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View Full Version : Troy TRX Extreme BattleRail Review (BattleRail Alpha)



InvictusTacticalReview
16 April 2013, 19:51
The Troy Industries TRX Extreme BattleRail was one of the first modular free float AR15 handguards. Today, there are many options for a modular AR15 rail handguard, but the Troy Industries design remains one of the dominant players in the market.

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Just the Facts:

The Troy Industries TRX Extreme BattleRail (now replaced by the Troy BattleRail Alpha) is designed to be both lightweight and modular. The vent holes allow for the mounting of accessory rails at 7 different angles: 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, as well as 45 degree angles. The top rail extends the length of the handguard, and is suitable for extended optics setups (i.e. Night Vision) as well as mounting a front sight.

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Troy included two shorter 5 slot rail segments, as well as one longer 10 slot rail segment with the rail. They also included a barrel nut. This was helpful, since I was removing an older YHM Quad Rail, and needed the correct barrel nut to mount the TRX Extreme BattleRail. At this point, not all handguard kits from Troy include the barrel nut.

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Mounting and Installation:

Troy Industries designed the TRX Extreme rail to be compatible with the original barrel nut. For those comfortable with a hands-on approach, the original barrel nut can be removed and the delta ring and weld spring set aside. For those who don’t want to remove the barrel nut, the delta ring and spring can be cut away, allowing for installation without as much disassembly.

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Once the bare barrel nut is present, the TRX Extreme handguard should be aligned with the barrel nut spines and slid over the barrel nut. Once it is in place, the handguard is rotated so that the index tab rests against the upper receiver, aligning the upper rail with the receiver rail. The benefit of this design is that, unlike older free float rail designs, the barrel nut does not have to be meticulously aligned on the receiver. Since the rail system indexes off of the receiver, it is somewhat independent of the alignment of the barrel nut itself.

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The rail locks in place with a pair of screws underneath, clamping the barrel nut tightly.

The Editorial:

The TRX Extreme BattleRail series (and its successor, the Troy BattleRail Alpha) have a handful of unique features. The outside of the rail is textured with long ridges, giving more traction to the shooter when gripping the handguard itself. Troy Industries Squid Grips can be added for a more tactile surface. Almost every other competitor in the modular free float handguard market (i.e. Daniel Defense MFR, Samson Evolution, Midwest Industries, etc) uses a smooth tubular body. I prefer the increased grip found on the Troy series handguards.

The rail segments can be installed on any set of vent holes, allowing for a great deal of freedom during installation. The rails can be located incrementally anywhere from the base to the very front of the handguard, at any of the clock positions.

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With the Troy TRX Extreme rail, the handguard must be removed to install the rail segments. Installation of the rails is fairly simple. Loosen the two locking screws, twist the handguard, and slide it forward. Position the backing hardware at the desired position on the inside of the rail system. Set the chosen rail segment in position and tighten the included screws to lock it in place. The rail segments have stops that set into the holes on the rail. This means that the mounting screws primarily keep the rails locked in place and don’t have to resist lateral shear. Any force applied laterally to the rail transfers the pressure to the handguard itself, preventing excessive force on the screws.

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This procedure is slightly more hassle than the installation of the Daniel Defense MFR rails, which can be installed without removing the handguard. However, at half the price of the Daniel Defense MFR, I have not found the rail installation process burdensome.

I have the 9” rail system currently installed over a 16” barrel. The new TRX Extreme rail and a low profile gas block replaced the older YHM quad rail and flip down front sight gas block. This change trimmed a noticeable amount of weight from the front of the rifle.

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Since then, Troy has updated their design slightly. The new design still mounts on the standard barrel nut, but uses a different locking mechanism with 4 locking nuts spaced around the base of the rail. Additionally, the new Troy BattleRail Alpha (the successor to the TRX Extreme) is available with an integral flip-up sight.

Overall, the Troy TRX Extreme BattleRail delivers a versatile package for a reasonable price. It is less expensive than other competitor’s handguards, features straightforward installation on a standard barrel nut, sports a textured finish, and offers almost unlimited rail mount positions. The number of rail systems available today in this style speak to the popularity and versatility of this design. For those looking for something other than a complete quad rail system, the Troy BattleRail Alpha and TRX Extreme are well suited for a number of applications.

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Thanks for reading. You can find other reviews and articles on my website, or you can follow me on FaceBook and Twitter for rare updates, including photos and reviews.

Paulo_Santos
20 April 2013, 05:40
Great review.