APEX Rails

[Stickman]

An overview of the new APEX rails is up, if you've got any questions I can answer, or comments, feel free to fire away.

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?2458-APEX-Rails&p=22088#post22088




http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/apex-machine-rail/868w0570-800-stick.jpg


http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/apex-machine-rail/868w0598-800-stick.jpg


http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/apex-machine-rail/868w0587-800-stick.jpg

[AR-10]

That mounting collar looks seriously strong.

It also looks like it can get seriously hot.

I like the Gatorgrip.

[Optimus Prime]

I can't really tell from the pics, but can you attach enough rail to the bottom for an AFG?

[Stickman]

That mounting collar looks seriously strong.

It also looks like it can get seriously hot.

I like the Gatorgrip.




Any aluminum rail can get hot, this one is certainly no exception.

[Stickman]

I can't really tell from the pics, but can you attach enough rail to the bottom for an AFG?

Yes you can.

[Optimus Prime]

I'ma have to keep an eye on this one...

[rob_s]

I have one of these as sold under the Blackheart International (http://www.bhigear.com/bhiriflelengthhandguardforar-15carbine.aspx) name. It appears from these pictures that this newer sample corrects one of the issues I had with mine which is that the top rail is not at the same height as the flattop upper receiver, thereby potentially causing issues with the installation of a front sight. when I first installed the system I assumed had done something wrong because I didn't think that could possibly be right. Glad to see it appears to have been addressed.

I'm also glad to see that they put a QD sling attachment point at the rear in addition to the one at the front that my tube has.

Apex has done some cool mods and versions, including one they posted a picture of on Silencertalk of a tube with a cut out for a Noveske Switchblock. I've spoken with the owner on the phone and he was very nice, and open and receptive to concerns and criticisms. Looks like the product is evolving nicely.

The nut is very stout and clamps on over the stock barrel nut, but it is also pretty heavy and the result is an overall weight for a non-railed tube system that weighs in more than most full-railed systems. Add the rails to the tube and...

[tirod]

It's not marketed as a lite weight at 15 to 16.7 oz., but checking Rob_s's handguard weights on the "calculator" shows a few bigger name players 4 oz more, like KAC, DD, Midwest, etc. Few seem to run less than 14 oz, comparing rifle length setups. I expect continuing miniaturization of optics, lights, etc will reduce weights in the long run far more than trimming a few thousandths from the wall thickness - which may be a future option just as others have done. I suspect anyone using rails would be lucky to get the assembled package under 9 pounds.

Aesthetically, it appeals with a very trim look that's functional as well. It's an important part of the gun market, "dumb n fugly" will kill a product line regardless of reliability or effectiveness. What the maker can do to help heat build up is provide an optional aluminum ventilated barrel nut to work in concert. The tube could then screw into it with one locking screw.

[OfcPowder]

Saw these at Surplus Ammo today, awesome price at $175-ish for the 12"