Hello to everyone on the forum. I’m new to AR ownership having just picked up an S & W M&P15 so please forgive my noobness. My local FFL had a choice between a VTAC and an A model and I decided to pick up the latter. The VTAC was sweet but I wanted to pick my own parts to customize the gun so I went with the basic model.
So I’m currently in the process of rounding up the accessories/necessities. Ammo is of course high on the priority list since I need the range time (hopefully the shop will be getting the bulk ammo soon that they’re expecting), as are spare mags. I plan on getting an Aimpoint M2/M3 for an optic.
One big snag I have is the handguard. At first I was looking at the DD Omega which I’ve heard is an excellent unit but then I saw the VLTOR CASV-EL in some of the threads here and really like the sleeker lines of it (sorry, I know function should really come first) but everyone seems to be sold out of them.
Are VLTOR still making these and they’re just hard to find due to Obama-mania or should I just find another rail solution? Would really appreciate anyone pointing me in the right direction to getting one of these if they’re still available.
They are available, you just have to track them down. They are not as popular as other free float rails. They are the easiest FF to install due to no removal of front sight. The rail bolts over the top of your upper, this raises your rail and limits your red dot options if you want a co-witness. You’re going to need a low mount with an aimpoint or similar optic. Eotec won’t cowitness. Also, there is one bar of the rail left open, so if your BUIS can’t take up more than that.
I love mine and only attach the rails and size that I need. There are rail mounts at all angles.
I won one off of this site a couple of years ago. I’m using it on my buddies build when we return from Iraq in July. I ordered a DE set from Rainier recently for a build that I am taking as a backup to the Gunsite Vets 223 course in AUG.
I did think about painting an OD or FDE model, maybe with something like Duracoat if that would work, but I didn’t want to ruin a perfectly good handguard if I messed up and did a job no better than a cross-eyed, liquored-up, one-handed monkey could do.
Besides, I can wait. Still getting familiar with my new baby so no need to rush into mods that I don’t absolutely need yet.
Well, thanks for the tips guys but Outdoor Specialties did have them but they said they were already spoken for and I also tried Firing Line but for some reason they said they don’t ship accessories - in fact the guy I talked to said it would “cost more than the handguard was worth” - how that’s possible for an aluminum handguard costing $330 I have no idea. I don’t know if he didn’t know what it was or what but still no luck finding one
Oh well, my AR goes boom just as well without one so I guess I can wait…
