What kind of front rail do i need?

jraab

jraab

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Hey,

I am new to the Bushmaster but I think its time to put a nice rail on the front.

What kind of rail do I need? Is there a particular size or style that I need to use?

How do these things mount? Can I just get any style and install it?

Any recommendations?

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thanks for your help,

Jon
 
Your rifle has a carbine length gas system. What you need is a rail system designed for carbines or 7" in length. There are two basic styles of rails. Free float, and non free float. A free float rail(FF) contacts no portion of the barrel. These mounts usually clamp around the barrel nut(underneath the spring loaded ribbed ring called the Delta ring that secures your current factory handguards). A FF handguard offers consistent performance by not altering or affecting the barrel harmonics when resting the rifle on barricades or attaching accessories. A non free float rail (NFF) does contact the barrel when installed. the added benefits observed with FF rails is obviously not observed with NFF rails. NFF rails are generally cheaper in price and easier to install.

Most FF rails require the removal of the front sight base(FSB) or cutting the Delta ring off with a dremel. NFF rails are usually straight "drop in" replacements for your standard handguards.

Regardless of what you choose, you get what you pay for. Check out AR15.com, there are plenty of links with information about nearly all the options available and even installation tutorials.

TDC
 
Why is it time to mount a rail? Apart from the LKF?
Is there a specific accessory you need to mount? If so, then a rail appropriate for that accessory would be the best choice.
 
tiriaq said:
Why is it time to mount a rail? Apart from the LKF?
Is there a specific accessory you need to mount? If so, then a rail appropriate for that accessory would be the best choice.
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Depending in what the OP's intent for the rifle is and what rail he chooses. The rail may be deemed necessary. I don't use the vast majority of the rail-estate in my DD Omega but I prefer the improved heat dissipation, the added protection for the gas tube and the ability to barricade shoot without changing my POI.

TDC
 
I like removing the front sight and installing a looooooong rail. You can set up with a longer sight radius and use a flip front sight, which is nice whenever you decide to use optics.
 
DD omega is the ticket if you want a free float drop in replacement. It even has an integral swivel mount for a push button if you decide you'd like a high speed sling like the viker's.

Other then that, if you don't mind a little gunsmithing, a longer rail with a low profile gas block will offer you an increased sight radius and the ability to use a flip up front sight (like Taman suggested). There are a multitude of manufacturers offering 9" and 10" lengths that would suit that carbine quite well. If you go this route, you'll have to choose a new gas block as well. I just finished installing a LaRue 10.0 rail and LaRue gas block for a guy on a bushy just like yours. It was a very solid set up, but it did require a bit of work.

TDC: FWIW, I don't think you're a ####.
 
angryeyebrows said:
DD omega is the ticket if you want a free float drop in replacement. It even has an integral swivel mount for a push button if you decide you'd like a high speed sling like the viker's.

Other then that, if you don't mind a little gunsmithing, a longer rail with a low profile gas block will offer you an increased sight radius and the ability to use a flip up front sight (like Taman suggested). There are a multitude of manufacturers offering 9" and 10" lengths that would suit that carbine quite well. If you go this route, you'll have to choose a new gas block as well. I just finished installing a LaRue 10.0 rail and LaRue gas block for a guy on a bushy just like yours. It was a very solid set up, but it did require a bit of work.

TDC: FWIW, I don't think you're a ####.
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I agree on the DD, the lightest and easiest FF rail to install. Not to mention it is very low profile. As for the bold, thanks Angry.:D

TDC
 
This is a good time to be looking at buying a rail set up, the prices at a couple of dealers have dropped in the last week due to the strength of the dollar.

TDC, I don't always agree with you 100% but there's always a pretty solid logical foundation to your posts, if folks thinks that's you being a d*ck that's their problem.
 
angryeyebrows said:
DD omega is the ticket if you want a free float drop in replacement. It even has an integral swivel mount for a push button if you decide you'd like a high speed sling like the viker's.

Other then that, if you don't mind a little gunsmithing, a longer rail with a low profile gas block will offer you an increased sight radius and the ability to use a flip up front sight (like Taman suggested). There are a multitude of manufacturers offering 9" and 10" lengths that would suit that carbine quite well. If you go this route, you'll have to choose a new gas block as well. I just finished installing a LaRue 10.0 rail and LaRue gas block for a guy on a bushy just like yours. It was a very solid set up, but it did require a bit of work.

TDC: FWIW, I don't think you're a ####.
Click to expand...



I don't want to derail this thread too badly but just how much work is it to do this job and what tools would it require? I'm thinking of going with either a 10" or 12" on a 16" carbine.
 
Hi All,

I can speak from my experience installing a Troy 10" free float rail. It was quite easy, it did require cutting off the Delta ring with a dremel tool after taking off the original front handguards, just take your time and check as you go - but it's not a difficult process. If you can remove the front sight/gas block great, then replace it with a low profile gas block to fit under the rail. I could not on my Bushmaster because I could not get the flash hider to unscrew even after heating it, so I cut the front sight post down to fit under the rail. Again a bit of work, but it all came together fine. Took me a couple, maybe three hours, but I was taking my time so as not to screw anything up.

Mounted BUIS from Troy, mounted the red dot, good to go.
 
Davy Crockett said:
I don't want to derail this thread too badly but just how much work is it to do this job and what tools would it require? I'm thinking of going with either a 10" or 12" on a 16" carbine.
Click to expand...

The DD Omega is the only "drop in" FF rail on the market. Remove handguard, install Omega, tighten screws per the instructions, done.. The allen wrench comes with the kit, no additional tools required. Aside from the previous advantages, it also doesn't permanently alter your rifle either.

TDC
 
TDC said:
The DD Omega is the only "drop in" FF rail on the market. Remove handguard, install Omega, tighten screws per the instructions, done.. The allen wrench comes with the kit, no additional tools required. Aside from the previous advantages, it also doesn't permanently alter your rifle either.

TDC
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I'm ok with that part TDC. I'm more concerned with the installation of a low profile gas block so I could use the 10" or 12" rail with the carbine length gas system.

I don't really want to hack down the front sight, that seems a little too bubba for my liking.
 
Davy Crockett said:
I'm ok with that part TDC. I'm more concerned with the installation of a low profile gas block so I could use the 10" or 12" rail with the carbine length gas system.

I don't really want to hack down the front sight, that seems a little too bubba for my liking.
Click to expand...

Hacking the FSB doesn't always look that great but there are significant benefits to the factor pinned on FSB over a set screw aftermarket unit. Personally I don't screw with the factory gas. Reliability is most important and the gas system is usually where problems occur. If you do decide to run an aftermarket FSB/gas block its not difficult to remove the factory one.

Gailamir said:
ARMS is another option. Civilian versions just go over your delta ring. no cutting necessary. front site can be left intact.
Click to expand...

The ARMS SIR system is functional, aside from its excessive size, weight, and cost.

TDC
 
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