I have searched exhaustively, but I am having a lot of trouble deciding on a hand guard…
My current build project is a 18" AR-15 “SPR” concept rifle in FDE (looking at a DD barrel with mid-length gas system). I am building this one from the ground up for the learning experience, and to have a quality rifle which has all the features I want. This rifle will be used for distance shooting (hopefully 300-500 yards, but I’m not a crack shot or anything), and possibly some small game hunting when I move back West. I have built a lower from parts before, but this will be my first upper. I have spent hours going back and forth, but I seem to hit a pothole every time I think I have settled on a choice. Here are the criteria I have for a hand guard:
1.) Modular or key-mod type.
2.) Not too heavy. Minimalist is not required, I just don’t want to throw the balance of the gun too far forward.
3.) Built in sling QD holes would be nice
4.) Durable enough for field / somewhat harsh use.
5.) Offered in FDE or desert-type color
6.) Long enough, but not excessive. I think 12" would be about right for functional use without too much weight.
So, based on these general criteria, three of the rails I have considered are:
1.) Geissele Super-modular Mk 4 13" in DDC. I love the design! However, they are expensive and out of stock EVERYWHERE. However, if I can ever find one in stock, I might just break the bank for it.
2.) Midwest Industries gen 2 SS 12" rail in FDE. Nice design and price, but I worry about poly rail sections and durability.
3.) Troy Alpha 11"/13" in FDE. This was my original choice, but I will probably not go that route.
There are so many options. First, if you wand FDE ypu can always have it Cerakoted FDE for about $50, so that’s no big deal. Both the Troy and Geissele rails are very nice… and don’t discount the 13" Mk2 that’s on sale at AIM for $225.
I use the MI Gen 2 SS and I love it, I was going to go the keymod route but I got this for a song. I would go with the MI, they don’t break the bank and are built very well. They are also extremely lite. As for the rail sections there are aluminum sections.
What are your guyss’ thoughts on the Geissele rails vs. The KMR as a duty rifle rail? I have never owned either and am torn between the two brands for my patrol rifle.
I have the MI-SS G2 12" on my A4, and have used it in a bunch of cross country run 'n gun competitions, so it has been through a lot of miles getting carried, beat around through trees and rocks, over and under obstacles, etc., and has even fallen over/been dropped a time or two, and it has held up great. I’d say it would work fine for the purpose the OP stated. I love the super slim profile. I like it well enough that I put a 9" one on my LW middy that I finished this week. I saw that they have the SSK Keymod version now, but I opted for the G2 because I like how it comes with a push button QD socket rail section that you can put wherever you want, whereas the SSK has built-in QD sockets that aren’t where I want them, which would require spending more money on a Keymod QD socket. Keymod doesn’t really do much for me because the only things I put on the handguard are a sling swivel and a light. YMMV.
MI looks like a good rail too. I ended up ordering the Geiselle, since it was on sale and I already have dark earth Duracoat for the parts I need to re-color.
As an aside, I got my Bravo Company BCG in the mail today. That thing looks absolutely amazing- without even taking it out of the bag, I could tell it was a better product. I might have to get a second one to replace the bolt in my YHM upper.
Sevenh: Have you considered the Ranier Arms Force, 12" version? https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=4277
Seems to meet your specs; light, multiple built in QD points, Keymod, etc. Would need a can of spray paint for the color you want.
What, no love for the Fortis REV? Rock solid, offered in FDE, has picatinny and Keymod, light as all get out and affordable. The Geiselle is super nice, but a little heavy and after handling and installing both on a number of rifles, I don’t see the Geiselle having any real major advantages. Plus, the REV mounts to a standard mil-spec barrel nut which is a MAJOR plus in my book. Proprietary anything can lead to problems down the road. Just look at Dell computers.
For an SPR you want a more solid rail than the fortis. There is a recent thread here with people having issues with the fortis rail moving. You need to be able to trust the rail to stay absolutely solid on a spr especially if you intend to use a peq on it
My REV has held steady after a huge number of rounds - I had I no idea people were having issues with them. All of the problems I’ve seen people having seem to come from TOS. Could it be that they’re not installing them correctly?
