I’ve got a carbine that I want to put rails on. I’ve narrowed it down to either Troy (7" MRF-DI) or Midwest Industries (MCTAR-17) or maybe the SureFire M73 although I’m not a fan of how they are not on the same plane as the top of my upper.
I can get either new for about the same price. Any thoughts, opinions, bitches, gripes, complaints?
TIA
Bueller? 
People love the Troy. I like that the KAC RAS bottom and side rails are closer to the barrel, but the top rail is flush with the upper. This keeps the rail compact.
My MI FF rail lines up with the top rail, but all other three sides are also the same dimension, so the MI is a fat rail.
The Samson DI lines up with the top, the bottom is the same height, but the sides are narrow.
It’s a mess. Just go KAC RAS and never look back!
It’s been talked to death here, but I’m happy with my Magpul MOE handguard and, for $30 it leaves a budget for that “future” free-floating system. Add a couple small bolt-on rails and you can get the VFG and light mounted if you’re keeping it simple. The MOE seems to fit about as tight as the stock plastic handguard but feels much better in hand (to me) and offers a number of mount points.
I wish I could find a black MOE 
Everyone has them in stock in other colors. I prefer black on my rifles though.
A friend I occasionally see at the gun club had an extra arrive in the mail – he ordered two and let them race to his house – and he was willing to sell it for what he paid (just under $40 including shipping).
It doesn’t lock up as tight as a FF rail but for the price it’s a very nice alternative and gives me some cheap places to bolt on a broomhandle and a flashlight in the meantime as it’s a plinker / defense rifle. Keep your eyes peeled – I’ve seen them pop up for a moment before they sell out again.
If you want plastic get the Magpul MOE handguards. I have a set and I’m gonna see how it looks on my new 6920. If you want metal get the KAC RAS. The MI imo aren’t that great unless you are on a tight budget.
I run the Troy’s and have had zero problems with them and they fit nice and tight.
I have the MI#18 on a BCM middy upper. They fit very well. I also have the Surefire M73 on a S&W 15OR. They also fit well. I do not have optics mounted on them though, just lights.
Guardian, I also run the M&P15OR – do you have any pics posted here of your weapon with the railed handguard? I’d love to see the “after” for that option. Feel free to PM me a link or a photo if you have anything. Thanks!!
No, I do not. I’m not quite sure on how to post pictures on the net. My being born in the days of rotary dial phones I guess. I will take some pics and get my girlfriend to show me how to do that. It may take me a couple days
I just use standard handguards, this is how I attach lights:
Of those choices I’d go with the Troy. I don’t like the Surefire at all-side rails aren’t spec, top rail isn’t flush…
I’m a dedicated Surefire light snob but their rails leave much to be desired for the price.