LaRue or Spike's 12" Rail?

[danielocean03]

I'm considering removing the factory handguards and front site gas block on my Spike's ST-15 M4 LE and fitting a 12" rail in conjunction with a low-profile gas block. I've not handled either of rails I'm interested in myself, but I've read positive reviews of both products. Does anyone else have a similar setup they'd like to share their opinions/pro's & con's, etc?

Thanks in advance.

Here's LaRue's:

Spike's: Spike's Tactical 12 BAR Rail [SAR1112] - $218.00 : Spikes Tactical

 

[ZbornacSVT]

I am a continuous top rail kinda guy....so I would go spikes.

 

[danielocean03]

Good call Kimball, I'm a big fan of that too. I don't know why I didn't notice before that the LRT rail's "donut" would disrupt that. Saves me almost $100 too... I'm liking that rail better already.

 

[danielocean03]

As far as the low profile gas block is concerned, will the Spike's version work for what I'm wanting to accomplish?

There's a note on the product: *Note, If replacing a Standard Front sight base these gas blocks are Not long enough to cover both existing FSB pin holes in barrel.

Spike's Tactical Micro gas block (.625) [SUGB110] - $29.95 : Spikes Tactical

I still have to measure my barrel to see if I need the .75'' or the .625'' diameter version.

 

[aclark]

I like the continuous top rail too, so spike's out of those two. You might want to call or email them because they were supposed to be releasing a new rail that was slimmer/lighter than the BAR, I think it was called the SAR.

 

[mvician]

I still have to measure my barrel to see if I need the .75'' or the .625'' diameter version.

.750" is the barrel diameter at the FSB.


Spike's BAR rail ( it is a BIG A$$ Rail )

 

[Gamez235]

I've been using the Omega X from Daniel Defense. Super light weight, and very low profile on the left and right. I didn't care for the BAR rail due to it being round, I hear the new SAR from them will be profiled like the Omegas.

 

[esrice]

IMO

LaRue Rail

• Tough as nails
• Proven time-tested system
• Slim profile
• QD slots near receiver
• Extra credit for LaRue-laid drinking
• Does not provide continuous upper rail
• Expensive (although I believe the Spike's SAR rail is about the same)

Spike's BAR Rail (or SAR)

• Continuous upper rail
• QD slots on each end of each side
• Lightweight
• Latest sexy rail fashion
• Tube-like profile (not as much with the SAR)
• Weight-saving cuts mean you see more of the barrel
• Expensive (moot point with these two rails)

When I was picking a rail for my SBR project I considered both of these rails. In the end I ended up choosing a Daniel Defense rail on a Noveske upper, but I would've picked the LaRue rail over the Spike's if I had gone with a BCM upper.

Now for some eye candy.

BAR vs. SAR

Spike's Tactical Forums • View topic - Photo Comparison: BAR Rail vs SAR Rail

 

[danielocean03]

Thanks for the input so far guys, keep it coming! I'm still doing my research, I'll post back w/my decision.

 

[danielocean03]

As far as the low profile gas block is concerned, will the Spike's version work for what I'm wanting to accomplish?

There's a note on the product: *Note, If replacing a Standard Front sight base these gas blocks are Not long enough to cover both existing FSB pin holes in barrel.

Spike's Tactical Micro gas block (.625) [SUGB110] - $29.95 : Spikes Tactical

Anyone have any ideas about the quote in blue?

 

[shooter521]

Anyone have any ideas about the quote in blue?

Yes, it means the micro gas block is not long enough to cover the front pin-hole "scar" that is left when the standard FSB is removed. You need a "long nose" type gas block for that.

Micro:

Long Nose:

 

[danielocean03]

Ah, ok. I've never taken a FSB off of a barrel before, so I didn't know that. So is it purely a cosmetic issue with the "scar " on the barrel? I had read elsewhere that LRT's gas block covered everything up quite nicely.

 

[shooter521]

So is it purely a cosmetic issue with the "scar " on the barrel?

Generally yes, although many if not most mfrs do not parkerize under the gas block, so covering the resulting bare area would help guard against future corrosion. Or you could just refinish that bit (spray-on whatever) before you installed the rail.

I had read elsewhere that LRT's gas block covered everything up quite nicely.

It does; the LT gas block is the very bottom one I posted.

 

[Cwood]

Just a quick note... If you go with a LaRue Rail buy the LaRue gas block. I had a Lo-Pro gas block like Shooter showed but it required some grinding to fit in the keyhole opening on the LaRue rail.

 

[aclark]

So is the SAR rail out yet? When I contacted Spike's in Dec (I believe) they said it should be out by the first of the year; however, I don't see it on their website.

Although not that it matter since I ended up with the OmegaX, but I'm just curious.

 

[esrice]

So is the SAR rail out yet?

I believe so. At least they quoted me with one on a 10.5" upper when I was shopping around last month.

 

[danielocean03]

Now I'm looking at carbine-length setups .... options, options.