[Gunman21]

Just wondering if I need to spend 50 dollars on a set of covers to protect the 4 rail handguards on my AR15.

It seems like the rails are solid enough that they wouldn't need protection. Wouldn't rail covers just be adding weight and the trouble to take on and off?

Has anyone here actually busted a rail?

[strambo]

There are multiple reasons, prioritize them vs cost as you see fit.

Comfort: bare rails aren't real comfortable, plus if you are shooting a lot, the rail will heat up.

Protection: Keeps the rail from getting dinged up which may later interfere with mounting accessories which is the whole purpose for the rail.

Looks (you may dislike the look of rails, so it goes either way)

Cost- it shouldn't cost $50 for a set of rails for a carbine. I like the Magpul XTMs the best as they are modular, can be combined for different "camo" or color effects, and are very thin. They also are the lowest cost option at ~$7.98 retail per. So, $32 to fully cover a carbine rail all 4 sides and you can mix n' match colors.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/bstrambo/DSCN0101.jpg

[Avenger29]

Has anyone here actually busted a rail?

Only the cheap crap.

Spend the money on some covers...they'll protect your hands...

[rcmodel]

It's not about busting or dinging a rail.

It's about still being able to hold onto the dang thing on a 110 degree day after shooting a couple hundred rounds.
Try it without nomax gloves and you will have blisters without rail covers.

rc