KAC employee and has access to parts that other do not. Also, he can modify URX rails to your liking - here’s an example:
Wes has tools, has booqoo experience installing them, if grant has tools now, thats an option, ifyou can get ahold of marvin, those are 3 options i’d use
Well that’s good to know Grant.
I did not know you owned the tools to install them? I really like working on my own AR uppers, and even lowers sometimes. However, having not seen the URX II’s up close, I have no idea IF it’s even possible for me to install a URX II, without owning a $278 bbl nut wrench, and a $278 URX Vise Jaw.
So altav, just to be clear, were you saying that one MUST have BOTH the URX bbl nut wrench, AND the URX vise clamp in order to install a URX II?
Just want to make sure I’m clear on this.
Maybe I could find someone who would lend me a bbl nut wrench and/or vise jaw, so I could install it myself? I’d be willing to pay $$ for the courteous loan.
Heck, maybe I could even find a dealer who would loan me the custom bbl nut wrench, if I were to give him the $330-ish for the URX II rail.
Yeah, I know it’s a longshot, but I know if I were a dealer selling URX II’s, I’d gladly loan one of my valued customers a simple bbl nut wrench if they were so kind to give me over $300 of business.
We’ll see. I don’t think I’ll ever in a million years get over KAC charging almost $600 for two hunks of metal in order to install a rail.
If anyone reading this might happen to have the two tools I need to install a URX II, I’d gladly pay you a fee to let me borrow them for a quick minute. I’ll cover shipping both ways, and even throw in a nice little “AR” type gift as well.
Just a thought.
I have the tools and have installed quite a few URX’s… While your offer is a generous one, just have one of the dealers take care of you - it’ll save you time, money, and some potential headaches.
They are remarkably easy to do. - You can use an ARMS sleeve to hold the rail, or buy a rail alignment job from Brownells - either will work (albiet not ideal) and much cheaper than KAC’s rail tool.
As for as the bbl nut it is possible to make your own – but not worth the hassle IMHO.
I am sold on the URX - and all my guns have been transformed over to them - less my three Hk416’s.
I have my first URX SR16 upper still here – over 6 months in Afghan, and a year and a half in Iraq - and it is still good to go – my biggest concern is I think (based on this weeks range) that the Douglas barrel is failing fast (over 18k) and I wont be able to put a new barrel in it here (at least not and keep the KAC flip front sight gas block).
I always used an M4 carry handle. You can cut the bottom out between the bolts and use it on KAC and DD free-float tubes as well. There’s no point in buying a $300 part to keep the rail from turning when you tighten it.
Sorry I should have said - I lack the ability to install or remove a barrel/URX rail here in Iraq currently – nor can I salvage the KAC flip front sight gas block (unless someone can sent me an install jig for it - and I can buy a new barrel and then fit the gas block and drill it )
The URX will not fit on an Armalite upper. I’ve already confirmed it months ago. Now the thread pitch is very similar, but not exact, and I was actually considering purchasing an SR25 URX to see if there was enough material on the URX, or the Armalite upper, for a rethread job to mate the pieces together. With slight machining, I think they could somehow be made to work, but not totally sure without the pieces here in front of me.
Never got around to doing it though. Instead, I purchased a Noveske N6 upper, and I was totally impressed with the SWS rail on it.
At one point, Armalite had made a few A2 AR10 uppers (non flat top uppers), which WOULD take the KAC rails. However, only one Armalite employee that I spoke with, was even aware of them. I saw one for sale on their “Specials or Clearance?” page a while back…
OT, but is that a AAC suppressor adapter/FH? I’m sure it is, but it must be a discontinued model as it’s definitely not the 18 tooth phantom of the 18 tooth black out.
