I am looking at the MI Gen2 free float handguard for my Colt carbine. Specifically the model that goes out and around the FSB putting rail out in front of the FS. What is the considered opinion of the quality of MI products?
Thanks,
19852
Overall the quality of MI products is good. I personally own their sights, billet uppers, HD recessed sling swivels, and Gen 2 SS handguards currently and would recommend any of those. I have installed I don’t know how many MI handguards in the past 5 years, but a lot, and had no problems with them. Personally, I think MI and YHM are two companies in the industry that get overlooked a lot of times, but that make great parts at a reasonable price.
I’ve had 3 MI rails and I think they’re good to go. 2 carbine-length drop-ins and 1 free float.
My opinion was formerly overall negative of MI. I put them on the same level as Yankee Hill, GGG, Samson, i.e.; cheap, cumbersome, heavy, under-engineered.
I’ve recently been very impressed with their Gen II SS handguards and the keymod version. I think they’re the reverse of what they were before- sleek, very lightweight, well-engineered… and still cheap (inexpensive). I’ve got a 10" Gen II SS on my ultra-light rifle. Never would have imagined you could put a 10" modular handguard on a rifle and still keep your overall weight under 6lbs (including optic). Love it.
One caveat - It’s really designed for light weight. As such, it’s not going to take the kind of punishment another handguard might, in my opinion. There’s always a tradeoff, when you start designing things to be light instead of beefy.
As Dead Man stated, I think you’ll find the new Gen2 series of handguards from MI to be much better in all respects to their older offerings.
I’ve completely shifted over to using the G2SS tubes on most of my customer builds and have heard no complaints about fragility. Actually the only “repair” I’ve done to one is to ceracoat a handguard that had been treated roughly. Other than missing finish and a small ding or two it was GTG.
they are my go-to for rails etc.
I have the Gen. 2 on my AR10, fit finish is great. would not hesitate to buy again.
I have a two piece MI free float on one of my builds. It’s very solid & I’m completely happy with it. The cost is also attractive.
Another way to look at it, BCM & MI are located fairly to close to each other & regularly carry each other’s merchandise. I doubt BCM would install MI rails on their factory rifles if they were junk.
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I just ordered my 12" gen2 drop ins for my dissy from them, can’t wait to get them in and installed.
Have the SS-K and I absolutely love them. I was opposed to rails at all (caveman) but love these.
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I have 4 of the Gen2 SS, 3 12" & 1 15". On one set as I was tightening the rail section in place it split in half, so I tried the next one and it too split. Having done 3 prior sets with no problem I found it odd and forgot about it till earlier this week while working at my desk, I decided to give them a call. I was passed over to Andy their tech guy who wasted no time telling me that they had a bad batch, they were very sorry that these were missed and that the new ones are on their way as we spoke (I guess he was boxing and talking). He then spent 10-15 minutes answering questions about keymod rails and general BS. All in all it was perfect customer service and made me feel like using their products. During the conversation I asked about keymod making ths Gen2 SS obsolete and unsupported to which andy said they will continue to support all their rails forever.
I’ve got a Gen2 carbine length drop-in on one of my guns and have been very happy with it, no problems what-so-ever. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another MI rail.
I’ve got 2 (13 in.FF) MI rails one is a 22LR upper, 2nd matching rail heavy mid. Neither one has FSB though just flip ups mounted on rail. I have had no flex or zeroing problems and has built in QD mounts. Better cost wise for my wallet. Now for the negative side (for some) not the smallest rail in diameter or lightest.
FYI
About half of my ARs have rails, I don’t worry about the name on them, as long as it works for its intended purpose.
I’ve owned a few MI rails and I have never been disappointed. Here’s the 2-piece Gen II freefloat on a 6920.
You’ll like it. I did the same for my dissy. No appreciable weight gain. Rock solid. The only other MI rail I own is the SSG2 15" which I have on a 16" barrel. It’s been 100% since day one and is light as air. Good luck!
I think it’s a bit unfair to lump Samson into the same category as YHM and GGG - All Samson products I’ve used have been extremely well engineered, rock solid, and light weight. IMO, they make the best rail mounted fixed front sight out there, even with the backwards detent.
Samson used to be bottom-of-the-barrel junk. They’ve improved quite a lot over the years, which can’t really be said about YHM, GG&G, A.R.M.S., or UTG.
I’ve been very happy with my g2SS. Looking to pick up a 15" for my SPR build.
I just installed the FSP cutout rail on my BCM M4 upper and I’m happy with the result. I had an early MI rail that had out of spec mounting area so accessories fit very poorly. They have since fixed this issue and this rail works great. It locks up rock solid and is very well made. It’s not as slim as a Centurion or DD, but it’s not overly large. It feels similar in size to the KAC RAS I took off to install this one. The price was right at $185 shipped compared to $350 ish for the Centurion or DD as well. I think you will be happy with this rail OP.
Love my MI extended rail on my AK. Definitely quality.
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Sorry for the shitty picture. I think it’s a great bargain on a rock solid rail.