Why does the M10x only come with short rail now?

[Canadian gunner 556]

When the M10x first came out, it had a full rail right up to the front the gas block.
About a year or so after that, they began selling the M10x "short handguard" version.
But why would they do that? The full length rail looks like it would be better, the short looks too short for the size of the rifle & less room for Mlok or pic rail.

 

[onetwentyish]

Short answer: it sells better.

Long answer: the increased length increases the weight forward of the magwell which drastically effects the balance and percieved weight to the shooter due to how front heavy it is. As a result, people generally prefer the shorter hg model. Discontinuing the long hg model altogether also streamlines their production line.

 

[Crusader]

If you want a rifle to LARP, look good and play make belive or make pictures for facebook then the long handgaurd is best.

If you actually want something functional, that isnt a front heavy bastard because you actually plan to use the thing outside of a bench rest, the short handgaurd is waybetter.

 

[gutinater]

I have a theory that with the longer hand guard models receiver flexing side to side and causing the accuracy issues... maybe its better with the short handguard or they also redesigned it to not flex somehow.. are the short hand guard models any more accurate?