I’m thinking hard on a BCM LW middy. I’m deciding which handguard to go with.
Based on Rob_S’s chart, it seems like the MOE handguards are only ~2 ounces less heavy than a Larue 9.0 rail would be? This is difficult to believe almost.
Larue rail = 13.6 oz.
Magpul MOE midlength = 11.5 oz.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPscHdzd2hlZ2hOUXNGblVaTWtaTkYyRFE&hl=en#gid=0
Is this accurate? If so, I’m struggling to find a reason not to get the rail.
Or you can go with a Centurion rail and once removing the delta ring and handguard cap the weight will be within a few ounces. Many, including myself, are using the new Centurion rails. The quality is top notch, they are light and install is a breeze.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=74894&highlight=centurion
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=45989&highlight=centurion
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=94835&highlight=centurion
Rail looks overly ‘tall’ like the DD I have, as in too tall for a thumbs-over grip. Is that not the case?
I went with a Troy/VTAC TRX handguard on my BCM LW middy.
But, given your choices, I’d get the LaRue.
If I remember correctly I wear a size M glove, and a thumb-over grip is really comfy with my C4. I run my Surefire pressure pad at 12:00 and have done quite a bit of night shooting lately with no problems or discomfort.
It feels “different” than a DD, but I believe it has roughly the same dimensions. So if the DD bothers you, I would probably look elsewhere (Larue, KAC, RIS II).
You’re comparing a MOE to a LaRue rail???
The first is a recreational plinker option and the second is one of the best rails you can get. I’m lost. :jester:
I went with the MOE with my last mid length build. For its uses of being a exclusively HD carbine, all I needed was something to mount a light on, and I couldn’t really justify buying a $250 rail for that purpose.
I had basically the same question as you when ordering my BCM LW Middy from Grant. I decided on the Centurion C4 Mid Cut-Out after holding a carbine length MOE at a gun show this weekend. I know you get what you pay for but the MOE, even at a $30 cost, didn’t seem worth the money to me. I know, $320 versus $30, but I don’t believe I’ll regret spending the money on the Centurion. For the MOE, not so much…
I disagree. I have rails on a lot of guns, but I have learned over time that rails aren’t nearly the necessity some people think they are. I cringe when I see someone put a $300 12"+ rail on a gun just so they can “get their support hand further out”. I just can’t understand that kind of spending.
Quality plastic handgaurds are nearly $20 a set. I think the MOE is well worth it for the price.
I have a BCM mid with a FSP and a LaRue 9".
I love that rail. It feels small in the hand like a Knight’s RAS but floats the barrel. It’s also nicely dehorned.
For those with the Larue, have you noticed the extra weight or a change in balance (vs MOE or factory plastic)?
Assuming that the MOEs are at least equivillant in quality to the standard issue plastic handguards, then this means that for 30+ years our soliders were using recreational plinker handguards on their m16s? or am I missing something?
The MOE handguards are great if you just want ‘plastic’ handguards. I like them much more than the standard handguards and I have them on three different carbines. I just like the feel, and especially the ‘hook’ at the front edge of the lower handguard.
If you want a railed free float handguard, the Larue is the best in my opinion. The width and height are perfect, the machining and finish is excellent, the picatinny rails are to spec, and I think the mounting system is one of the best. The built in QD for a sling is nice too…no need to buy a separate part and it keeps it low profile. This handguard is a little heavier than some others, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal unless you’re trying to get bragging rights for lightest AR. I have only one of these currently (9" on a 16" middie), but it’s one part I have no regrets buying at all. I’ve been checking out other free float handguards and I honestly think that once I’m done wasting money doing that, I’ll just be going with Larue any time I want a free float handguard in the future.
The Larue 9.0 rail is standard on EAG Tactical Model made by Bravo Company. I have equally split on which rail I like better: Larue or Daniel Defense. I guess it is a coin flip for me.
I had a MOE handguard on my Dissapator upper… once you hang on two short pieces of rail on it to hang on a light and a stubby vfg plus have a sling moung on it, it become heavier then a Centurion C4 rail.
I’ve ditched my MOE and bought a C4 rail. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s free floating, is more easily customizable and weighs the same (or eve a few oz. less).
-Tom
I love my Centurion rail. Not hard to install, locks up solid, and it’s light!
As much of a Doucher that LaRue is… I have to favor his rail because I HATE the “I beam” feel of the DD and Centurion rails.
Cuckoo LaRue’s rails have that classic KAC dimension.
I assume you feel the same way about A2 handguards for a serious AR, then?
A2 is probably a little better than a MOE… but yeah…
Who would have a thread like this… “LaRue rail vs. A2 handguard… Help me decide!!” 
It’s two completely opposite ends of the spectrum.
It’s more ‘plastic vs aluminum’ than the two specific products. I don’t think the actual intent of my thread has been addressed. I was curious about weight and weight distribution (all I really want is a light and a grip). If I can get some flexibility and free-float things for just an ounce or two, cool. If it’s more than that ‘in real life’, that changes things.
ETA: I’m not under the impression that the MOE guards are insufficient for my hardcore rockstar lifestyle. But rails are certainly more flexible.