AR-15 Question

[Magneto]

I am planning to take my Christmas money and save it for another gun. I am considering an AR-15 and would like to know how hard it is to install a quad rail. It would be a must have upgrade for me and have no idea how hard it is to do.

 

[grimor]

depends which one you get, some are as easy as removing the hand guards and putting on new "quad rail" hand guards. took me about 3 min without and tools.

 

[Cwood]

There is basically two types of Quad Rails. They come in either Drop In as they replace the standard handguards. Then there is the Free Float style, they typically require disassemble of the barrel and installation of a new style barrel nut and removal of the Front Sight Base if one is on the rifle. There is many different styles of Free Float Quad Rails out on the market from cheap to expensive.

 

[shooter521]

I am planning to take my Christmas money and save it for another gun. I am considering an AR-15 and would like to know how hard it is to install a quad rail. It would be a must have upgrade for me and have no idea how hard it is to do.

Depends on the rail. Several manufacturers offer rail systems that are direct replacements for the plastic handguards. They will not free-float the barrel, but will be easy to install, lock up nice and tight, and give you lots of rail estate for mounting grips, slings, lights, lasers, etc.

If you want a rail that free-floats the barrel, installation gets incrementally more difficult, depending on the make/model of the system. None of them are rocket science, but some do require specific tools.

 

[PMY]

To sum up, as long as you're not talking about free-floated rails, without the grip removal tool probably a few minutes. Better if you've got help. Without the tool, its about a three to four hand job.

With the tool, it can be done in a few seconds. If you're planning on switching back and forth now and then, get the tool.

 

[Lock n Load]

I have a couple of the MI drop in rails and they work great for what I use them for and their intended purpose. Im not mounting optics on the rails since I run ACOGs and they are back on the receiver.

As others stated, these drop in just like the factory handguards.

 

[451_Detonics]

It would be a must have upgrade for me

Yep, without a quad rail how else can you get all those needed accessories on your rifle...

Seriously tho a forend tool makes changing a snap as long as you don't want to go with a free float tube forend...

ProMag Handguard Removal Tool AR-15 Synthetic Black - MidwayUSA

 

[grizman]

Yep, without a quad rail how else can you get all those needed accessories on your rifle...

Seriously tho a forend tool makes changing a snap as long as you don't want to go with a free float tube forend...

ProMag Handguard Removal Tool AR-15 Synthetic Black - MidwayUSA

OMG!! every wannabe operator and mall ninja will have this made into a poster and use it as a pictorial build guide!!! LOL
Or is this just the way someone stores all their spare AR stuff?

 

[EPD1102]

If you decide to go with a free-float handguard, are willing to come to Evansville, and need some help installing it, you can contact me and we can get together. I have all the tools and have installed more than a few of them.

 

[shoot2thrill]

I am planning to take my Christmas money and save it for another gun. I am considering an AR-15 and would like to know how hard it is to install a quad rail. It would be a must have upgrade for me and have no idea how hard it is to do.

When I built my AR I picked up a complete upper kit that was pre-assembled with the barrel already free-floated. It takes alot of the extra work outta building. Like mentioned, though, if your gonna switch back and forth, free floating isn't the way to go.

So i guess the question that comes back to you is.....which mounting method are you considering???

It seems to be all the rage, but building with a complete kit MINUS the stripped lower was the best way for me to go....might wanna check that out!!

 

[col132]

Since you're asking this question, I assume that you don't have the tools or knowledge to install a free float tube. You're best option would be to start with one of the excellent drop in kits such as DD, Troy, or Midwest. You can install any of these with no problem. I personally prefer the DD Omega drop in over anything else I've had, including free float. The other option, as has been offered, would be to have someone install a free float tube for you.

 

[SnoopLoggyDog]

I also prefer Daniel Defense, Troy, used Knights, or Midwest. Yankee Hill Machine can be heavy but are rock solid. Drop in rails are good to start out with while figuring out what you are going to hang on your rifle. Free Float rails are great for enhancing accuracy.

Stay away from UTG. Overpriced chi-comm air-soft poop.

 

[Cwood]

There is a locally made solution to Drop In rails!

ISD AR-15 Drop In Carbine Rail

 

[firecop9774]

ar15.com

GunTech : How to Build An AR-15 Video - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

and believe or not, youtube.com.

All have a boat load of useful info to one who is new to the AR / M4.

 

[Shootin'IN]

The AR-15 is unlimited in the type of stuff that you can mount on it.
Unless you are just wanting the experience of assembling your own upper good or bad.
Why don't you buy a complete lower, and a upper built with the upgrades you want?
In the long run it could be cheaper, having a gun assembled by a professional,
warranted by the builder, without any misfitting parts or striped screws.

 

[vick1]

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/omega-rail.html

I have these on my rifles... You can find them used often on other forums 7.0 usually for $150-$200