Budget AR quad rail

[Newbie22]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a dedicated .22 upper for my AR. It's a 20" barrel model made by CMMG, with A2 style handguards. I'm looking to get a quad rail for it, almost definitely a full length like those found on the M16A4. Most of the ones I've found so far are either really expensive, $250 free float rigs or $40 may-or-may-not-break-when-dropped bargain items. I'm looking for something more around the $100 mark that's a durable, quality piece without going overboard on something that's going to be used as a plinker. It is, after all, a big .22 at heart.

If you have something that fits the bill, and you happen to have a picture handy, it never hurts to see what you're talking about. Thanks!

Edit: While we're at it, what's the difference between solid and two piece? Anything different from a functionality standpoint?

 

[taliv]

the yankee hill stuff is cheap and durable. it lacks features like anti-rotation and is heavy as a brick, but not bad at all for the $

 

[Newbie22]

Thanks, I'll start there. While we're at it, what's the difference between solid and two piece forearms?

 

[meanmrmustard]

AIM. Solid, aluminum, cheap.

 

[john5036]

I recently purchased this one. It's not a fully-railed quad, but there's space for rail attachments much like the Magpul MOE handguards. It may be a bit sci-fi in its look, but it's lighter than the stock fore-ends and so far it's been sturdy and comfortable to shoot. I'll try and post a pic when I get home.

 

[GCMkc]

the yankee hill stuff is cheap and durable. it lacks features like anti-rotation and is heavy as a brick, but not bad at all for the $

Both YHM diamond and lightweight series handguards have anti rotation screws.

Definitely heavy, but they are affordable and high quality.

 

[justice06rr]

I would echo the Yankee hill Diamond handguards. They are pretty good quality for an excellent price.

A solid one-piece rail is obviously gonna have less flex and be more durable than a 2-piece design.

 

[taliv]

i don't own any of their diamond line. i'll check into it when i get some time

 

[Robert]

The have anit rotate screws, or at least they have screws that attach the tube to the big ol barrel nut they make you use.

 

[taliv]

yeah, ok, so they call it anti-rotation screws...
http://yhm.net/pdf/Install_Freefloat_Forearm.pdf

i could be mistaken, as i often am, but there's really nothing to keep the entire barrel nut from moving on you. the screws appear to just keep the rails from moving on the barrel nut. for comparison, look at the rails larue makes.

i'm not dogging YHM... as i said, they are great for the money.

 

[jim243]

what's the difference between solid and two piece?

A solid quad rail is usually a "free flooted rail" that will lock up with the delta ring. It requires "generally" that the gas block be removed to install and then reinstall the gas block. A two piece quad rail snaps on and into the same place as your A2 style handguard does and requires no additional tools.

I would suggest the UTG quad rail, it is extreemly sturdy (will not break) and is $39.95. It is heavier than a standard plastic handguard, but gives the rifle (barrel) a better heatshield to cool with.

Jim

 

[Dr.Rob]

With a 20 inch barrel thats going to make your 22 really heavy. Mag pul's rifle length guard gives you some mounting points without adding a ton of weight.

 

[jim243]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Magp...T.z_mc_id1=sO5u75xNz&rid=20&pcrid=12575077857

 

[madcratebuilder]

The YHM Todd Jarret series are not the lightest you can buy, but not that bad. Anti rotation screws do center into the barrel nut supplied and a lock ring provides the preload. It's the same arrangement as MI tubes, except two AR screws instead of a single AR screw the MI's have..

 

[basicblur]

I went with Midwest Industries 2-piece drop in - should be able to find for around $100 at 3rd party vendors.

Back when I bought mine it was a 1st Generation - don't know what the difference is with the newer 2nd Generation other than the bridge?

I see they also now make a drop in full floater.

 

[Ro1911]

yeah, ok, so they call it anti-rotation screws...
http://yhm.net/pdf/Install_Freefloat_Forearm.pdf

i could be mistaken, as i often am, but there's really nothing to keep the entire barrel nut from moving on you. the screws appear to just keep the rails from moving on the barrel nut. for comparison, look at the rails larue makes.

i'm not dogging YHM... as i said, they are great for the money.

The barrel nut on an AR 15 (that is properly put together) will not move ever ever ever try taking one off sometime it is an enlightening experience.

 

[GCMkc]

The barrel nut on an AR 15 (that is properly put together) will not move ever ever ever try taking one off sometime it is an enlightening experience.

Exactly. The torque is holding the barrel nut on. The jam nut and anti rotation screws keep the rail stable.

BTW, that YHM Todd Jarrett setup looks nice. What's the weight and length?

 

[taliv]

barrel nuts can and do come loose, especially if they are fixed to a handguard that has a giant lever (aka vertical fore grip) on it that is being muscled around.

the jam nut can back off. so can the handguard.

if the jam nut and barrel nut could never ever ever move, then why would they have teh anti rotation screws on there?

(i have assembled and disassembled MANY ARs)

 

[Livnoutdoorsxd9]

The gas tube stops the barrel nut from turning any large amount. Anti rotation screws keep the handguard from rotating, not the barrel nut.