Picatinny rail forend for M4

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madkiwi

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So I want to replace my M4 handguards, mostly so I can start adding cool doodads (lights and lasers).

Right away, I am puzzled by the options.

Knight's have their version, the RAS which goes for around $330

Surefire has the M73 for an msrp of $195

Then Fobus markets the First Samco M-44S for a $136 msrp- street price is around $100.

Should I really spend $300+ on a set of Picatinny handguards?

Opinions?

madkiwi
 
If you buy the KAC, SureFire or LaRue you can be sure you're getting a true to spec M1913 rail. This rail is hard to make consistantly, which is why you see so much variation in the rails.

Do you need a full spec M1913 Picatinney rail? I don't know how you intend to use the weapon so I can't really judge. If you just want to run a light, then one of the cheaper systems will work. If you're going to run sighting equipment, then I'd go for the best rail you can buy. Don't scrimp on the mounts either.

You get what you pay for is good thng to keep in mind when buying accessories.

Jeff
 
right now, Larue is the quality standard, but there are many new products coming on to the market. it really does depend on you want to use your rifle. in addition to what jeff said above, it also depends on how hard you run your AR. as a safe queen/just for shooting paper targets, you don't need the increased quality (but you may want it). if you plan to use it hard and/or take 'serious' tactical classes, i would recommend a more sturdy rail.

also, if you plan to use a vertical foregrip, i would recommend a larue. the larue rails have an anti-twist device so you can torque the rail as much as you want and it will not damage the gun. mark larue put this into his design b/c some soldiers were twisting their vertical foregrips so hard they were pinching off the gas tube.
 
I have a LaRue 7.0 myself.

If you have no problems removing the barrel from the upper and front sight/gas block assembly from the barrel you should have no problems installing this forend.

It is the best free floating forend available to my knowledge.

However, if you do not want to mess around with barrel wrenches, vises, and Big F'n Hammers ;) you might prefer the ease of installation the SureFire M73 affords. Maybe five minutes at most, with only an allen wrench (included I believe) required.

You do not have to have a free floating forend unless you intend to put an optical sight on it.

Oh, and buy some rubber rail covers to cover up unused sections of rail, it makes the forend easier to handle.
 
I just got the surefire m73 as an anniversary gift from my wife and really like it. No movement at all, great finish, feels great.
 
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