Choices are Troy Delta, Samson Star-M, or DD Omega 9. A good friend has a nice mid length with a 16" barrel. He is adamant about leaving the A2 front sight in place and no major modifications to the carbine. He is wanting to try a free float handguard. I suggested the Omega 9. However I would like some opinions on the other two models. Thanks.
Honestly, the other two will probably be fine for most uses but the DD is by far and away the best and most proven choice for a FF drop in. It’s not like a RIS II that’s exponentially more expensive. It’s competitively priced, and the most solid in my opinion.
KMR Alpha 9 would be my choice but I don’t like cheese graters. If I had to have a quad it would be the QMR. The BCM barrel nut and attachment method is way superior to anything that attaches to the GI barrel nut.
I have a Delta I may be selling since I replaced it with an Alpha rail.
The Delta locks on solid and is easy to install. I just wasn’t taking advantage of the extra length since I don’t grip that far forward and seemed like mounting a pistol light at 12:00 was just a good way to get in to the hot front sight so it was front heavy with no benefit for me.
There is also the Centurion Arms C4 rail.
I know he wants to put a Harris bipod on if that matters. Forgot to mention that in my original post.
The Daniel defense omega is nice if you can find one.
Just requires an adapter.
How is the KMR a drop in rail?
Without question, I would go with either one of the Centurion Arms C4 rails designed for the midlength. However, that does require cutting part of the delta ring, and I don’t know if the OP is willing to do that.
I guess it depends on your interpretation of “drop in” Stick. In reality knocking off the FSP and barrel nut is less complicated than chiseling off the stuff that is in the way of a supposed drop in rail.
The Troy rail(s) mentioned don’t require removing anything other than existing handguards and sling swivel if present. I think the Samson and DD are similar.
I have seen so many people damage their weapons trying to do that, it’s not even funny. It also doesn’t meet the definition of drop in. A drop in item is usually something that can be accomplished without significant modification.
One could also break the barrel nut loose, remove the slip ring assembly and reinstall. Unfortunately for many that is easier said than done. And of course many will not have the correct tools, etc…
Oh I have the tools to do it right. He is really adamant about leaving it as factory as possible. I think the Omega 9 is likely his best option. This is really not my forte as I prefer the standard heat shielded plastic handguards. He wants it to look “bad a**”. His words not mine and of course the bipod issue. I’ve at least convinced him to buy a Harris and not some cheaply made Caldwell.
I use a 7.0” Omega on my patrol M4. Very solid and has held up well. I think that I’m in the minority when I say that I really like the profile as well. The rail is thinner than it is tall, which suits me as I like like thin stocks, grips, etc.
There’s other ways to attach a bipod than a rail that’s not needed. But if he wants it and is paying for it he’ll think it’s the shiznit…
I’ve had a DD omega 9 on a 16" BCM .GOV mid length from 2009 to about a week ago. It did an EAG and other Carbine courses and several thousand rounds without loosening or presenting any issues. It was also as tight at removal as it was at installation (I was very surprised). No removal of parts (except the round hand guards) was required, only tools used were a screw driver and Allen key. I mounted a light on it (Fury in Vtac mount) and used the sling mounts. I would recommend the omega.
I had the same question about this time last year and decided on the DD Omega 9, and I haven’t regretted the decision one bit. The Centurion was a close second, but I too wanted a true drop in with zero mods necessary, including not needing to remove the sling swivel.
I’m with you on this, great profile. I was pleased by the overall quality and I love the way it feels in my tiny man-boy hands. Lightweight too.