I just received an RA 15" evo rail and wanted to opine about it. I am using this on a new patrol upper I’m building using a BCM blem upper receiver and RA 18" Mountain Series gov-profle barrel with rifle length gas system. Going for a relatively light weight upper that is accurate and shoots SOFT. Going to be used with my gen4 LMT E-carrier and likely a Griffin Armament M4SD II (haven’t decided yet on the MD). The profile is just ever-so-slightly larger in diameter than the Troy TRX extreme that my buddy has. I like it. Thumb-over grip is easily acheivable and I have smaller than average bitch-mits for a guy of my height and weight (5’10" and 240lbs).
First, some weights.
15" RA Evo naked (but including the 3 attachment screws): 11.0oz
Each SS barrel bushing: 1.3oz (2.6oz total)
Included anti-rotation QD sling mount w/ backing plate and two YFS screws: .8oz
BCM barrel nut: 1.3oz
Total weight: 15.7oz
I’m impressed at how light it feels. I did a quick mock-up and came to another realization…that the overall weight is deceptive because the barrel bushings are located directly over the std barrel nut. So, the weight when you shoulder the gun is much more evenly distributed and makes it feel like a lighter rail than the overall weight suggests. The dual anti-rotation tabs fit tightly, but do not gouge, the BCM upper receiver.
When installed properly, the barrel bushings allow an amazingly tight installation. Let’s now define “properly”. This means that the bushing should be installed with the half-cut-out holes of the bushing facing eachother at the bottom of the barrel nut. Also, you’ll notice that the holes that lock onto the lugs of the barrel nut are not equidistant from the edges of the bushing. The holes are closer to one side (I’ll call this the “short side”). The short side should be facing away from the upper receiver. This is for good reason. it means that when you follow the REST of the instructions, and you begin tightening the rearmost pinch-screw first, you are actually causing the bushings to flex inward with the handguard and preventing any forward movement of the handguard at all because the rear of the HG is slightly “coned” inward over the part of barrel bushing that is closest to the face of the upper receiver.
This brings me to the coup-de-grace to handguard movement which, as far as I know, has gone previously unadvertised. It’s not even in the manual that came with the handguard.
I’ll start with pictures.
You’ll notice that the bottom of the " bulge" has been tapped for a screw which would serve to press against the barrel bushing even more and prevent forward slippage. I really like this type of value-add. RA and Samson didn’t call attention to it and RA didn’t charge any more for it. Excellent. Now for the cherry on top…
Depending on what happened to the photo during upload, you’ll see that the set screw is not the only bonus…but it also has a KNURLED CUP TIP. YEAH BABY! That’s what I’m talkin 'bout!
Didn’t charge a penny more and that substantially enhances the design’s only theoretical weak point. Even though, I can assure you that the rail would not be shifting in any direction if you properly install the barrel bushings and tighten the two HG pinch screws in the proper order (beginning with the screw closest to the upper receiver face). I was unable to get the rail to shift forward even when I used Slip2000 EWL between the bushing and the rail and didn’t use the added set screw on the bottom. I tried to ‘hercules’ it apart and was unable to get it to move at all. Even after repeated ‘isometric activities’. I’m satisfied. I’ve since degreased everything in prep for final installation.
Overall, I’m very happy. A 15" rail that is sturdy, light, and under two C-notes shipped to my door.
