How different are these two rails, practically speaking? Is one lighter than the other? Does one heat up faster than the other? Both go for the same price ($210) and besides one having slots instead of circular holes I can’t see much of a difference between the two. I see Rob (gotm4) with the TRX on his “Project Featherweight” (here), and I see a fellow Floridian on Lightfighter with one on his work gun (here). I’m just wondering if the difference is in looks or if there’s something one will give that the other won’t.
It’s simply slots versus holes, and a different logo on the side. The VTAC also has “Troy” on the top rail when you look down, in one of the rail slots.
I don’t know which length you’re interested in, but your prices seem a bit high. Direct from Viking Tactics they are:
13" - $189
11" - $175
9" - $165
7" - $155
The weights are published on the product page as well: http://vikingtactics.com/handguard.html, and are accurate (I have the 9" and it is indeed 9.6-9.7 oz with barrel nut).
The Troy version costs the same on their website, but includes a precision barrel wrench that makes it much easier to assemble. Speaking from experience, the teeth on the barrel nut are not very strong, so you need to use a barrel wrench that engages consecutive teeth. If you use one of the cheap 3 pin wrenches, you will shear some teeth off (happened to me at only 35 ft lbs of torque). Troy sells their wrench for $20 separately, as well.
The prices I gave are from SKD; looking at the manufacturer’s websites, the only one that comes down in price is the VTAC version, but as you said it also doesn’t include the barrel nut wrench. The Troy version also looks like it comes with a couple rail sections?
Anyway, I cared more about the rails themselves. Glad to hear it’s only slots vs holes. Thanks Slippers.
The VTAC also comes with three rail sections. Two short ones, and a longer one with a QD socket on the end.
On the Troy site, make sure you’re looking at the Extreme, and not the Standard. I see their pricing for the TRX Extreme as:
13" - $189
11" - $175
9" - $165
7.6" - $155
I only went with the Troy version on Project Featherweight because as an employee of VA Arms I get anything for cost. I actually prefer the VTAC version. The slots are easier on my wifes hands (it’s her rifle) vs. the Troy. Both are excellent though and I imaging the Troy is a tad lighter, not really enough to matter.
I also but a 13" fde Troy on a SPR build i put together for my Dad. He and I both love it, low profile, very light. Dont think its as strong as some of my other rails. Rainer Arms put mine together, they really had to wrench the tightning allen screw on the bottom. Hopefully this pic works.
I’ve had a 13" TRX-E on my 9mm for a few months now and really like it - no issues with heat, but no gas system either. At first I wasn’t sure if I should hold out for the VTAC version because of the slots vs. holes but it’s proven to be no problem. The holes are “sticky” without being overly abrasive.
Hey, thanks for the model number. That is a very interesting offering from S&W. 14.5" barrel with 1/7" twist and pinned FH, along with a Troy rail, MagPul MOE furniture and MBUS…interesting to see more S&W rifles with the 1/7 barrel and nice to see the Troy rail on production guns.
I’m wondering when we’ll see the new Troy/VTAC rall appear on the VTAC rifles from S&W, JP, Noveske (and I understand Troy now).
Bare hands I find it fine to shoot with, but with gloves its even better. I can really get a great hold on it with gloves. I too thought it might be to aggressive at first, but its GTG IMHO.
Have plans for a build using a VTAC Extreme 9" or 11" for a Mid-Length, Cut/Shaved Down FSB, Pencil barrel in the future for the wife.
Proper Mentions/Thanks/Credit goes out to “gotm4” on ideas from “Project Featherweight” for the build above
IMHO its more personal preference. If you shoot/train with gloves more than not than I say either. If you shoot/train with bare hands I’d say VTAC Extreme.
Just seems to be a softer aluminum and the way the tightening tab underneath the rail pulled together. Maybe its just perception. I still like the rail, still want to get the vtac 13" for a middy build.
Ahh. I see your point. I know the Barrel nut seemed a bit soft but I can’t tell a difference in the rail itself. I am not to worried about how it attached. I have seen far less reliable looking attachment methods work just fine.
