So, you want to upgrade your fore end.

You’ve got this cool new gun.  You’ve zeroed it.  You’ve learned to run it.  But now you’re thinking about putting a flashlight on it, and you realize you’re going to want a rail to accommodate it and the zillion accessories you now think you need.

let’s talk rails.

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Most AR15s come with a standard set of hand guards that are plastic.  They are held in place by a set of spring loaded caps, one at the front of the upper receiver and one right behind the front sight base.

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While this hand guard is really a pretty great piece of equipment, it doesn’t allow you to capitalize on the modularity of the platform in your hands – but do you really need any more modularity?

Do you actually need a rail, or will the plastic hand guards suffice?

You need a rail only if you plan to mount:

• flashlight
• laser
• video camera
• forward hand grip
• bipod
• grip stop

If not, then keep your stock hand guard and stop reading this post now.

When you consider rails, there are basically two types: free float, and standard.

Standard rails touch the barrel at some point, and free float tubes do not.

Let’s look at some of the more popular standard rails out there, and then move on to your more popular free float options:

Standard Drop-in rails:

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Knights Armament Company RAS/RIS – This has been the standard railed unit riding on the United States Military’s carbines for nearly 2 decades.

Taken from military.com

This 7 inch rail gives one the precious space they need for flashlights, forward hand grips, lasers, what have you.

Midwest Industries has a pretty good drop in rail.  It’s just like the RAS/RIS above, but has a small piece on the 12 o’clock section that connects the upper and the rail.

Daniel Defense makes some of the best rails you can get your hands on.  Daniel Defense also makes an iteration of the 7″ rail.  This is a little more expensive than the Midwest Industries rail, but it’s a better brand.  You know, like a Chevy is better than a Dodge.

Due to the price point and real innovative thinking it represents, the Magpul MOE hand guard is my favorite in this category.   It usually doesn’t come with any rails, but they can be had pretty cheaply.

Free Float Tubes:

Troy Alpha Rail
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When you get into the world of free float tubes, you’re not as limited to length.  You can stick a tube all the way out to the muzzle if you want to.

I’m a big fan of the Troy Alpha rails.  I run one on my primary rifle.  They’re very low profile and super easy to install.  It has holes throughout so that you can attach rail sections where you need them.

Some of the older styles are covered in rails.  This is my Knights Armament Company rail on my Mk12 marksman’s rifle.

Mk12 Mod1 rail
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It’s great for attaching accessories.  But there’s a lot of unused rail space which (I sound like a wimp saying this) hurts your hand, and isn’t terribly comfortable when it’s not covered.  Also, if I want to put my light in between the rails, there’s just no way to do it.  I run my Scout Light at 11:00 on my Troy rail, but I sure can’t do that on my Mk 12 mod 1!

Some free float tubes come with a cutout for your A post front sight.  Here’s a picture of my recently unmounted Daniel Defense Omega rail – of which I am a huge fan.  Light, slim, solid.

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Of course Geissele makes a really good free float rail, as does Century Arms, Samson manufacturing, among others.  There are just so many choices in this category, that it’s really tough to give a nod to them all.  Just make sure that you’re buying a reputable brand, and that it will hold up to what abuse you plan to dish out.

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Why might you care whether or not the hand guard touches the barrel? Apparently the barrel harmonics are messed up the more stuff you touch the barrel with.  That’s why they free float barrels on high end bolt action rifles.  So, free float tubes will give you better accuracy out of your barrel.

Free float tube
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When looking at a rail, you may need to pay attention to what length gas system is.  Rails are made in different sizes to accommodate different length gas systems.  Some 1 piece tubes will fit over any size gas system, and allow your length to not be dictated by your gas system.  Just pay attention to this before you buy.

Lastly, when you get rid of that A-frame front sight post, you’ll have to think about replacing the front sight.  Some of these free floats have integral front sights.  For others, you may need to buy a flip up or fixed front sight.  Make sure to factor this in to the cost of the rail.