[glockdoc21]

I'm finishing up a midlength build, and I'm trying to decide if I want a MOE handguard or an apex extended midlength naked tube (very sexy AND lightweight). I'm building a 16" A1 based carbine w/ a DD lightweight midlength barrel and a 3x ACOG in the carry handle, so it's a little bit of a mutt, but she's going to do all things. I'm only going to mount a small handstop and maybe a light, so the MOE'd work fine, but that apex is just cool. It'll have a FSB as well. thoughts?

[LA_357SIG]

Originally Posted by glockdoc21

I'm finishing up a midlength build, and I'm trying to decide if I want a MOE handguard or an apex extended midlength naked tube (very sexy AND lightweight). I'm building a 16" A1 based carbine w/ a DD lightweight midlength barrel and a 3x ACOG in the carry handle, so it's a little bit of a mutt, but she's going to do all things. I'm only going to mount a small handstop and maybe a light, so the MOE'd work fine, but that apex is just cool. It'll have a FSB as well. thoughts?

I like the MOE handguard on my son's build. It has a MOE foregrip on it now and feels as heavy as it did with a TROY drop in rail.

[mjkeat]

If you want light weight the MOE is not the choice for you.

The APEX is light though I have no experience w/ it. I like the 13" Troy Alpha rails. Actually any tube really.

Here's a great place to do some research.
http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/c...ee-float-rails

[WayaX]

Originally Posted by mjkeat

If you want light weight the MOE is not the choice for you.

The APEX is light though I have no experience w/ it. I like the 13" Troy Alpha rails. Actually any tube really.

Here's a great place to do some research.
http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/c...ee-float-rails

I'll second that. Especially, if you have no light or VFG to mount, the magpul MOE is dead weight. The Troy Alpha rail is top notch. You'll get the benefit of the free-floating barrel, which will help with accuracy (something I would certainly want with a magnified optic).

[mjkeat]

what do you mean by, If you don't have a light or VFG to mount? If you're refering to the Alpha or most tubes there are numerous ways to mount things such as lights and VFGs w/o rail segments on the tube. Same w/ the MOE but that thing is a pig.

I'm not trying to be a smart ass too you.

[LA_357SIG]

Originally Posted by mjkeat

what do you mean by, If you don't have a light or VFG to mount? If you're refering to the Alpha or most tubes there are numerous ways to mount things such as lights and VFGs w/o rail segments on the tube. Same w/ the MOE but that thing is a pig.

I'm not trying to be a smart ass too you.

This doesn't add any value to this thread in any way.

[SCSU74]

Originally Posted by mjkeat

If you want light weight the MOE is not the choice for you.

The APEX is light though I have no experience w/ it. I like the 13" Troy Alpha rails. Actually any tube really.

Here's a great place to do some research.
http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/c...ee-float-rails

Love my alpha rail. Very comfortable and allows you to add rail sections where you need/want them. Very sturdy. Fwiw I switched to the alpha from an moe. Moe is ok, alpha is awesome.


Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

[WoodenPlank]

I'd go with the MOE.

Then again, I already did. There's a MOE midlength handguard sitting on my safe waiting for my PSA 16" midlength upper to arrive. While they're not the lightest solution, they're inexpensive, modular, and have a crapload of stuff available to fit them.

[mjkeat]

Originally Posted by LA_357SIG

This doesn't add any value to this thread in any way.

LOL, and this does? You're in over your head once again. Run along.

[cowboy1964]

How many ounces weight difference are we talking between a Magpul mid-length and something like a Troy Alpha? A Magpul mid-length is 8.7 oz. I find it hard to believe metal Troys and DDs and such could be much less.

[TucsonGlocker]

Originally Posted by cowboy1964

How many ounces weight difference are we talking between a Magpul mid-length and something like a Troy Alpha? A Magpul mid-length is 8.7 oz. I find it hard to believe metal Troys and DDs and such could be much less.

Here is the specs on the 9, 11, and 13" VTAC Alpha Rails

9” VTAC ALPHA:
•Weight w/clamps: 8.60 oz.
•Exact Length: 9.2”
•Number of rail slots: 23
•Inner diameter: 1.37”
•Outer diameter: 1.75”
•Length of cooling hole: 1.5”
•Number of cooling holes: 25
•Gas tube channel diameter: .5”
•Inner diameter of barrel nut: 1.05”
•Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
•Coating type: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III CLASS 2 HARD COAT ANODIZED w/Teflon

11” VTAC ALPHA:
•Weight w/clamp: 10.17 oz.
•Exact Length: 11.1”
•Number of rail slots: 28
•Inner diameter: 1.37”
•Outer diameter: 1.75”
•Length of cooling hole: 1.5”
•Number of cooling holes: 32
•Gas tube channel diameter: .5”
•Inner diameter of barrel nut: 1.05”
•Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
•Coating type: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III CLASS 2 HARD COAT ANODIZED w/Teflon

13” VTAC ALPHA:
•Weight w/clamp: 13.36 oz.
•Exact Length: 13.1”
•Number of rail slots: 33
•Inner diameter: 1.37”
•Outer diameter: 1.75”
•Length of cooling hole: 1.5”
•Number of cooling holes: 39
•Gas tube channel diameter: .5”
•Inner diameter of barrel nut: 1.05”
•Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
•Coating type: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III CLASS 2 HARD COAT ANODIZED w/Teflon

(Found this on another forum)

[TucsonGlocker]

aaaaand....

The Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail weighs in at 11.6 Ounces.

and the Daniel Defense Omega rail weighs in at 9.9 Ounces.


Both weights are for the midlength rail...

Hope that helps

[jr05]

I have the MOE handguards on my middy and really like them, so that would be my vote.

[WoodenPlank]

Something to bear in mind - last I checked, Troy posted the weights of JUST the rail, whereas Daniel Defense includes the weight of the barrel nut and all mounting hardware.

[mjkeat]

Originally Posted by cowboy1964

How many ounces weight difference are we talking between a Magpul mid-length and something like a Troy Alpha? A Magpul mid-length is 8.7 oz. I find it hard to believe metal Troys and DDs and such could be much less.

It's closer to 11.54oz. You have to take the whole picture into account. The Troy doesn't require the Delta ring or a complete FSP.

I was very supprised that the Magpul equiped rifle was heavier than the AR w/ a Troy 13" rail. The DD RIS II equiped AR feels about the same weight as the Magpul equiped AR as well. Aluminum is light.

[TangoFoxtrot]

Originally Posted by TucsonGlocker

aaaaand....

The Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail weighs in at 11.6 Ounces.

and the Daniel Defense Omega rail weighs in at 9.9 Ounces.


Both weights are for the midlength rail...

Hope that helps

With the tax and shipping your talking over $300 for the rail..WOW that is insane.

[WoodenPlank]

Originally Posted by TangoFoxtrot

With the tax and shipping your talking over $300 for the rail..WOW that is insane.

DD is a classic case of getting what you pay for.

[Fwdftw]

Centurion Arms is also a VERY lightweight rail.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=2482

[joe0121]

I love my MOE hand guard with angle grip. My build is a mid length as well and a home defense rifle. Very comfortable.

[cowboy1964]

Originally Posted by WoodenPlank

DD is a classic case of getting what you pay for.

There does come a point of diminishing returns. I don't need a $300 handguard/rail.

[SCSU74]

Originally Posted by WoodenPlank

Something to bear in mind - last I checked, Troy posted the weights of JUST the rail, whereas Daniel Defense includes the weight of the barrel nut and all mounting hardware.

The alpha uses standard barrel nut, no additional hardware. I like the alpha a lot more than the 12.0 fsp omega I was deciding between. Luckily a buddy had the DD for comparison


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[WoodenPlank]

Originally Posted by SCSU74

The alpha uses standard barrel nut, no additional hardware. I like the alpha a lot more than the 12.0 fsp omega I was deciding between. Luckily a buddy had the DD for comparison


Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

Understood, but when one company weighs their rail WITH a barrel nut, and the other does not, it's not fair to do a direct weight comparison.

[faawrenchbndr]

Originally Posted by TangoFoxtrot

With the tax and shipping your talking over $300 for the rail..WOW that is insane.

Nope,.......quality products, made from quality materials cost money!
Go buy a $49 UTG rail & see how that holds up.

[faawrenchbndr]

OP


Cost vs useability vs weight........the MOE is the best choice.

[mjkeat]

One thing we never asked about is shooting preference. OP, where do you place your support hand? If youre placing it further out toward the muzzle the longer the rail/tube the better.

Like FFA said the MOE is a great value.