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View Full Version : Midwest Industries Gen2 SS Series Rail Installation Guide



UWone77
25 May 2013, 01:39
Recently, we were able to sample some Midwest Industries Gen2 SS Series Rails (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=450). These are one piece free float handguards. They have a very slim profile, and remind me somewhat of the Samson Evolution Rail, but slimmer. Now I'll admit, I've never been impressed with Midwest Industries. Their previous rails did not blow me away. However, this rail has changed my views for the better.

Thanks to Stickman (https://www.facebook.com/Stickgunner?fref=ts) for providing the pictures.

From the Midwest Industries (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm) website:

-Super slim 1.5 inch outside diameter and incredibly lightweight
-Modular design, includes three additional 2.5 inch rail sections - one rail section includes an anti-rotational QD socket - the 3 modular rail sections add 2.5 ounces.
-High quality MIL-STD 1913 top rail, T-marked for accessory location
-Constructed from 6061 aluminum, hard coat anodized for a lifetime of service
-All parts are fully dehorned for non-abrasive, comfortable feel
-Proprietary Barrel Nut, Barrel Nut Wrench and Bipod Stud Included
-Some minor gunsmithing required
-100% Made in the USA with Lifetime Warranty

Today we are going to install a 15" Midwest SS rail on a 16" Centurion Arms (http://centurionarms.net/) Barrel. Since this is a one piece design, you will have to remove your gas block as well as your muzzle device. Pretty standard when installing one piece free floating rails. This also uses a proprietary barrel nut, so the standard barrel nut has to come off as well. Once all the pieces are off, we can get started. The kit also includes a barrel nut wrench for easier installation.

First we slide the proprietary barrel nut over the barrel and thread it onto the upper.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/MI3_zps2bbdb374.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/MI3_zps2bbdb374.jpg.html)

You'll notice that the Midwest barrel nut threads on with the "teeth" side closest to the receiver, unlike your standard barrel nut that has the "teeth" side away from the receiver.

Once the barrel nut is threaded on, you'll want to torque the barrel nut to 30-60 ft-lbs. I always start at 30 ft-lbs, and then of course increase as needed to "time" the teeth so the gas tube can pass through the upper receiver. In this case, we got lucky, and 30 ft-lbs managed to align the tube.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/MI_zpsfce9dd04.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/MI_zpsfce9dd04.jpg.html)

Once that's done, install the gas block and tube.

You can now slide the rail over the barrel.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/MI4_zps4072314c.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/MI4_zps4072314c.jpg.html)
http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/MI1_zps6c67dde6.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/MI1_zps6c67dde6.jpg.html)

You will notice that the two notches on either side of the rail, will line up with the barrel nut.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/MI2_zpsde38513e.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/MI2_zpsde38513e.jpg.html)

After you install the rails, and line up the notches to the barrel nut, install the 2 screws on the bottom of the rail. The screws should be torqued to 35 in-lbs. *INCH POUNDS NOT FT LBS*

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/MI6_zps50899d1b.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/MI6_zps50899d1b.jpg.html)

Reinstall your muzzle device, We have a Battle Comp (http://www.battlecomp.com/) 2.0 here, and you're done. Make sure your firearm is assembled correctly and function test.

Although, I've had limited time with the rail so far, it's blown me away. The weight, ease of installation, and price point, this rail is a winner so far.