I’m looking for someone to sell me on the URX II. As I see it, the URX II is:
Heavier than much of the competition (DD, LaRue, VLTOR, to name a few).
More expensive than virtually all of the competition. Even if you factor in the value of the integral front sight vs. buying something like a Troy, you’re still looking at ~$100 premium.
More difficult to install due to proprietary tools.
Not demonstrably stronger than other good rails. Someone point me to a test if I’m wrong on this count.
Nonetheless, I see plenty of knowledgeable folks whom I respect with URX rails. Is there something I’m missing here?
Weight is a big factor. If you count the weight of the barrel nut & a front sight, the URX is one of the lightest rails available. I also like the ability to remove the lower half if needed.
How much does it weigh? The Troy MRF 2-pc carbine length FF is under 5oz + barrel nut. You can easily remove the bottom, but there’s no shift. I think it runs around $200.
I’m of the opinion that Troy rails are the best for the price. I haven’t tried many, but we’re talking around $100 less than DD lite rails, if I remember correctly.
I dont think its something I would buy. Mainly due to that I want my white light in front of the front sight and at 1200. Thats impossible with the URX from what I have seen. But other than that one “want/need” of mine theres nothing wrong with the rail at all.
It is one of the lighter rails out there. My SR15 is quite a bit lighter than my 14.5" Noveske Lite with a DD RIS II.
I personally like the integrated front sight. You can run a light at 12 o clock behind the sight. My thinking on this is if I need to use the light its going to be too dark to use irons anyways. If you run a quality optic, and keep good batteries in it the chances of ever using the irons is very very slim. In both active duty, and lots of personal use the only issue I ever saw with any optic is using crappy batteries that die quickly. Ive had aimpoints on continuously for ~2 years.
The rail also has 5 QD sling attachment points.
If you are looking at things purely as a cost vs. “value” yeah you can get a different rail, and buy a front BUIS to do much of the same. To me the URX works very well for what I want a rail to do, and the middy is the perfect length with the way I set a gun up.
I also like DD and LaRue rails. The only DD with a removable bottom rail is the RIS II series. LaRue does not have a continuous top rail, and no removable bottom rail. DD also uses a special wrench and barrel nut.
Over 15k rounds now between 3 uppers with URX rails, and they are my favorite rails out there. Id also suggest contacting Gun Gallery in FL as they offer free installs if you buy the rail from them.
That’s not an apples to apples comparison. The mid urx is almost 11" long. If you account for the additional length, weight of a front sight and multiple QD attachment points, the urx is among the lightest. Weights have been discussed before and a search here or in the KAC forum on ST should provide the exact figures. I think RobS list may include the urx also. IIRC, the DD Light Rail still comes out on top though. The RIS II is more comparable due to the detachable bottom rail, but I don’t know where it would fall in terms of weight.
The urx is part of the IWS (integrated weapon system) concept and does several jobs well, while keeping weight to minimum. If you are a do it yourself kind of guy or prefer a 12 o’clock light mount, then it might not be your best choice. However, Neil at Gun Gallery and Casey at Lawmens will mount them for free with a purchase and Grant will install them as well. (Not sure if he would charge or not if you buy directly from him)
I have had a urx II on 3 rifles and it is by far my favorite rail system. I really like the integrated front sight. IMHO, Troy or Samson rails are nice, but are not quite in the same class as KAC, DD or Larue.
-it is not heavier than most others
-given an equal comparison, like the RIS II + front sight, cost is pretty close ($480- $500)
-dealers will install for free
-while I can’t say its stronger, like many other rails out there, if you’re involved in an incident that destroys the urx rail, you probably have bigger problems to consider.
All things considered, the urx is a great choice. The IWS concept combines many features into a very well designed, lighweight and streamlined package
The only complain I’ve got about the URX II is that it’s difficult to find someone who will install it with the barrel of your choice, with a pinned gas block.
lawmens installed a rifle length urx ii i purchased from them on a centurion mid length light weight barrel and colt upper i sent them. they did an excellent job putting everything together and where super nice and easy to do buisness with. i am glad i went with the urx rail. it goes not seem front heavy to me. it hangs and drives very well imo and i really like the built in front site. the only downfall to me was not being able to run a lite all the way out at 12:00 but i can work around that.
I’m not sure if that would be a good idea simply because it could have some movement and would not be as rigid as attaching to the actual rail. However, the railed portion of the front sight is hardly a reason to not like the urx. Aesthetically, it blends right in, which I actually like and it has nothing to do with the functionality of the rail as a whole.
