I have been using the Rainier/Samson Evo rail for a good while, and after my initial reservations about its installation, have found it to be a rather decent and very lightweight handguard.
Like the Centurion Arms C4 rail I recently reviewed, the Evo rail was provided by Rainier Arms. It is currently available for $175, which is, I think, a competitive price.
Does instillation require removal of the front sight?i looked on their web sight and couldn’t find an answer.
It does – I forgot to mention that, sorry.
You say that you ‘won’t say it’s the best rail on the market’. Is the competition too close, or are there options you like better? If so, why?
I think its biggest competitor is the Troy TRX, and I think that the Samson/Rainier Evo is a more solid rail with a less delicate mounting method – but both are outclassed by slightly heavier rails with sturdier attachment methods, if we are talking about something that will be abused daily for what could amount to months or years on end.
Whatever it is it’s a damned sexy rail.
So far I have mostly heard monolithic rails talked about within the context of long-range optics options, due to the unbroken top rail. However, it occurs to me that perhaps something like the Mega lightweight modular upper could be attractive from the standpoint of being both lightweight (~20oz, i assume this includes barrel nut) and highly durable simply from the standpoint of it not consisting of multiple joined components. Thoughts?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for the last bit of accuracy, a truly monolithic upper is a good way to go. However, there are plenty of extremely accurate ARs that have standard receiver/rail combos.
Right. Mainly though what I was wondering about was your comment about how you like the Samson/Rainier handguard because it’s light and has modular rail options, but might choose a different more durable handguard for heavy duty use.
So my thought is would a lightweight modular upper, quite outside of the question of accuracy, retain the weight savings advantage of a very light rail and yet be able to stand up to heavier combat use due to its construction?
Sorry, just to clarify, my above comment should read “…a lightweight modular MONOLITHIC upper, quite outside of…”
Can you comment on how hot the hand guard gets under under rapid firing. Thanks.