I’m in the middle of a build (all noveske/vltor) and have come to the point where I have to choose a rail. I like the keymod system and it’ll keep in sync with the vltor/noveske-ness of the build. However, I’m also a huge fan of the Troy Alpha because of its aesthetics and use of a standard barrel nut.
Rail length will be 13" on a pinned 14.5.
Input in this debate is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
If you like the Troy better then why not? It is cheaper as well.
Personally, I like the looks of the NSR better but I wouldn’t let something like mixing brands from building what I really want.
the ease of the keymod system is a big plus, but the proprietary barrel nut is lame.
You cannot even compare the two rails.
The NSR’s got the TROY on everything. Weight, strength, looks, slim profile etc.
I’ve had/have multiples of both. Seriously? Barrel nut? The NSR has one of the best barrel nuts designs in existence.
Heat output could possibly be the only thing the TROY has over the NSR.
What do you like so much about the GI barrel nut?
if i feel compelled to do so down the road, i can swap handguards.
Hey that is my rifle. I do prefer the Keymod system, I think it is the wave of the furture as more and more mfg’s are putting out Keymod related products. That being said i think the Alpha is a very good rail that is one of the best modular tube style ff rails on the market. Troy’s CS is amazing but so is Noveske’s. I think the bigger question is Which one is available?
Handguard of the month club?
I had a Troy/VTAC rail right before I got an NSR, the NSR tube is better in all regards IMO…The barrel nut is awesome, it allows the rail to lock up very solid and timing it is quite easy…It has little to no flex, its the perfect diameter…When I opened the cardboard tube the rail shipped in I was a little weary because the wall thickness of the rail compaired to the VTAC rail, the NSR was a good amount thinner…So far I dont regreat my choice over the VTAC rail
i have a NSR and it is seriously the lightest thing EVER
i do like the troy alpha tho, if you can find a troy alpha with the noveske rifleworks name on it that’d be a real good find. not too many of them though.
My thoughts exactly. OP, I think you need to determine what you need from a rail first, or if you even need one at all. There seems to be too much consideration on brands-mixing and looks as opposed to practical function going on here.
For the price and its the Alpha Rail for me.
The NSR is a great rail, but for the price difference unless it will vacum my shop for me The Alpha rail is sufficient.
its only like $60 difference
the nsr rail seems to have a more secure mounting system than the troy also
True the price Diff is not a deal breaker, and the mounting systemis more robust. Yet Troy Alphas mounting is strong also. Not as strong but strong enough.
I just knew what I needed, and then liked, and then price, and the alpha rail was my pick.
Re. Price: I couldnt find one within a C-note of an Alpha. I got the alphs rail 15" at a very good price x2.
If you feel like your current build may have some upgrades in the future I would go with a 16" barrel and stay away from.pinning anything.
-Jax
Support innovation in the industry. The Keymod system is gaining use from a great deal of manufacturers. VLTOR, Noveske, KAC, CMMG, Kreb’s, Mega. You’re going to see more KM products soon.
I like the rail panels for the keymod, especially the hand stop.
whats nice about the nsr is that it is a very slim system, even more so than the troy. that, coupled with how extremely light it is, makes it very easy for my fiance to control with her small hands. however if i want to use it, i can always throw on the keymod rail panels to give it a little more girth
Hahahahahha, I’m laughing at your joke for you.
I replaced a Troy TRX Extreme (the predecessor to the Alpha) with an NSR and am very happy that I did. The NSR is much more comfortable in the hand IMO. If you shoot with gloves then this might not matter. I also really like the keymod system and the accessories that are available for it.