I,m going to purchase the Magpul ladders rail covers for my quad rails. I was wanting to know if most folks cover all four rails or just the two side and bottom rails?
Thank You!
I leave the top rail open on the one rifle I have that has a quad rail.
I cover what isn’t being used at the time.
Ladders on top and bottom, but switched to Magpul XTM’s on side rails
The question is not “what do most folks cover”- the question is “what do I need to cover” and then buy accordingly. 
Seriously, if you browse through the picture thread, you’ll see dozens of different configurations for the question you ask. There is no “right” way- you figure out through use what you want.
BTW, have you heard of the Larue Clips? A few folks turned me on to them a while back, and they’re quite nice- still low profile, but imho, a bit more “bang for your buck” than the ladder covers.
Cover what you want.
I still don’t understand what the covers are supposed to do.
I’ve tried just about all of 'em and they just get on my nerves and I end up taking 'em off.
I say save your money.
I put them where my left hand goes and then put them everywhere else if I have some left.
i also do this. i have the DD ladder rail covers and they are very comfortable
I cover any rail or portion of rail that doesn’t have the flashlight , the flashlight switch or the forward pistol grip attached…No point leaving the rails exposed to get mounting positions damaged.
Some rails are borderline being sharp. I have to run something on my KAC RAS, but my Centurion is comfortable with nothing. I think they tumble some of the newer rail systems to make them a little more hand and gear friendly.
I like the Larue index clips, dunno if its relevant here but I use them as hand markers and my light markers, it helps somewhat with the heat but minimal.
I use them to protect my rails. that means everywhere there is nothing mounted…
When I had a quad rail on my AR I used the round type covers on the bottom and sides and a ladder type on the top rail.
NYH1.
I go all three sides and leave the top open to help with the gun “cooling”. I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to do it.
I’m in agreeance with most folks here. I cover every single unused slot that can be logically covered. I never run ladders on the bottom though and prefer beefier and more ergonomic options like XTM enhanced ot XT panels.
I run ladders at 3, 6 and 9 where there is exposed rail. One reason is comfort, the other is protection of the rail.
Does anyone use the Larue index clips? Are they solid(do they fall out)?
I go back and forth with the covers. Sometimes I use them and sometimes I don’t. When I do, it’s one strip on each side and for no real reason I might run one on the top.
On the bottom, I’m running stippled LaRue index clips but might remove all covers again and see how it feels.
On the bottom I usually just have a AFG2 or TD stubby, no covers.
Exposed sides get covers, and if I have extra I put a small portion on the top where my hand / fingers touch the top rail.
Again, do what works for you.
I have XTMs and they are nice but honest am only using them right now because I took them in on trade and am short on rail ladders. At times I’ve used them on the side and they are comfortable, but kind of a bitch to get on and off?
YMMV,
What I think is interesting is that if you read the stats, rail ladders weigh more per slot covered than most rail cover options. I never would have guessed that. I run them because I like my gun sleek and still want protection for my rails.
Do you like the Larue clips? Do they stay put?