A lot of people have found that the AFG wasn’t really designed for a 7 inch rail system since it there isn’t enough ‘real estate’ to place it further up as it was intended to. I’m running a KAC RAS, and I have the same issue. I ended up ditching my VTAC offset mount because it was too far back when I mounted the AFG. I’m still trying out different configurations to find an optimal set up for the AFG on a 7inch rail system. In an ideal world, I’d probably get a longer rail system, but I need to work with what I have now.
BEFORE:
Prior to trying out my current ‘testing’ configuration, I had it set up like this:
This works well, but I felt the AFG was still further back than what I wanted it to be.
AFTER:
I then decided to move my light to the other side and use some spare Tango Down panels I had laying around to give my support hand more surface area. This meant that parts of the TD panel would be free floating on its own, as the RAS isn’t long enough. I also proceeded to move the AFG to the further most slot.
I moved the light to the other side so I’d have room for my thumb. But now I’d have to move my thumb to the other side to activate.
Issues I ran into:
The TD panels are kinda loose if half of it is ‘free floating.’ For the panel on the left, I used tape on the bottom side of the panel to get a tighter friction fit to stop the wobble. For the right side, the Vltor light mount prevents it from wobbling.
The TD panels are heavier than my stippled KAC and XTM panels. Likewise, they’re also wider. I could invest in SCAR panels, but I already have too many panels. I may just stipple these current TD panels if I stick with this configuration.
How do you guys optimize the use of your 7 inch rail systems for your AFG?
So far, this configuration ‘feels right’, but I have yet to do drills with it. It’s a little more front heavy now, so I’m not entirely sure if I’m going to keep this configuration or go back to my old one.
I had virtually the same set up, but on a DD omega 7.0 rail. After alot of consideration, I realized it was way too short (for me) so I bought a Troy MRF-CX FSP 12" rail and bought a scout M300A light. Now I really like the set up. The DD rail will go to my dad, along with the MI FSB light mount for his G2.
Most guys who advocate this accessory shoot very square with the stock barely run out and planted between their pectoral muscle and shoulder. Their support arm is way out on a long rail, sometimes even to the point of having the support elbow locked out.
I have one on an 11.5" AR with a 7.0 Omega rail. Thing is, if you run the stock all the way out (or almost) and shoot a bit more bladed, the AFG should work for you.
Edit:
Just tried it, and you’re right Katar. I might keep this current config and run it a few times. Depending on how it goes, I may or may not keep it.
I run 7 inch quad rails just like you Kilo, fixed front sight and all. And since I’m from NY and I’m forced to have a pinned compensator, I don’t have the luxury of removing my front sight/gas block at the drop of a hat. I would have to go to a gunsmith, get the compensator removed by destroying it, and then get raped by paying for a new compensator and longer rails AND gunsmithing labor fees. Simply put, longer rails are not an option for me.
However, I like my current setup. I have an offset light mount on the furthest position of the 12 'o clock rail and my AFG mounted in a way that the side of my thumb brushes against the button of my light. This way, I can activate my light just by nudging the side of my thumb forward slightly. Very convenient and comfortable. This also allows me to tuck my left elbow against my body and make a stable platform, since I usually shoot in a bladed stance. I personally can’t stand shooting with my left arm fully extended. On my AR, it would be uncomfortable, do absolutely nothing for my endurance, and make me look like a dumbass. Not that I’m knocking the whole long rails trend… it just doesn’t work for me.
I have the shorter 7" rail and use a VFG all the way in the forward position. I know some claim it should be all the way back as close to the receiver as possible but the weapon just didn’t balance good in this position. This is currently on a Carbine HBAR made by Bushmaster. I use the ElZetta 1500 light mount and love it. With the VFG all the way forward it takes just a slight pressure on the forward swivel to activate my lights tail cap. Makes for very quick on off of the light. YMMV
Any thoughts on that methodology? I sometimes look at Costas pic and wonder if its a good thing. It looks as if it blocks his peripheral view. I run it at almost full extension, but I don’t lock my left arm or raise it like that… Thoughts???
I am not saying his way is WRONG I am trying to weigh the benefits vs the down side and understand it better… So relax MP crazies…
They are coming out with AFG2 which lowers the lips on the side so they have a higher compatibility with rails and their rail covers. Larue rails have this problem currently. Also its suppose to be shorter overall so it fits short rails like the carbine rails better.
3 gunners have been using this type of grip for years. It doesnt block the peripheral view, the eyes are still above the extended arm
Costa sort of has his own way. I have seen him “chicken wing” his support arm. I was more referring to locking out your elbow because your support arm is straight out.
[QUOTE=ForTehNguyen;602328]They are coming out with AFG2 which lowers the lips on the side so they have a higher compatibility with rails and their rail covers. Larue rails have this problem currently. Also its suppose to be shorter overall so it fits short rails like the carbine rails better.
3 gunners have been using this type of grip for years. It doesnt block the peripheral view, the eyes are still above the extended arm[/QUOTE]
I have seen other pics from the reverse angle and it is even higher… Just looking for thoughts, IT IS NOT A SLIGHT OF ANY KIND… I am here to learn, not to pass judgement.
Having adopted this style of shooting after trying it out and seeing the results in terms of control, I can say that it does NOT block your peripheral view. Just don’t stick the stock on your nipple, it does not have to go that far down.
I shoot both ways, with the elbow pretty much locked out and with the ever so slight elbow bend. It depends on how I’m feeling that particular day. Also, if shooting around barricades or slicing the pie, I tend to bend a little.
The way I ran my last set up it was a standard 7" handguard with a rail attached and VFG in about the middle, used as a reference/backstop with only the pinky pushing against it. I ran the stock out at 2 clicks from closed, body squared off. I have medium hands, and am 5’10.5’'.
My opinion, for whatever its worth, is that you’re trying too hard to work around the AFG. Maybe, its just not meant to be on that gun. If you were running it with no light it might work. If you were running the light with a pressure switch, it also might work. I’d say just get a normal stubby VFG. Especially if you say its making your gun feel front-heavy. Just wait until you have a 9" railed gun for the AFG, its not running away anywhere.
I agree. I use it on 9" railed rifles and I like it a lot so far, but I have less than 500 rounds down range with it so I cant really make a judgement yet.
As much as I’d hate to admit it, this rings true. I’ve been shooting with it for a few months now, and I do find it beneficial. Prior to getting the AFG, I stopped using VFGs because I use a high grip with my support hand. The AFG happened to fill the niche for me. Every design has its limit though…and in this case, not the most optimum with shorter rails. Then again, everyone has different needs and preferences.
I highly appreciate everyone’s input and I will take them into account.
