Help me set up my AR

more people might be able to help if you post the same question at ar15.com. I'm a beginner with AR builds as well, and I find a lot of information over there.

Okay there is multiple ways to go about this depending on how much money you have. I used the Midwest Industries quadrail- http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=64

Then I used a cheaper VFG(vertical front grip) http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=4952&cat=1599

And finally a Streamlight M3 http://www.productwizard.com/m3streamlight.html

I put the streamlight right in front of the VFG and I can actuate the on/off or temporary on/off with my index finger while holding the VFG.

Now thats around $150 for that VFG flashlight combo, if you have an extra $500/$600 laying around to put into a light/grip combo then check this out http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/carfnbr/266/sesent/00

Personally I'd rather skip the real fancy stuff and spend money on ammo, but thats just me. Good luck, hope this helps.

What is your budget?
Do you have the tools to install the freefloat yourself?

I bought a Daniel Defense Omega Rail 7.0. http://www.atstacticalgear.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=DD-033!094 It's a free float rail system that replaces your normal handguards with no special tools required and no need to remove your barrel to install.
I also have a Tango Down VFG.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=25&t=426138 found this a minute ago. The free float tube would be optimal but I'm not sure whats involved in installation, you might need a gunsmith.

Check this out...
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=124&t=352416

Edit - Direct link - https://www.commandarms.com/product.asp?pID=225&cID=12

UTG makes a non free float 4 rail that is really good ... direct replacement for the CAR handguards.

Yankee Hill makes a good quad rail.

Concerning the light (and the product in general, really), what kind of budget are you looking at? The set up you want can be anywhere from "not too bad" to "insane" depending on what route you want to go.

UTG makes a non free float 4 rail that is really good ... direct replacement for the CAR handguards.

Click to expand...

I'll agree. I was skeptical about Leapers/UTG, but I figured for ~$60 it was worth a try. I'm glad I did, I like it alot. Fits tight and solid on my Bushmaster.

ignore the 3 scopes, that was just for fun.

This is a YHM 2 piece rail, which I got on sale for $95, installs in 5 minutes and very solid

The vertical grip someone gave me in a trade along with something else. I think its tangodown, its a pain to get on, but once it's on it's very solid.
The flashlight is a surefire G2 in a viking tactics mount
rail cover are magpul ladder, $9 each and cut to needed size

total cost for the accessories was about $220

if youre done having fun, you could send me the one in the middle to lighten the load a little. pm me if you need my addy

Both the wife and I have KAC rails on our M-4s with the VFG mounted and a Surefire light held in a regular 1" Weaver ring on the right side rail. If you need it, just reach your thumb off the VFG to depress the butt switch on the light. Simple and it works without the need for a bunch of wires to get snagged on everything. Same thing at work. My M-4 there is set up in a similar fashion and instead of using the wire for the PAQ-4, I just fold down the lever and use my thumb to activate it too when needed.

Partial to daniel defense my self. I like streamlight's TLR 1 I've got on my Warrior and looking to pick up a couple more for the ar's.

The UTG forerails look like just what I need

Gunmoses , the 3 scope thing is just plain mean to those without one at the moment