what are the advantages and disadvantages for both continuous and non-continuous top rail handguards? thanks.
Continuous top rail allows more freedom in mounting an RDS combined with a magnifier, or for a scope. Continuous rails are on the same plane so one can, say, mount the rear scope ring on the receiver and the front ring on the forearm rails. Obviously this is only practical with free-float rails which attach to the receiver.
That’s the advantage. The disadvantage… continuous rail systems are more, usually WAY more expensive.
eh?
do we mean continuous like DD Lites and Omegas? or are we talking about monolithic rails?
only mono-rails allow forward mounting of scopes… you could get away with breaking the difference with an RDS on a Lite or Omega, but everyone’s gonna go “dude, you’re not suppose to run sights on the handguard” every time you take it out.
as far as the advantages-
Continuous handguard: there really aren’t any, unless you like to bridge with a mount
Monolithic rail: forward mounting, less risk of shift, less flex
Continuous, more to go wrong. Think; Accuracy. Depending on…
But a mid-lenth 16" beats a "shorty" in damn near all applications. What is your purpose?
dog
The continuous i had in mind was something like the DD Lites and Omega. I am considering this option for future optics mounting. Vltor VIS are too pricey.
I have always wanted to try a DD product, but on my best AR, I have a Troy TRX Extreme. I haven’t bridged the receiver and it with anything, but it is very close to perfect alignment, and very light. Troy also makes a short version of their front sight you can put right on the hand guard.
Are you talking monolithic or something like the ARMS SIR/CASV that goes over the existing receiver rail?
C4
Initially when I asked this question, I was only thinking of the DD Lites and RIS II. But based on the replies I get, I am sensing that I may encounter alignment problems???
If I want a continuous rail, is it suggested that I go with Vltor VIS or CASV?
Neither of the DD rails mentioned are technically “continous.”
C4
Alignment problems? Could be if 1, you intend on bridging the gap, or 2, intend on the weapon seeing rough handling. Other than that, shouldn’t be too much of a problem for stuff like fore grips, lights, bi-pods, ect. If your scope needs to be forward mounted, have a scout scope in the front rail, or a cantilever mount, like one from Larue, to give you extra length. In the long run, you get what you pay for, and the better it is (Monolithic) the more they want for it.
Depends on what you need it to do. Match the system to the mission requirements, and you can get by with a cheaper system, or be more excepting of a larger investment.
I always read about “bridging the gap” but I don’t know what it means. Do you mind telling me what it is? Thanks 