Need suggestions on a rail/forend

[SWThomas]

I'm in the process of building a precision rifle and I need some ideas on a rail/forend. It has a 24" Douglas bbl in a heavy contour. It's 1" behind the gas block and 0.850" at the gas block and forward. It has a rifle length gas system and a low-pro block.

What rail/tube would fit this set-up and be long enough to cover the gas block?

 

[ORD]

Is there anything specific you were wanting in terms of materials, configuration, color, etc. or are you really just concerned about it being long enough to cover the journal?

There are TONS of different options out there...all with different features/prices/etc. A little more info on what, specifically, you are wanting, including a budget/range for it, would be helpful in getting you pointed in the right direction. Also, do you know the total height of your gas block over the bore as some rails, even with a lo-pro block especially on a 0.875" journal (I assume you meant 0.875" and not 0.850" which is an off size), may not clear the block.

 

[Drifter™]

Depending upon the particular gas block, you'll need a 14" to 15" rail to cover it.

 

[Zebra644]

Also what pattern DPMS / SR-25 or Armalite?

 

[ORD]

Also what pattern DPMS / SR-25 or Armalite?

I didn't even think about that issue as I was assuming that we were talking about an AR-15...not a large-frame.

If it is a large-frame, you'll need the specific make/model as Zebra stated, and if its a DPMS, you'll also need to know what receiver height you have as the rail options are different for each different height.

 

[Little gator]

I'm in the process of building a precision rifle and I need some ideas on a rail/forend. It has a 24" Douglas bbl in a heavy contour. It's 1" behind the gas block and 0.850" at the gas block and forward. It has a rifle length gas system and a low-pro block.

What rail/tube would fit this set-up and be long enough to cover the gas block?

Danel defence "lite rail" comes in 14" troy makes 13 and 15s. I could be completly off base but I want to say the O.D.of low pro blocks are all more or less regardless of I.D.

but 12 inches will cover most of your block...but that extra bit of rail will cost ya. IMHO go with the ddits super light...with a 24 bull I'd op for light not that you asked.

Edit: we are talking about ar15s right? If not disregard my post lol

 

[Zebra644]

I didn't even think about that issue as I was assuming that we were talking about an AR-15...not a large-frame.

If it is a large-frame, you'll need the specific make/model as Zebra stated, and if its a DPMS, you'll also need to know what receiver height you have as the rail options are different for each different height.

LOL it's okay brother, I was assuming it was a large frame and not an AR-15. SWThomas didn't say either way, so it might help ifwe know caliber and pattern.

 

[SWThomas]

The upper and lower are both Aero Precision. I'll be using a normal barrel nut. Price really isn't a factor. Lighter would be better, but the rifle is already going to be a friggin truck axle so a few ounces isn't a deal breaker.

This is going to be strictly for punching paper. I don't need a rail, as I won't be mounting anything, but I'm not going to rule one out if it'll work for my application. All I really need is the ability to possibly mount a sling and definitely mount a bipod.

 

[ORD]

The upper and lower are both Aero Precision. I'll be using a normal barrel nut. Price really isn't a factor. Lighter would be better, but the rifle is already going to be a friggin truck axle so a few ounces isn't a deal breaker.

This is going to be strictly for punching paper. I don't need a rail, as I won't be mounting anything, but I'm not going to rule one out if it'll work for my application. All I really need is the ability to possibly mount a sling and definitely mount a bipod.

Ok...so AR-15 then.

Without knowing too much in terms of measurements on your gas block/journal area and the clearance you'll need, I'd look at:

1) PRI (both their round and delta handguards/rails) can be had in 14" and 15" lengths which will more than cover the journal on your rifle. They are carbon fiber (in black, FDE and natural CF finishes) thus, fairly light in comparison to other offerings, but they are built like tanks in terms of their rugged durability. The round has roughly 0.8" ID from the centerline of the barrel to the inside top of the rail (confirm the exact amt with PRI) so again, whether your setup will work or not will depend on your measurements. The Delta/triangular handguards are AWESOME to put it mildly and the benefit to the delta configuration is that they'll clear ANY low profile block on the market with any size barrel thanks to well over 1" of room from the centerline of the bore to the inside top of the rail. As is typical, they have an assortment of rail sections that can be mounted at various locations on the rail, and they also have full-length top rails that will mount from the receiver to the rail itself to give you a monolithic platform if you so choose.

2) Apex has some nice offerings in the 15" lengths that have an ID of ~1.75" which may work well with your setup. They are aluminum rails that are modular in terms of rail-mounting ability and they have a really nice texturizing to them on the bottom 2/3 of the rail not found on most handguard systems.

3) JP Enterprises offers their modular handguards in extended length of ~15.5" IIRC. They are likewise a completely modular setup for you to add rails/attachments where you want/need them and have an ID of ~1.75" as well.

4) Lancer Systems makes an octagonal shaped extended length rail that's ~16" with an ID of 1.8". Also totally modular, incredibly light, but still VERY strong rails.