Ok, this is my second build. The first is a Colt 6920, KNS Pins, VLTOR Club, LaRue mounted Aimpoint M3, Larue BUIS, Magpul MOE fore-end, Tango Down Grip, Enhanced Trigger guard, Smith Vortex Flash Hider, Sprinco Buffer (blue) Spring, Sprinco Extractor Spring. …Runs Flawless.
Now to new build. 14.5 BCM BFH Mid Length. …Thats it so far. I am looking for good advice and input on a RAIL setup. LaRue, Daniel Defense, etc. Pros Cons? I want the barrel to be free float. I plan on using a LMT SOPMOD stock, and a LaRue FUG (small) as a reference way out front so as to beer can grip the gun.
Please do not turn this thread into an argument. I am looking for experiences and objective data I can use in this build. Thank you for your time in answering my question.
I really like the Centurion Arms rail and I think it would be a good choice. It is fairly simple to install (removal of the FSB) is not necessary if you cut off the Delta ring and leave the barrel nut in place.
After that it’s all cake. It’s also pretty light. I would also go with a Vltor A5 ( I believe it works with the 14.5" mid) or I would go standard with an H2 buffer and Springco blue spring.
IG makes a good point re: the Centurion being relatively easy to install. A similar product would be the Daniel Defense Omega which is even easier to install as it does not require the removal of the delta ring. If you’re willing to remove the FSB but don’t want to remove the barrel nut (it will still require cutting off the delta ring) and you’re interested in a slick-side FF tube you might look at the Apex Tactical.
If you can let us know what you plan to attach to the rail, what makes you want a rail, etc. we can offer better guidance on what rail might best work for you.
Other than cost, I see little to recommend the MRF given the other options available. The MRF is just a heavy rail system with no gain in trade for the added weight. The DD Omega and Centurion are both <13 oz. for the 9.0 while the MRF is ~16 oz. That’s a lot of added weight over the support hand for no measurable gain in any other category.
I agree with rob. The MRF is too heavy. If one were to go that route in temrs of mounting method, the Centurion would be the better option. If you dont want to go about cutting off the handguard cap and delta ring assembly, get the DD Omega.
What will your main use of this gun be? Also, what do you plan on mounting on the rails? Below is just my experience and opinion based on a general use rifle used for classes, drills and home defense or duty use. Also, I only recommend rails if you have a few things mounted like a light, vert grip and possibly a laser system. If you’re mounting nothing but a light, I would usually suggest a MOE.
I am very interested in the Centurion rails. They’re lightweight, solid and easy to install. I’ve always liked Daniel Defense rails as they’re solid and sturdy. I’m trading one of my SR15 uppers now possibly for a MK18 style LMT upper with a DD rail. I’ve owned a couple before and just prefer them to everything else I’ve owned.
Of your listed options, and this is just personal choice after owing both LaRue and DD, I’d lean towards the DD, preferably the Lite rail in most cases. I don’t have experience withthe Omega but it appears to be very easy to work with.
It sounds like your upper has the front sight base, and like IG suggested, I’d take a look at the Centurion FSP midlength 12" (or 12.5", I don’t remember). It’s one I’m very interested in as it allows use of the front sight block and still offers a lot of real estate on the sides and bottom. DD offers a similar rail but Centurion’s looks promising and the front seems to have a nice contour.
Sorry for this quick break from the topic -ROB, I emailed you a linked to two forums where I posted the links back here to the new chart’s thread. Just figured I’d mention it here since your inbox is full and I wanted to be sure you got it. Thanks, and sorry OP.
The new Samson Evolution looks like a good weight conscious option. I was looking into that or a DD. It looks easy to install but I do not have first hand knowledge of that.
So far I really like the sound of the DD Omega. I haven’t seen as much on here about LaRue as I would expect. Can anyone give me some insights into the LaRue rails? I had initially counted on going with the LaRue. Thanks again.
There is certainly nothing wrong with the Larue. One benefit is that it includes an integral QD cup for a sling swivel so you don’t have to add one.
I think most people were recommending various rail systems that require a little less work. With the Larue you will need to remove the barrel from the upper, remove the flash hider, remove the front sight base, remove the stock barrel nut from the barrel, and then reverse the whole process. That can be tool-intensive as well as frustrating the first time (or ten) that you try it. If you want to go that route you’re going to need:
[ul]
[li]FSB bench block
[/li][li]3-4 lb sledge
[/li][li]1/2" or bigger punch
[/li][li]Armorer’s wrench
[/li][li]barrel vice jaws
[/li][li]Larue wrench (can’t recall is this is a proprietary wrench, or if it comes with the rail)
[/li][li]vice
[/li][li]patience, dedication, and an analytical mind
[/li][li]oils, a freezer, a torch, etc.
[/li][/ul]
FWIW, some people don’t like the “feel” of the Omega. They’ll tell you it’s too fat, or too skinny, neither of which are true when faced with empirical data. What causes this is that the main tube is a little narrower, leaving the side rails with a longer offset, that some people don’t like the feel of. But the rails themselves are almost exactly the same distance from the barrel as other systems.
The LaRue and the DD Omega both have QD sockets with rotational limiters.
I can’t speak for the LaRue, as I don’t own one… Yet.
But the DD Omega was very simple to install. It’s sturdy, and very light weight. (Weighs less than the stock handguards.)
As Rob had mentioned, the side rails on the DD Omega are narrower than the top and bottom rails, so it gives an “oval” feel of the carbine, (not the M4), handguards.
I’m going to go with the TRX Extreme 9" due to its light weight ease of installation and price. I like that it is modular in the way that the user can add rail pieces wherever he sees fit to add accessories. It does require barrel removal though if you are modifying a uppef that is already built as it uses a proprietary barrel nut. The wrench for the nut is included though.
I think you made a wise move. I have been getting sick of spending ~$300 on rails when all I need 90% of the time is a sling mount and light.
I put this upper together last month and put it on a new LMT lower I bought from Grant 3 years ago (it was lonely in the safe).
Here is a close up of my wrong-handed setup.
-MOE Rail Section
-VTAC Light Mount
-Surefire G2 w/LED bulb
-BFG Sling Mount
-MI Rail Section (normally for mounting an X300 or similar)
Not the most bombproof setup but it’s all solid, works well, and very economical.
Awesome build. Almost identical to my dads and one I am doing.
Can I ask you a question? Did you have trouble with your bottom MOE-the forward part that fits below Front sight? There is that flange part. Mine fit but OVER the little smaller lip/flange. So the Bottom part of the “triangle” metal is exposed completely and the MOE is fit tight inside it. I could take pictures but never have any luck loading them on here. I haven’t got that degree yet.
If you could take a close up picture of how yours is fit, forward and bottom that’d be awesome. Thanks.
At first I had a problem with it (felt like a retard) and my buddy slapped them right on.
Unfortunately I cannot take a picture for you because I’m currently deployed. If you post some pics of yours you will get feed back for sure, but if you have them wrong, they will look wrong. Once on properly they fit like a glove.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help to you.
