hand guard w/rail kit vs a quad rail

[grnidkjun]

Has anyone used a kit like this? I'm wondering on the stability vs an actual rail. The kit looks more comfortable but if it's not stable for attachments the rail would be better.

AR-15/M16 MOE HANDGUARD & RAIL KITS - Brownells

Thanks! I'm headed to a gun show tomorrow and hope to get some hands on with some options.

 

[SSgt M]

Id bet it's stable, I've seen lots of them furnished.
I like the quad slipons too. YHM has a fancy one. But there's cheaper ones.
For my weapon, I like the factory guards.

 

[arizona98tj]

I had one....used it for two weeks before it loosened up. Piece of junk, in my opinion. I'm not the only one that has seen it happen....saw others on the forums say the same thing.

If you want something that will last, buy a quality rail, once.....no reason spending the money twice.


Daniel Defense Omega 7.0 is a nice free float drop-in quad rail. My Omega install.

If you don't require a free float rail, then a Troy drop-in Battle Rail does very nicely too. My Troy install.

 

[grnidkjun]

So what did you change to?

 

[SSgt M]

Thats no good. Were you able to identify how it loosens up. Is it the plastic ?
I no on other weapons, mini 14, m1 carbine, the upper slide covers come loose over time, however there wood and can be tightend or finagled to fit tightly.

 

[arizona98tj]

Added info to my previous post.

 

[arizona98tj]

Thats no good. Were you able to identify how it loosens up. Is it the plastic ?
I no on other weapons, mini 14, m1 carbine, the upper slide covers come loose over time, however there wood and can be tightend or finagled to fit tightly.

Yes, it was plastic/poly. That is why they are so cheap.

 

[grnidkjun]

What are the benefits of free float vs drop in?
I appreciate the info.

 

[SSgt M]

Those are both good lookin,

They sure sell a **** load of that moe furniture.

I wouldnt mine the stock guards if your done with them!

 

[Capt Crunch]

Magpul stuff might be cheap to buy but the quality is generally top notch, they didn't get the name they did from making substandard stuff. I own one and it's what I prefer. Steel/metal quad rails IMO are just unnecessarily heavy. Plus they are too sharp and end up either cutting, scratching or are just generally uncomfortable. That leave people to end up putting rail covers on them leading to more money and more weight and makes the shroud super thick. Poly is the way to go, keep it light and tight.

 

[SSgt M]

I agree with that Capt.
I see moe on half the guns I see seems like, must be something to it. Mostly comes down to looks for many.

Most free float s need a gunsmiths touch, or so I've read,
The others just slip into the existing retainer.

I'm not sure there's a real performance gain in this platform between the two.

 

[MPDC]

I had an MOE hand guard and it both loosened and the inner metal clamp separated from the Plastic part. You could snap it back in but it got looser every time.

Too bad because it fit my grip very well and I really liked the shape.

the newer ones are said to be improved.

I switched to a Troy free float (MRF-C) that you can install fairly easily (you DO have to cut off the soft alum. Delta ring but that is easy).

I think the most solid ones are aluminum, not polymer.

 

[grnidkjun]

Weight is a consideration. I'm not a big woman and I want function as well as keeping it fun to fire. I had a blast with it yesterday.

 

[SSgt M]

I would advise you to go to a shop that has both types and just grab both and see how they feel, women that shoot with us generally have small hands so the moe may work better in your case.

 

[Splittiebus66]

my MOE is loose too. Went and played with the factory S&W MOE edition and it was tighter than tight however. ***! I'm with MPDC, it feels great but not much else. Kind of like that chick that would always lead you on but never gave up the goods.

Yeah to be honest my loose MOE handguard has shot down my tacticool fantasy of Chris Costa screaming at me as I roll under a car with a fully loaded clip...AHEM magazine and my MOE throws my shots and the Chicom Gun Grabbing Grateful Dead Tour Zombies keep coming....

Quad rail is in the mail people!

 

[Splittiebus66]

One thing thats cool for the MOE and owners of properly fitting ones looking to mount 2 point slings is the Impact Weapons Components Mount and Slot QD system. $25 to have installed back and forth or do it yourself. If you havent seen this, it is a really great idea...... Magpul should offer a MOE model with this sort of thing standard. They would sell alot of them

I considered adding a slot to mine for a minute but spending any more on an ill fitting guard is obviously unfrugal.

 

[grnidkjun]

Thank you to all of you for answering.
Ok, so I'm going to be doing some looking around to possibly find a rail that will work for me. Doesn't sound like anyone has a preference of drop in or float.

The guy at the shop called the AR Barbie dolls for men because of all the options.
I can see already how they can become addictive.

 

[Splittiebus66]

Thank you to all of you for answering.
Ok, so I'm going to be doing some looking around to possibly find a rail that will work for me. Doesn't sound like anyone has a preference of drop in or float.

The guy at the shop called the AR Barbie dolls for men because of all the options.
I can see already how they can become addictive.

^^^^ this. Goodbye money.........

 

[wihunter]

I have the MOE handguard with one small rail on the bottom front that I use with a bipod or a vertical grip. If you don't use lock tite it will come loose. With out lock tite it was loose after only 150 rounds with lock tite 600 rounds and counting.

 

[oneyeopn]

I saw a how to installation video for the little short rails like I put on my stock handguard. It was quick and easy but I noticed one thing. They sent star lock washers with the mounting hardware and they didn't use them or even mention them. They are made to keep the screws from loosening up, I am not saying you shouldn't use locktite, but I installed them on my lower front rail, and hope they do what they are supposed to do. If not then I have some locktite I will use.