I’ve got a Bushy M4 I’ve added a few mods to (including restaking of gas key). I went with the KAC RAS, I wanted to remain as close to military gear as possible. I plan on adding a second M4 (probably a LMT at this point) in the future. Due to medical and dental requirements in the family as well as lowered overtime it may be as long as next year’s income tax return (but I hope sooner). I want to keep it near to the BM M4 (and the military’s) and all I hang off the rail is a light and vertical grip. Would you recommend going with the KAC again or something else? I’m not worried about a FF gaurd. Price is not the decideing factor but could play a part.
The KAC M4 RAS is all I use. Not because I think it’s better than anything else, but it fits me better. It’s what we have on issued guns, I’m used to it and it’s high quality. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…this is the way I look at the RAS. It just plain works for me…
I have to admit, the DD Omega intrigues me but I’m already invested in the KAC RAS system and see no need to ditch it.
Good luck with your LMT…I know what it’s like to have to forcast your rifles, but it does give you a nice carbine to look forward to. Sounds like you have your Bushie set up fine in the interim.
I love the KAC RAS. You can probably get them CHEAP on the various equipment exchanges. Or do what I did and buy a blemished unit from GandRtactical.com.
I too believe strongly in the KAC RAS product. I had one on my issued M16A4 and it was a very solid and reliable rail system. I had a Surefire M73 on my Commando but should have a RAS Kit arrive today or tomorrow to put on the rifle in lieu of the Surefire. The RAS does what it was designed to do and it does it well. For future rifle purchases or builds I plan on sticking with a KAC RAS for everyone. If I don’t, it will most likely be a KAC FF rail which I am sure still holds the same quality and reliability of the RAS.
My favorite non-free float M4 handguard.
To your question. Yes without a doubt IMO.
I have a KAC RAS on my LMT carbine and another on a M16A4 type build.
While I can understand the mentality of having a military clone of any rifle,there a better choices out there IMO for you AR.You have to remember the gov’t operates on the lowest bidder and not necessarily the best end product.For roughly the same money as the KAC RAS you could get a DD Omega rail instead.
M2CW
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The KAC is one of the best choices available in non-free float. The mil could have any number of cheaper 2 piece non floated systems if it were a case of the cheapest option available. That arguement gets thrown around a lot, but I don’t think it applies to KAC gear.
Sure you can get the DD for just a bit more, but I just don’t see much value in FF on a close to medium range carbine.
Just received my RAS today and just finished installing it. Mounting it reaffirms my prior statements. Having not installed the one on my M16A4 when it was issued that part was new to me but as expected it locks up tight and displays the quality and craftsmanship typical of any KAC product. My next Colt or LMT will most definitely have a RAS or KAC FF rail installed! Stick with KAC and you won’t have a product with “lowest bidder” quality!
I like my RAS and RAS II. They do fine, as all I have attached to them is a light. My Aimpoints or Trijicons are on the receiver.
The RAS is an exceptional product IMO. It locks up tight and does what is is designed to do period. Personally for CQB and patrol you need fixed iron sights and the KAC is the perfect solution to urban conflicts. :o
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I’m not saying KAC is junk or cheap,just that IMO there are better options available today.Having said that,I plan on adding KAC rails to my A4 clone.
If you plan on hanging a bunch of stuff/weight on your rails,you’d be better off with a FF rail.
All my carbines wear a KAC RAS except for one that has a free float LaRue. I love the RAS.
Thanks guys, I had been offline for sometime and when I returned I was bombarded with a ton of new gear I had never herd of. I feel better knowing the KAC rails still get the job done. It gives me a small sense satisfaction using the same gear as our troops. BTW, my BM is outfited with a Vicker’s 2point sling, Troy BUIS, Aimpoint ML2 in an ARMS mount, KAC RAS with a GGG vertical grip and a Surefire light I snap on when needed. I plan on a very similar set up on my next M4 save maybe an Aimpoint M4 with 3x magnifer. Then my wife can have the BM.
The .gov does have to follow a mandate to save taxpayer dollars by buying the lowest price, but it does not mean that the “cheapest seller” will always win. Politics plays a huge part in the .gov’s decisions. Plus the .gov has to comply with every law on the books. The .gov has to consider all kinds of safety, labor, transportation, financial, diplomatic legislation in their decision to award a contract. That means that they have offices filled with lawyers, auditors, and such that have to vet their decisions. Add on top the influence of politics, what company making such a product is in what senator’s district, how many jobs will be created, how much tax revenue will be generated, what earmarks will be allocated to support or incentivize the business to make such a product, etc. You end up with a decision that comes out not anything like the way it was originally designed.
In the end, the .gov can choose who they select to join the group of vendors that submits products to test. The result is that it is always the lowest bidder that gets the award, but always the lowest bidder of a select group of vendors.
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I’ll throw in with Lumpy and MarkM…
The RAS is THE STANDARD in Non free float rails in my book… excellent design and has stood the test of time… I have had mine for many years now and serves me well.
I see used ones under $200 quite often if one looks around a bit on the various EE boards.
If you plan on hanging a bunch of stuff/weight on your rails,you’d be better off with a FF rail.
Very true, but if you plan on hanging a bunch of stuff/weight on your rails, you’re probably missing the whole point of carrying a carbine to begin with.
A tricked-out 15 lb. M4 may be the delight of a civilian enthusiast, but I don’t know anyone actually engaged in the business of warfighting that would want to carry all of that superfluous crap. Given a real-world application, and a properly-optimized weapon configuration, the RAS works exceedingly well.
Chief