Comments on: building an aesthetic

By: Linoge

Linoge — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:39:09 +0000

Not sure how many options are between the two I showed… I think YHM’s “Spectre”-length quad-rail system is about an inch longer than the carbine’s, but I am not sure. The more I think about it, the more I am leaning towards the rifle-length, but that, too, is subject to change.
As for the vertical grip, I handled an AR-15 platform with one at a Jacksonville gun show, and have wanted one ever since – it seems to make supporting and controlling the weight a lot easier. Of course, this platform also had an EOTech on it as well, and I have wanted one of those ever since… go figure.

By: PeterFF

PeterFF — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:23:21 +0000

It is a mid-length, so somewhere between the two you show. Not sure about the vertical hand grip, I an not a huge fan of those on a personal preference level, so I haven’t looked into them much. I would prefer the smooth area for a more standard grip on the handguard, but that’s just me, and subject to change without notice.

By: Linoge

Linoge — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:08:56 +0000

Hm, good suggestion, that! Though, a question – do you know how long the RRA Half-Quad is? And is it more typical for people to mount vertical grips on the front or back sections of their rails? I ask, because, by the time I am done with this thing, it will undoubtedly have a vertical grip, and I am not sure the Half-Quad arrangement would allow for comfortable mounting of one.

By: PeterFF

PeterFF — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:12:05 +0000

I am working on my first AR. I went with the standard CAR handguards, but you don’s like those, so…
I would have to say that if I built one with a rail system, it would probably be Rock River Arms Half Quad Rail, it gives you the rails up front where you are most likely to mount stuff, and a little less spiky of a grip.

By: Linoge

Linoge — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:55:51 +0000

Oh, do not worry – it is getting a mid-length gas system regardless of what I decide concerning the handguards. The carbine/rifle-length question is only for the rails, and I am still at a loss .

By: mike w.

mike w. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:35:56 +0000

Mid and rifle length gas systems are more durable/reliable than carbine length.

By: Linoge

Linoge — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:30:56 +0000

In reference to Kurt P‘s comment here, I appreciate the look of the old-skool A1 and A2 frames, but something about that tapering handguard just rubs me the wrong direction. Thankfully, options seem to be… numerous… these days . That, and I am trying to follow the Hitchhiker’s Guide in terms of firearm construction.
I really cannot decide, Mike… I wish I had the time/motivation/money to go the SBR route and have just the flash-hider sprouting from the mass of rails, but I do not. Something about the rifle design looks more durable and mean, but the carbine design is lighter and, after a fashion, has more options. Bleh.
Of course, as dilemmas go, this is far from the worst .

By: mike w.

mike w. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:59:23 +0000

I actually like the looks of the shorter carbine length rails better than the rifle length.