I don’t mind panels on the 3 and 9 of the rails, so long as there are ladders or index clips on the 12 and 6.
It can depend on the rail system for sure, some companies make them sharper or even pointed [reference POF] in some instances. So far with what experience I have the naked rail isn’t bad, but it will “turn your hand to hamburger” if you run your gun like a meat grinder. Personally I manipulate the gun in a way that does cause a little hurt on my hand at times. I’m not sure of any subconscious effect going naked could have in regards to hesitation to manipulate the weapon in certain ways despite it being possibly okay, however. I am still yet to gain more experience with naked railing as it is rail ladders aren’t such a terrible idea.
Magpul XTM panels for me on my MI gen 2 middy drop in rail, and no problems. They are comfortable, but they protect my rail, which is why I use the more than anything else.
I run my DDM4v3 rails, “naked.”
But when I went through around 200 rounds two weekends ago within about a 30 min period, even the rails got so hot I could hardly touch them (thankfully I was using a drop down grip).
I have a set of YHM rails. I find that naked they are to aggresive, and with an actual cover they are to big for my hands. I have gone and wrapped a length of 50lb sash cord around my grips giving me 1. a mostly flat surface with some edges to grip on, 2. a 20’ length of cord to solve other problems with, 3. some radiant heat resistance.
I am a weekend shooter and only run it hard at small 3 gun matches. YMMV.
I use DD and LaRue rails and I too run without covers.
not sure what kind of rail ladders you tried, but i’d also recommend giving the surefire z70 ladders a try as well if you haven’t already. they are a softer rubber than the magpul so offer a more “grippy” feel, and actually fit inside the rail slots so it adds almost no bulk. they are like $10 for a pack of 3 so it might be worth picking up a pack or 2 next time you order something. just food for thought, naked works well too but i find the surefire ladders do just enough to take the sharp edges off of some of the rails out there.
I run ladders on the 3 and 9 oclock rails… And use a XT panel on the 12 oclock rail when I remove my RVG.
So no nekkid for me!
Index clips for me. Minimal added bulk but adds some heat protection. Ladders were to bulky for me. Tried rail covers but to much heat.
Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
I ran my Centurion FSP naked for several months including a two day carbine class- I had no issues with heat or my hands getting rubbed raw. However, I ended up getting a hand stop for reference so now it wears stippled LaRue clips.
+1 on the LaRue index clips.
-
Superficial lacerations are superficial… But if I have the option to not get cut, I aint getting cut. Ive taken more chunks out of my fingers with naked rails than I recall, honestly. Some have scarred. Naturally this is not from even “aggressive” shooting, shit just happens.
-
Its aluminum… I drop the gun, drop something on the gun, whack a steel doorframe on entry, etc., and I cant mount something there anymore.
Conclusion: Every rail on any of my personal guns gets a complete cover to protect it from me and me from it. Very partial toward Magpul XTs based on empirical experience with them, XTMs, Ergo ladders, TD SCAR, KAC panels.
Every time one of these threads pops up, I’m always shocked that not everyone is using Larue Index Clips.
I mean, they’re perfect.
I use Troy rail covers, at 3 and 9 only. Its just has has a better feel.
Larue index clips for me. I used to shoot with naked rails until i started letting my teenage son shoot my guns. Saftey first!
I have no issue with running rails either way, but like having the ladders when not running gloves.
What Sam is failing to mention is that all 5,000 rounds were fired from a bipod or by someone else… 
I run LaRue index clips in front of my vert grip now and ladder covers on the sides. I like the feel of the rail without the covers, at least on the sides, but I don’t much care for the heat when I’m not wearing gloves. In South Texas it gets very hot just sitting there, let alone while being fired.
Using a combo of rail covers here too- XTMs on the 9 and 3, and Larue clips on the 12 and 6- I have pretty long fingers so width isn’t to much of an issue, but for some reason I like the 6’oclock rail with something slimmer.
Also, imho, I’m not sure the Larue clips are totally perfect- I have popped a couple off here and there, although only if something got caught in them and then pulled on. That’s one reason I still like the XTMs- they are NOT coming off. Which has it’s own set of issues after a while…:rolleyes:
I run Surefire ‘covers’ on mine just in front of the vertical grip at 6 and the 3 and 9 positions to the side; basically the same diameter as a naked rail, but a little more grip. I’ve also run the rail naked a lot, and never had issues with damaging the rail or my hands.
I went from a VFG and KAC panels to a hand stop and no panels. I just like the feel of the naked rail (does get hot though)