I got a RRA rifle a couple weeks ago and when I first picked it up, it seemed to be a decent amount heavier from the other ARs I've fired. Is this because of the quad rail? I already ordered an AFG from Magpul but was thinking about getting the MOE handguard too. Mainly because I don't have anything else to put on it yet. Will this make my rifle seem a decent amount lighter? Do I need any special tools to remove the quad rail?
Quad rail too heavy?
- Thread starter gf1723
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Which model is it that you have? Quad rails do add weight. How much weight depends on the rail. The weight of the rifle is also going to be largely dependent upon the profile of the barrel too.
In any case, going from the quad rail to the MOE isn't going to be a small affair, if you don't know how to work on ARs or don't have the right tools. The quad rail is likely attached via a proprietary barrel nut. You have to remove the barrel nut and replace it with a stock barrel nut and delta ring assembly along with the addition of the ring that goes behind the gas block to hold the MOEs in place.
I'd leave it alone. If you don't have one of heavy barrel profiles, you could just replace your quad rail with something lighter, like a Daniel Defense lite rail, but they aren't cheap. You'll still need the tools and know how to do it.
In any case, going from the quad rail to the MOE isn't going to be a small affair, if you don't know how to work on ARs or don't have the right tools. The quad rail is likely attached via a proprietary barrel nut. You have to remove the barrel nut and replace it with a stock barrel nut and delta ring assembly along with the addition of the ring that goes behind the gas block to hold the MOEs in place.
I'd leave it alone. If you don't have one of heavy barrel profiles, you could just replace your quad rail with something lighter, like a Daniel Defense lite rail, but they aren't cheap. You'll still need the tools and know how to do it.
HorseSoldier
Member
For a military gun (well, at least some of them), quad rails are worth their weight in gold. For most civilian shooters they're more about looking cool than utility. Replacing them will make your carbine lighter and faster handling.
Thanks for the link taliv. I just looked at my rifle again and I'm assuming it's a heavy barrel profile. I can see it through the quad-rail and noticed that it's the same thickness all the way through. Does that help with heat reduction or something? Why would you want a heavy barrel vs. the ones that are thinner under the handguard? Wouldn't everyone want it to be more light-weight? I think I will stick with the quad-rail system for now. It seems nice, although I'm not sure how good a standard RRA quad-rail system is. Seems like it is pretty good and will hold up. Maybe in a few years I'll just get a different complete upper. Thought about putting a bi-pod on the quad-rail whenever I go sight it in. I still have some people wanting to get me x-mas gifts. 
Thanks for the replies! I appreciate all you guys helping out a newb like me!
Thanks for the replies! I appreciate all you guys helping out a newb like me!
jerkface11
Member
The heavy barrels are easier to produce than the lighter ones. That's the main reason AR makers use them. If you want to go lighter it would be easier for you to switch to a carbon fiber free float tube than it would be to go to handguards.
The barrel is the major weight producer. Changing the free float won't make a major difference.
Switching to a light profile or recon, something under the medium contour, with a low pro gas block, would take many ounces off the front, and result in a quicker handling gun.
Most of that should really be scienced out before the purchase. It's expensive to change now. It's the major advantage of assembling your own AR, at least when selecting a barrel you get prompted to look at barrel profiles, and hopefully understand a HBAR is really counterproductive for most uses. The average AR barrel is 2MOA, what's all the dead weight going to add in accuracy on a semi auto carbine anyway?
If you really want to drop some weight and improve accuracy, keep the quad rail, and install a good lightweight profile with a low profile block. The GI barrel and FSB are the major parts controlling weight.
Switching to a light profile or recon, something under the medium contour, with a low pro gas block, would take many ounces off the front, and result in a quicker handling gun.
Most of that should really be scienced out before the purchase. It's expensive to change now. It's the major advantage of assembling your own AR, at least when selecting a barrel you get prompted to look at barrel profiles, and hopefully understand a HBAR is really counterproductive for most uses. The average AR barrel is 2MOA, what's all the dead weight going to add in accuracy on a semi auto carbine anyway?
If you really want to drop some weight and improve accuracy, keep the quad rail, and install a good lightweight profile with a low profile block. The GI barrel and FSB are the major parts controlling weight.
jerkface11
Member
ADCO will turn the barrel down. As I recall it's under $100.
I added a UTG quad rail system on my 6920 and now the fore end feels like a heavy brick. Much prefer the standard M-4 handguards -- but I have to get out and shoot with it to be sure. The UTG's are heavy compared to many other quads out there, just seems like it tipped the scales just enough to make me notice.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
I've never much cared for an out-and-out quad-rail setup. They're a touch heavier, and tend to feel rough in your hands unless you put rail covers on them.
I'm a big fan of the JP/VTAC float tubes for exactly this reason. They're light, free of sharp or square edges, and can be adapted to hold whatever accessories you desire simply by attaching pieces of rail as you need them.
The one down side is that short of growing a third hand there doesn't seem to be an easy way to install new rails, but that's not too huge of a deal unless you intend to monkey with where you put stuff all the time.
I'm a big fan of the JP/VTAC float tubes for exactly this reason. They're light, free of sharp or square edges, and can be adapted to hold whatever accessories you desire simply by attaching pieces of rail as you need them.
The one down side is that short of growing a third hand there doesn't seem to be an easy way to install new rails, but that's not too huge of a deal unless you intend to monkey with where you put stuff all the time.
Full Metal Jacket
member
the daniel defense quad rails are the lightest i've seen for aluminum.
tapco makes a polymer one that's only $40 and even lighter.
tapco makes a polymer one that's only $40 and even lighter.
Z-Michigan
Member
A brand new barrel is likely under $200, you can install it yourself with the right tools, and then you have a spare barrel (your original) if you ever shoot out the lighter replacement barrel.
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