Handguard/Rail for New 5.56 Build

[Big Green]

I'm having my FFL build me an upper and need to decide on a rail. I have built myself many ARs and know what I like but was trying to broaden my horizons and have him build me an upper as what he specializes in are ARs. After some discussion we are going in a pseudo-ish 3 gun style. Barrel will be Odin Works 3 gun 18" barrel with their upgraded adjustable gas block and intermediate gas.

- No Keymod
- At least 15"
- No quad rails

He suggested a few I'm not a fan of for this build and two that I suggested he can't get through his distributors. Having said that, I'm not opposed to ordering rail myself and dropping of at his shop but would prefer to pick up whole package ready to go.

His suggestions:
Odin Works O2 Lite M-LOK (15.5")
LanTac SPADA M-LOK (15")
Geissele MK8, Super Modular Rail, 15", MLOK
Geissele MK14, Super Modular Rail, 15", MLOK
Geissele MK13, Super Modular Rail, 15", MLOK
SAMSON M-LOK SX SER 15"
Seekins Precision, NOXs M-LOK Rail, 15"

I like the F1 Firearms Jerry Miculek rail and the Aero Precision ATLAS S-One.

Anything else similar to the ones I found?

 

[SQLGeek]

Have you seen the ALG Defense rails? ALG is a sister company of Geissele and I like the look of their rails quite a bit.

https://algdefense.com/rails.html

 

[MTA]

I really havent seen too many rails that have that low profile and then the rail "humps" or whatever you want to call them besides the ALG that is posted above. I would go with the Aero personally if you are looking for that. While I can't speak to the Atlas, I have the Enhanced rail on a factory rifle from Aero and it is good to go

 

[Ole Cowboy]

All good, I could not improve that list

 

[Big Green]

I own several ALG rails already.

 

[M&P9_Rich]

Midwest Industries should be at the top of that list.

 

[texasnurse]

So, look at how each individual rail mounts, and look at the building components, make your determination from that


Sent with my IPhone with electronics and fuzzy logic...

 

[Gummi Bear]

I also like long handguards that aren’t rail.

I have a YHM Todd Jarret on my Blackout. It is my go-to ranch rifle, and sees a lot of use. It spends a lot of time on the quad, or tractor, and has been really durable. I’ve had it for a few years now.


I wanted a super lightweight one for my 223, and went with a STNGR. it was really affordable, the company is based out of McKinney. I’ve only used that rifles a little bit since I put it on, so not sure yet on durability, but so far, I really like it.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[pharmaco]

Midwest Industries should be at the top of that list.

I've heard that their weights vary a lot, depending on which Chinesium alloy they use for the batch

 

[easy rider]

I love the profile of my M-Lok Aero Atlas S-One,

 

[Big Green]

Midwest Industries should be at the top of that list.

While I've seen a few designs that aren't bad and I know they've improved some from what they were years ago I've still always seen them as very entry level. Nothing wrong with that, I just haven't actually held their newer products to form an updated opinion.

So, look at how each individual rail mounts, and look at the building components, make your determination from that

Trying to broaden my rail horizons is what put me in this predicament in the first place. One unfortunate thing is not having anywhere locally to see before I buy. Guess I should drive up to DSG and look around.

I also like long handguards that aren’t rail.

I wanted a super lightweight one for my 223, and went with a STNGR. it was really affordable, the company is based out of McKinney. I’ve only used that rifles a little bit since I put it on, so not sure yet on durability, but so far, I really like it.

I don't mind rails on the right guns. Everything has its purpose.

I like the STNGRs too and will get around to ordering one at some point. For this build it doesn't fit the bill due to the chopped front end I like on the STNGR.

I love the profile of my M-Lok Aero Atlas S-One,

I like it too, really wish I could handle one before I buy. I'll probably end up ordering one anyway soon.

I have decided I'm gonna go ahead and order the F1 Miculek. Brownells has a decent price on it after my discount.

For the record, my favorite rail is the FFSSR by Parallax Tactical.

It has a rail across the top and quads at the muzzle end. The middle portion is a smaller diameter and much more ergonomic. I have several of these and the PSA knockoffs.

 

[texasnurse]

While I've seen a few designs that aren't bad and I know they've improved some from what they were years ago I've still always seen them as very entry level. Nothing wrong with that, I just haven't actually held their newer products to form an updated opinion.



Trying to broaden my rail horizons is what put me in this predicament in the first place. One unfortunate thing is not having anywhere locally to see before I buy. Guess I should drive up to DSG and look around.



I don't mind rails on the right guns. Everything has its purpose.

I like the STNGRs too and will get around to ordering one at some point. For this build it doesn't fit the bill due to the chopped front end I like on the STNGR.



I like it too, really wish I could handle one before I buy. I'll probably end up ordering one anyway soon.

I have decided I'm gonna go ahead and order the F1 Miculek. Brownells has a decent price on it after my discount.

For the record, my favorite rail is the FFSSR by Parallax Tactical. View attachment 134897
It has a rail across the top and quads at the muzzle end. The middle portion is a smaller diameter and much more ergonomic. I have several of these and the PSA knockoffs.

Download fitting instructions


Sent with my IPhone with electronics and fuzzy logic...

 

[texanite15]

If you have the money look at Fortis and Daniel Defense. My all time favorites and they are light weight

 

[cajunautoxer]

Can't go wrong with ALG for price

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[baboon]

I love the profile of my M-Lok Aero Atlas S-One,

They are rather nice IMHO!

 

[Dad_Roman]

I have several of these and the PSA knockoffs.

Linky?

 

[Big Green]

Linky?

I haven’t seen them on PSA rifles/uppers in several years.