View Full Version : 4 rail fore-end eval for M-4
dr. mabuse
10-19-2005, 19:21
Need feedback on a 2 piece metal fore-end with rails.
I was wondering how stable it was with a vertical grip attached during rough handling compared to a free floating set-up. Any brand reccomendations?
Thanx
NousDefionsDoc
10-19-2005, 20:13
Need feedback on a 2 piece metal fore-end with rails.
I was wondering how stable it was with a vertical grip attached during rough handling compared to a free floating set-up. Any brand reccomendations?
Thanx
I'm not sure I follow, but if it helps - I am running a Surefire rail set now and it is the bee's knees. I HIGHLY reccommend it. I will be posting a report in about a week when the tempo slows a little.
dr. mabuse
10-19-2005, 20:43
I'm not sure I follow, but if it helps - I am running a Surefire rail set now and it is the bee's knees. I HIGHLY reccommend it. I will be posting a report in about a week when the tempo slows a little.
I've seen metal 2 piece units that slip on like a plastic forend and was wondering if they fit tightly like a free flaoting one piece that is attached by the barrel nut.
Will bee looking for the Surefire review.
Thanks
I have the YHM two piece on mine. Relativley inexpensive and seats fairly tight for a slip on. Keep in mind that I use it for shooting at the local range and mount my eotech to the receiver, not the forearm.
JT
Peregrino
10-20-2005, 09:03
I've been using a SureFire rail with an M-900 light on my carbine for eight months now. Would not trade it for any similar system. I will be getting several more. Personally, I've never seen the advantages of a free-float fore-end on a carbine. I save that for long-range (>300m) special purpose rifles. The SureFire is something anybody can install without additional tools/expertise and it is literally "rock solid" unlike some of the more expensive competing systems. If you prefer a larger profile to the handguard check out the aftermarket grip panels sold by Tango Down/Buffer Tech/Mag Pull (As I understand it they're all in a cooperative manufacturing agreement to ensure uniformity of color/quality/economy of scale/etc. Besides, they all seem to be good people too.) FWIW - Peregrino
dr. mabuse
10-20-2005, 14:28
I've been using a SureFire rail with an M-900 light on my carbine for eight months now. Would not trade it for any similar system. I will be getting several more. Personally, I've never seen the advantages of a free-float fore-end on a carbine. I save that for long-range (>300m) special purpose rifles. The SureFire is something anybody can install without additional tools/expertise and it is literally "rock solid" unlike some of the more expensive competing systems. If you prefer a larger profile to the handguard check out the aftermarket grip panels sold by Tango Down/Buffer Tech/Mag Pull (As I understand it they're all in a cooperative manufacturing agreement to ensure uniformity of color/quality/economy of scale/etc. Besides, they all seem to be good people too.) FWIW - Peregrino
Thanks for the info. The Surefire does look stout enough to rigidly hold a vertical grip.
the three non-free floated drop in rail systems that seem to fit your needs are Surefire, KAC RAS , and YH.
I own a SF and a KAC M4 RAS. They both have tightening mechanisms. They don't just snap in like the plastic hand guards so don't worry about that. Both are solid once they are mounted correctly.
Personally, I like the KAC better. Easier to install. There is a decent KAC primer over here: http://quarterbore.com/kac/kacrisras.html
I haven't had a chance to get a close look at the Yankee Hill one yet. I think it is a little less money and they have a good reputation so I wouldn't take that to mean you're going to the bottom of the barrel necessarily.
I tried to get a buddy to buy one of the YH rails so I could see all three next to each other but was a no-go at that station.
Good luck!
The Reaper
10-21-2005, 12:03
I have not found the KAC to lock up anything like the SureFire.
How are you securing it?
TR
I have not found the KAC to lock up anything like the SureFire.
How are you securing it?
TR
I'm using the "teeter totter" looking tooth thing on the top rear portion of the rail that has the hex-screw. Just above where the gas tube goes into the upper receiver. The tooth hooks into the inside of the barrel nut. This is a RAS I. I'm not sure how different a RAS II mounts.
over all, you're right the SF is more secure since you have the 2 screws pushing the bottom half into the barrel nut. Versus the RAS where the bottom 1/4 of the KAC can come on and off w/ the slip-ring. However, the top 3 rails are all one unit and mounted securely. I use the rails as a flashlight and vertical grip platform. If I were mounting optics I don't think I would use any of the 2 piece options and would use a one piece FF one.
The first time I installed my surefire, the bottom half wasn't seated all the way. I tightened it up, mounted my front grip and the first time I put any real pressure on the rail, it popped back and into place and started rattling... had to re-tighten the screws. No big deal. lesson learned & personal preference established.
edit: Went and found the KAC manual - the RAS I and RAS II are the same, just a longer "Top Rear Cross Screw" on the RAS II because of that hump connecting the flay top and the rail.
STR8SHTR
10-21-2005, 22:45
I am running a Surefire rail set now and it is the bee's knees.I HIGHLY reccommend it.
+1 on what NDD said. I have had one on my Colt 6920 for about 8 months now.
FROST18E
10-23-2005, 14:02
can't go wrong with a Troy Industries MFR-C. Does require taking off the delta ring, but I just cut it off with a dremel. If you want to replace it, it's less than ten bones.