What is the downside to a VIS?

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

Just that - what is the downside to a VIS?

If it is weight - how much are we talking about over an equivalent length HG and conventional upper?

Aside from weight?

Thank you

2

I own a couple different uppers that use the VIS. Specifically, I have a VIS-3 and a VIS-1. The only downside that I can remotely think of is cost. You cany buy a forged upper and free-float handguard for cheaper but I like them so much I’m looking to build something using the VIS-2 in the 10 inch variety.

YMMV;)

3

If my digital scale will go that high I’ll weight a 7" VIS and a 9" VIS (which I have at work) and then weigh a 7" and 9" DD LR and a DD 9" DD LR and M4 rail and give the differences.

4

Thank you both.

Can I ask another one - ever swapped a barrel? Is that really a selling point?

5

I know this is a noob/dumb question… but whats a VIS?

A search left me high and dry… so I have to ask.

Jorgy

6

The only dumb questions are the ones that the same individual asks repeatedly.

We are talking about a monolithic AR upper wherein the upper and the railed handguard are joined to form one single unit. There are some advantages to this (if you need them). I am asking - is there a downside?

http://www.vltor.com/vis.htm

Good luck

7

O ok… I knew about the monolithic handguards/uppers… just didn’t know they were referred to as a VIS.

Good thread by the way!

Thanks!

Jorgy

8

I think I’d miss the ability to swap out handguard lengths when swapping barrels, like I can now with my LT handguards and standard uppers. I’d also be a little afraid that damaging either the rail or the upper would necessitate replacing the entire monolithic unit - at considerable cost. All this, of course, on top of the higher initial cost.

A monolithic upper might help if I were mounting an AN/PVS-22 on a regular basis, but I don’t have one of those (or the $$$$/spousal consent to buy one :stuck_out_tongue: ).

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.