Hi all,
Are there some free float rail systems that lend themselves to easier end-user maintenance than others? I’m talking about rails that mount to the barrel nut (e.g. DD Lite, Larue, Omega X) and not the kind that bolt onto the top rail (e.g. KAC RAS II, CASV, etc). What’s a rail that can be easily removed and re-installed without a lot of special tools? I assume a two-piece? Thanks for your time.
Chris
Why do you need to take it off?
While you’re shooting, you could get mud and grime inside them and on the barrel that should be cleaned out.
I have a couple of DD Omegas and they come off fairly easily. It is just four flat head screws and then for allen screws.
Throughout the years I’ve not found the need to clean the barrel yet 
My Omega X’s bottom rail is easily removed.
I’m not against a rail that comes off. I just can’t remember ever having to remove one of mine.
If I got mud in it, I’d hose it out.
Didn’t you just make a thread about removable 2 piece rails and ashed how often you should clean under the hand guards?
That isn’t the definition of a true removable bottom rail on a FF handgaurd.
The four set screws work in conjunction with one another on an Omega X. If you remove the bottom half and reinstall it, the rail will not be in the same position as before. Any laser sighting device you have mounted will loose zero.
If the OP is more worried about cleaning underneath a rail, then perhaps a non-free floated handguard/rail system is the answer.
If I get mud I just spray it with the hose. Thats all you need to do.
Anyway, the TRX is pretty easily removable, the VTac I believe is the same thing.
I can’t believe you would suggest something that stupid.
Why is that stupid?
Oh youre right, ARs melt when they get wet huh
Funny how he didn’t jump down markm’s throat when he suggested the same thing.
I just installed the Rainier Arms edition of the Samson Evolution 12.37 free float rail yesterday. It went on very easily and seems like it would be just as easy to remove. Just loosen two Torx screws and slide the rail off the heat sink that fits over the stock barrel nut.
I didnteven know Mark suggested it.
Its literally the only way I have ever cleaned my rifles off.
Oh but I use mine everyweekend, and I dont keep them in the safe…I think thats when its bad for them. Safe queens cant get wet.
These guys are stupid…
And these guys?? Just ridiculous stupid
When I’ve come back from an extra filthy trip (this has been like twice ever) I’ve hosed the dirt off of my A2 before I got to actual cleaning.
My guns get shot in the rain, etc… I haven’t had any water damage.
Ya I guess we do stupid things.
I think the people that seldom use their rifles and spend all that time protecting it from every little scratch and moisture get more and more cautious of it getting any kind of damage.
There is NOTHING wrong with hosing off your rifle, just be sure to lube it afterwards and it GTG
I just want to point out that sometimes, once in a while, this happens…
Friend of mine years ago. It was raining mud in Iraq.
That’s not an AR obviously but you get the idea. Guess how that got cleaned? With a hose. Then it got hit with non-chlorinated brake cleaner. Then it got thoroughly drenched in Eezox. No problems. No rust. Have fun cleaning that with an oily toothbrush Scotty.
I’m not advocating hosing off an AR all the time. But, in extreme situations, sometimes it’s the only reasonable way. Just make sure you get it dry afterward and then saturate with a rust inhibitor.
Holy crap! What a mess. Reminds me of some show I saw on the Mil channel where once a year they make the USMC Harrier pilots do some grunt training.
These guys were digging fox holes in the rain and mud. Their M16s looked just like that mess above.
They don’t own their equipment.