Which rail?

[ny32182]

I'm building a new 300blk upper, and I have a 12.5" barrel that will have an AAC 51T mount on it.

Properties I'm looking for in a rail:

• 
  Actually has rails on it
  
  Light weight
  
  Free floating
  
  Goes over a low pro gas block out almost to the muzzle, but obviously can't interfere with the suppressor mount

What rail model and length do you think fits these requirements best?

 

[pjeski]

I'm partial to Midwest Industries Gen 2 T series one piece for quad rails and SS series one piece for a cleaner look.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=149

 

[Sam1911]

I picked Midwest Industries, too.

But by "actually has rails on it" what do you mean? You want rails everywhere? Or the ability to put a section of rail where you need it? I'm not a real fan of quad rails ("cheese graters") but with the Keymod or M-Lock versions of the MI rails you can put as much rail as you want wherever you really need it, without the abrasiveness, size, and weight of the old style full quad rails.

When looking at the Keymod or M-Lock tubes, the standard versions have a solid length of rail along the top, from the upper to the muzzle end. The "Lightweight" version (which I have) don't have a solid run of rail along the top, just a few inches at each end, where you'd mount a scope and a back up front sight.

Mine:

 

[ny32182]

Yes, cheese graters... Personally I'm less a fan of having to buy more rails after buying a hand guard that doesn't have rails. Plus anything you mount to a screwed on rail is bound to be less secure than something mounted to an integrated rail. I want to be able to use off the shelf/cheap rail covers to get a nice grip, not proprietary $50 grip sections like my last KAC... etc. Basically nothing about the current keymod/etc appeals to me.

Also I know they can be light; my DD Omega 7s are barely heavier, if at all, vs. a set of double heat shield plastic handguards.

I guess the length is really my primary question... how long can I go without interfering with the mount on a 12.5" barrel?

 

[ny32182]

That does look pretty light.

 

[Sam1911]

Here's a thread that appears to indicate you can use a 12" tube with a 12.5" barrel and a suppressor mount: http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=51&t=373617

 

[Sam1911]

That does look pretty light.

7lbs. 8 oz. with that Russian red dot scope on it.

16" barrel, 15" tube.

 

[carbine85]

I have a Midwest Industries tube on one of mine. It's great and highly recommend one.

 

[Zerodefect]

I'd use a Larue 12" tube on that setup, as long as it clears your gas block. Those are fairly tight rails.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

this is on my short list https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1765

 

[ny32182]

Here is a thread with a pic of .5" difference between barrel and tube, and that looks like it would interfere with the AAC mount at least.

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=51&t=370275

 

[ny32182]

Got some more pics here; looks like 11-11.5 is going to be the sweet spot and out of the way of the mount:

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=51&t=417116