I see that there are about 4 different styles of rail covers. Before I invest in a set I wanted to know if there are any pros/cons to each that I maybe havent thought of. My point of referrence for these options is here: Magpul Stocks And Grips

The basic ladder rail obviously blocks that area of the rail to put add ons, but otherwise does the job pretty discretely.

The XT rail covers are also a one piece slide on rail but look to have a "rough" surface to them. Is that just looks or does that help with the holding of the barrel?

I like the XTM the best. These seem to clip together on the rails so you can put as many you want on and work around your mounts and other add ons. These also seem to make the barrel more bulky. Is that the case and does it effect how you hold it at all? Are there any other negatives I might be not thinking of?

Thanks for any help/insight you can give.

If you like the XTM version the best, I would just go with them, especially if you see yourself putting accessories on the rail. They offer easy configurations without getting in your way. They also offer a nice grip if you are just going to put those alone on your rail. Another neat thing about them is the mix and match colors you can make. You can make a pretty nice custom camo pattern.

I myself went with the UTG rubber black rail covers, cause they are set at a much more "friendly" price and similar to the XTM.

If you are purely looking at Magpul, however, go with the XTM's for the reasons I have stated.

Good Luck! -RC

That's about it. The panels do make the forearm significantly larger. The ladders are much lower profile and can be cut to work around mounts. There is also another option- LaRue index clips.

I looked at the UTG ones but dont like that they say UTG right in the center of each one. The Magpul ones just look a bit less "busy" if that makes sense.

Phil: thanks, first time Ive seen those.

Here, this may help out. I have posted pictures of my 15 22 with rail ladders( REALLY didnt like them), then as it is now with the FDE Magpul XTM series.( added a set of Magpul MBUS's to it now insead of irons) Hopefully this helps you by seeing them side by side, so to speak. The first picture is a combo of ladders on top and bottom, and XTM's spaced out on the side. The second and third pictures are all XTM's. Which to me, works ALOT Better, as the ladders are soft rubber and can be torn easily if not fully inserted, and get caught on something. Lastly, the fourth pic is just for fun, as its my litteral backyard where I grew up at my moms house. THAT has been my shooting range/hunting grounds for nearly 30 years now.

I preferred the XTM's on the 15-22.

Very cool. Thanks guys.

Do you fish from there?

__________________
Endeavor to persevere. <><

That's a nice hi-res pic, cropped to be Close Up, of my new pattern of XTM panels on my 15-22 ... Hope you like it.

Here's the rest of the pics :

Look on ebay. You can find fakes ones for $12 for all 4.

I assume you meant that question forme, as I was the one posted the picture lol. The answer is yes, Fishing is good, as well as rabbit, deer, and squirrel hunting. Its ALL family owned.

I am looking into getting 4 of the Magpul XT's. I like the way they look and I think they will be more durable than the ladders. Alos, seems they will offer more to grip