Can anyone recommend an affordable accessory rail? Some of the more popular rail systems i.e. Daniel Defense,Knight's Armament tend to be quite expensive. But on the opposite end of the spectrum I've read that some of the lower cost rail systems are made by companies that manufacturer airsoft components.
AR Accessory Rail Recommendation
- Thread starter tacstar
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ObsceneJesster
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What's lower cost? Also, so you want QD sockets? Do you want a free float? Do you want easy to install?
Personally, I like Centurion rails due to the quality and ease of install. You will not find a better rail that uses the stock barrel nut and is as easy to install. Installation does not require removing the barrel or barrel nut.
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Personally, I like Centurion rails due to the quality and ease of install. You will not find a better rail that uses the stock barrel nut and is as easy to install. Installation does not require removing the barrel or barrel nut.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
SpentCasing
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The older KAC RAS can be found used for very affordable prices (~$125). Id use that before Id buy a cheap one meant for airsoft. Also Troy/MI FF tubes are affordable and easy to install using the existing bbl nut too.
A few years back, I was asking the same question as yourself.
After a bit of research, folks seemed to like Midwest Industries for a reasonably priced, quality unit.
I bought their MCTAR-17 Gen 1 a few years back, and was so impressed with it that I just recently bought a Gen 2 model.
Both are drop-in, seem to be rock solid with no slop - the Gen 2 model has added a bridge from rail to receiver, and 4 QD limited rotation sockets.
I think I paid around $110 for mine.
No complaints so far.
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=64
After a bit of research, folks seemed to like Midwest Industries for a reasonably priced, quality unit.
I bought their MCTAR-17 Gen 1 a few years back, and was so impressed with it that I just recently bought a Gen 2 model.
Both are drop-in, seem to be rock solid with no slop - the Gen 2 model has added a bridge from rail to receiver, and 4 QD limited rotation sockets.
I think I paid around $110 for mine.
No complaints so far.
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=64
wally
Member
I've been very happy with the pair of UTG railed handguards I've tried, but I don't hang tons of crap off them, just a forward mounted red dot in front of the carry handle, and sometimes a vertical grip or MagPul AFG. One is a free-float tube, the other just a handguard replacement. Its the free-float tube that has the red dot mounted. I paid about $50 each at a gun show for them.
Charger442
Member
i tried a UTG rail once years ago. it was really heavy and not what i wanted. i went back to the rifle length black plastic hand guards.
generally for "affordable" rails, i wouldn't go cheaper than YHM or Midwest. Both are very good, wont break the bank.
generally for "affordable" rails, i wouldn't go cheaper than YHM or Midwest. Both are very good, wont break the bank.
wally
Member
There are a lot of variations, I'm talking about "current" production last 15 moths or so.
But for light weight I really like the Command Arms plastic handguards with only top and bottom rails, also about $50. I've never use the top rail on them, but the bottom works great for a vertical grip or light and with the covers on is pretty close to the profile of the "elliptical" guards I'm seeing on some rifles lately.
But then if you don't want more weight, hanging stuff off the front is probably not the way to go
WinThePennant
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People tend to overlook Magpul MOE handguards. They are dirt cheap, and come with all kinds of options from Magpul. For an economical build, you just can't beat the MOE handguards.
Those i have used: Centurion, Daniel Defense, Midwest Industries. All are very good rails. Quality goes to Centurion and DD, but MI is very close. The quality is so even, it comes down to which one looks better.
I still own 1 centurion, 2 MI and 2 with stock handguards. Nothing wrong with milspec handguards. I get rid of the DD because i wanted a longer tube vs quad rail. Otherwise, no issues with it.
Others i would consider are Samson, Troy, Rainier and Spikes.
KAC and VLTOR are probably among the best, but not my style.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsFnUZMkZNF2DQ&output=html
I still own 1 centurion, 2 MI and 2 with stock handguards. Nothing wrong with milspec handguards. I get rid of the DD because i wanted a longer tube vs quad rail. Otherwise, no issues with it.
Others i would consider are Samson, Troy, Rainier and Spikes.
KAC and VLTOR are probably among the best, but not my style.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsFnUZMkZNF2DQ&output=html
Boxhead
Member
For the money I suggest the Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS. I am very pleased with mine and do prefer the modular designs over the quad rail. My other one is a DD (on a DD rifle) and it is great but I really see little difference in fit, finish and functionality between the two.
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=450
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=450
Mad Machinist
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Samson Evolution.....
Infidel4life11
Member
TROY or midwest for the lower cost side of the house. IMO this isn't an area where you want be too cheap in. Quality now will save you a headache down the road.
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