Shopping for Rail System

[Curly Bill]

I bought myself an AR-15 recently and was wondering what the difference was between the more expensive rails vs the cheaper ones? For example I found the Mako Quad Rail Handguard for about $120, where the Daniel Defense version is around $300. Both are made out of "aircraft grade aluminum." Is this something I can go cheaper on or should I spend more?

[Blackdog F4i]

You can't go wrong with DD.

I haven't used the Mako system so I can't say much other than "i wouldn't"

[TimK]

Or you could go with UTG, and notice one day that there's a shiny bit of unparkerized, flat steel where once sat a rail that held your expensive toys

[Blizzination]

I have Magpul rails on my M&P-15. I love them, and they're only like 30 bucks. Never had ANY issues with them.

I can take a picture if you'd like.

[jwise]

Look at Daniel Defense OMEGA rail, or the Troy Industries MRF-C.

[Curly Bill]

Look at Daniel Defense OMEGA rail, or the Troy Industries MRF-C.

I checked out the Troy Industries website, they are a little more affordable. Thanks for the direction.

[Curly Bill]

I have Magpul rails on my M&P-15. I love them, and they're only like 30 bucks. Never had ANY issues with them.

I can take a picture if you'd like.

That would be cool.

[Curly Bill]

You can't go wrong with DD.

I haven't used the Mako system so I can't say much other than "i wouldn't"

Anyone reading this own a Mako? If so, how do you like it?

[Blackdog F4i]

If you want a cheap rail system that will not hold an optic, then take a look at the Magpul MOE handguard and applicable rail sections. That is the route I am going for my duty rifle's VFG and light.

[Jere]

If you want a cheap rail system that will not hold an optic, then take a look at the Magpul MOE handguard and applicable rail sections. That is the route I am going for my duty rifle's VFG and light.

That's what I did for a vertical foregrip. I may get optics in the future but since I can get 1/2 my rounds in a 4 inch circle at 100 yrds I can wait.

[Curly Bill]

If you want a cheap rail system that will not hold an optic, then take a look at the Magpul MOE handguard and applicable rail sections. That is the route I am going for my duty rifle's VFG and light.

Thanks. I think I might get that one for now to hold me over. At this point in time I'm only looking to mount the same things as you. Plus a $300 rail system is a hard sell to the wife these days. Especially after dropping $1500 on a rifle (bought a Colt LE6920).

[Trempel]

When I wanted a light on my AR, I looked at various rail systems. It seemed counterproductive to spend so much money on rail systems only to use a fraction of the space for only a light. Magpul came out with the MOE handguards and that solved my issues. Added a little piece of rail, plus light mount and I've been GTG since.

While looking at quad rails, I checked out two variations, both belonging to a co-worker. One was a Midwest Industries, two-piece drop-in that required no alterations to the rifle. Likes - relatively cheap price (around $150), pretty quality construction. Dislikes - round profile, slightly heavier weight than the other rails I tried. The second was a DD Omega rail. Likes - light weight, slimmer profile when compared to MI rail, rock solid, free-floats the barrel. Dislikes - almost double the price of the MI rail, which is really minor considering the quality of the DD rail.

Bottom line, if you want to mount an optic, or a laser on the handguard, I'd go with a DD Omega. If you mostly want the cool looks or the CDI factor of having quad rails, save some money and look at MI offerings. If you just want a light and maybe a forward grip, spend the fraction of the money on the Magpul MOE handguards and a couple of bucks on a section of rail.

My rifle with the MOE handguards and a Surefire 6P LED:

[Curly Bill]

I ordered the MOE b/c it will meet my needs for now and I don't want to be the guy who buys the most expensive stuff and not use it to its full potential. I'm new to the AR world and I am little over overwhelmed by all the accessories out there, however I’m willing to splurge on things worth splurging on. Jwise, Trempel, and Blackdog, you guys have been very helpful, thank you.

[Curly Bill]

Should have looked around a bit
http://www.eastcountyguns.com/

ColtLE6920 for $1199, that $300 rail would have been easy

I put a couple hundred rounds through mine already. Think they will take it back at full price?

[Nessmuk]

I have a 10" Troy on my M&P 15T (came with it) and a 7" Troy on a Bushmaster patrol carbine (installed myself).

The only reason for the 7" was to have a simple aftermarket free-float fore-end, not rails. It was the cost effective way to do it without removing either the barrel or the FST.

They are quite nice and I like them both. The customer service at Troy was excellent.