So, I have my first SBR project in the works, and I have this rifle on its way to me:
I went with the shorter 7" VIS rail with switchblock to save weight over the 9" SWS rail Noveske offers. I will be running an M4-2000 suppressor with this set up.
What do you all prefer on a SBR like this for your left hand grip?
VFG, AFG, hand stop, nothing at all, etc?
On my 16" rifle with 12" rail, I used nothing but the rail covers. But, I had my hand farther forward than a 7" rail will allow. I know this new set up will be a matter of trial and error, but I’d like to hear what others prefer.
That’s kindof like asking what my favorite color is. It doesn’t really matter what I like, only matters what YOU like. I have found that the more I shoot rifles with longer rails, the more I hate rifles with shorter ones.
I hope you do not find yourself wishing for a longer rail after getting an integral one.
I would not use an AFG on that short of a rail. Tried one on my SCAR and it was just too short. I’d personally go for a stubby vert grip as far forward as possible, though this is no reflection on what will work for you.
I’ve not found the AFG to be to be a good combination with a short rail. this is one of the “theory based” products, the design is to allow a natural wrist angle when used farther out on an extended rail.
FWIW, my SBR project will have a 11" rail on a 12.5" barrel. Nothing quite like only having a half inch of barrel showing. The weight difference between a 7" and 11" larue rail is only about 4 ounces. Most of the weight is in the barrel nut and mounting assembly. YMMV.
As mentioned it really doesn’t matter what everyone else uses, especially when it comes to an AFG. If someone wishes to use the AFG they should already have the style of shooting that it benefits. IMO it is not a good idea to buy one and then try to adopt that specific style. Kinda like putting the cart before the horse.
Having said that I use an AFG from my 10.3" SBR to a 16" carbine. On my 10.3" MK18 barrel M4A1 I get about the same reach as with a 16" carbine. I use a 9" rail that is notched for the FSP and I extend the stock all the way out. On a 16" carbine with a 13" rail where I am about 1-2 positions extended on my stock. The reach or length of pull on both weapons is nearly the same but the SBR is slightly less, however I still get the desired hand cant placement. A shooters wingspan is also a factor.
Grip pod for sure. Acts as a vertical grip and secondary weapon should your rifle fail :D. Enough bullshittin. Most people like as much rail as possible, but the shorter rail will make it lighter and a bit more handy. Enjoy your new gun. I like the stubby vertical grips. Maybe nothing.
I have an AFG on my 10.3 but I have a 10 inch rail. I have to use a glove when shooting it because I have my support hand as far out as I can even with the longer rail and the powder hits my hand. If you are going with a 4 rail hand guard I suggest a stubby vertical grip like the Tango Down. If you are suing a TRX or URX III type rail I suggest a handstop or nothing at all.
I’ve gone back to a simple 7" rail without a VG on my go to SBR. I’m going to try a couple of handstops but I’ve really gone back to basics on my rifles as I was buying shit just to hang off the end of it. I’m trying not to be as much of a gadget cop and focus more on my software over hardware.
I personally liked an AFG in a standing static off hand shooting position but felt it didn’t work or feel natural for me for anything else. I also have smaller hands and felt that the AFG made the grip and rail way too bulky for my comfort level.
give this a try. low profile rail covers for the sides and Full covers for the bottom rail. gives it a raelly good shape and feel. I use the ergo covers myself.
Yes, of course, everyone is going to like something different. That is true of ALL THINGS. If nobody asked people’s opinions based on their own use then there would be no point in internut forums.
OP, try to get hands on with a couple of setups. If you already have an AR with a longer rail you may try mounting a VFG somewhere behind the limits of the 7.0 and see how you like it. I agree with the others that the Magpul FAG isn’t really optimized for the shorter rail.
With 7.0 rails I prefer to mount a hand-stop at the muzzle end of the rail and hook my left booger-picker around it. I’ll try to post pictures of this along with a video where I’m performing speed-reloads so you can see my hand both on and off the rail.
Thanks everyone for the input! Like Rob said above, I do realize I will have to try out different options for myself, but it is good to hear suggestions of what others prefer so I can give it a try.
I like the handstop idea, Rob. I shot an AR set up similarly to what you are talking about at LaRue’s range day, I think. That was my first time shooting full auto, so my attention wasn’t really on the hand stop.
Here is that rifle (hard to see the handstop):
I’d still like to see pictures of exactly what you are talking about, though.
Just FYI, another reason I chose the 7" VIS was because at some point I would like to mount a PVS-14. The one piece upper gives me the option to move optics further out onto the rail, if needed. Since I wanted a switchblock, I couldn’t do a 9" VIS, and the longer SWS rail to incorporate the swichblock isn’t a one piece upper.
Part of what led me to this solution was a concern about having my hand slip forward onto the can. However, I found that I liked it regardless of the can and also noticed that it meshes with how I use the Magpul MOE forend with the notch under the FSB which I also hook with my booger-picker.
I’ve got a 10.5" Noveske with a 9" rail and I use an AFG. I do run my stock a little further out though to make sure I get my left elbow as straight as possible and roll my wrist over. Works well. I have a stubby vertical grip, but I’ve yet to put it on this particular rifle.
I have a Colt 6933 with a Knights rail. I have tried both a AFG and a Tango Down stubby VFG and prefer the stubby by far. I also am thinking that I want a slightly longer rail, researching options from DD now.
