Has anyone heard rumors as to whether or not anyone is going to come out with a new - shorter rail for the 15-22?

I'd like to run an SBR with my Spectre and think a shorter rail would be sweet looking..

The stock rail handguard can be pretty easily cut to the length you need, it's only polymer. A few people have shortened them up by 3" or so.

Also correct me if Im wrong, but seeing how the 15 22 "can" use any AR add on out there( Ive seen a few it actually cant) Wouldnt a traditional AR metal rail fit onto the 15 22? If I am correct on this. Im SO gonna do this, for a more realistic weight as close to possible as my .223's Ya its a .22, but I use my 15 22 as a cheap way to get in trigger time, and Id like to build the proper muscle memory for the "weight" of the gun when it comes to over all shooting, as the .223 is my prefered caliber for hunting.

A "traditional" rail replaces the handguard and still uses the delta ring and front sight block-mounted piece to secure it to the rifle - this is why they aren't free float designs.

The 15-22 needs a free-float rail, and you'd need to convert the original barrel nut to the free-float capable version that someone makes (which costs all of $25).

Then you need to find an applicable rail set and replace the barrel nut from the one it comes with. I think that's all there is to it. You can probably find some airsoft versions made out of pot metal or cheap castings that would cost a lot less but still give you weight and would hold up to range use. Or something like this YHM carbine tube.
Yankee Hill Machine Free Float Tube Handguard Solid Quad Rail AR-15 Carbine Length Aluminum Matte - MidwayUSA

But then again, with a polymer receiver set, you're going to shift the balance of the gun to be a lot more toward the muzzle.


Edit
Airsoft rail for $60
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_inf...oducts_id=3058

Ahh, Hadnt thought of that. Oh well. Ill just keep it loaded down with eveything to add the weight lol.

How about these, they have a better price.

http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm...ategory_id=448

Those are a good price. And they look nice too. Wish they stated the length in inches. Oh well, think I'll have to pick up a C.A.R. length.
I have seen some 15-22 with the traditional AR front sight and delta ring setup. It is a bit of work, but it can be done.
The freefloat option is the easiest. There is a company (Hmm, wonder who it is) that makes the free-float capable version Barrel Nut. So 15-22 owners can have duplicate rifles in different calibers.

You should probably just give him the link.

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Free Float Handguard Converter - Tacticool22.com

I bet you could take the Converter and when you install the hand guard with red lock-tite that you wouldn't need a wrench to take the barrel off, what do you think?

Ok.. I'm kinda new to the AR platforms and quasi-new to the more indepth gun talk.. I've been "into" guns since I was old enough to pull a trigger but I've only be "into" guns with a knowledge of the difference between a sear and a disconnector do for about 2 years.. soooo..

Will the free float handguard converter all me to use "any" AR-15 handguard out there and also use "any" ar rail that is out there as well?

Sorta. All the one piece freefloat handguards work, so far.
The standard two part handguard aka forearm don't work. Unless you use an AR front sight and handguard cap. You will also need a delta ring assembly. There is some crafty work that needs to be done, but the finished product looks great.
http://blackrifleworks.com/barrel-parts-c-29.html is a great resource for all your AR needs.

Just take the Dremel's cutting wheel to your existing quad rail and cut it as short as you want. Here's mine with a cut-down rail and my brother's standard MOE after I painted his.



And a close up of mine after I cut it

just keep in mind its gonna be less accurate now that the distance between your sights is smaller. unless you switch away from using irons obviously.

SG__604.JPG SG__606.JPG SG__595.JPG SG__589.JPG
Just some pics of a very nice job, done by a great customer.