As we all know, once you get Black Rifle Disease (BRD), there is no cure. You could have five different AR’s and all the accessories that you could ever need but you can’t help but want more. It’s all we think about. You know those thoughts that run through your head. “What caliber of rifle am I going to build next?” “How can I make my current rifle look different?” “What new accessory can I buy next?” The only way to help lessen the symptoms is to feed the monster and give into your BRD. Well, if you’re in need of a new rail system to cure your symptoms, I’ve got a great one for you.
Midwest Industries is quickly becoming one of my favorite manufacturers of quality AR-15 accessories. Have you been to their site? They have the most comprehensive list of items for the AR-15 and many other firearms as well. You need it, they have it! A few weeks ago I installed a Midwest Industries one piece Free Float Tactical Handguard on my rifle.
I already have a set of Midwest Industries flip-up iron sights so I know that they make really nice products but I always thought a rail system was a rail system. You just pick the one thats cheapest and it’ll do. Before my new rail I used a Leapers / UTG 2-piece quad rail system that I bought off one of my AR-15 buddies for $20 and it did the job but I didn’t realize what I was missing out on.
Now that I have my T7 Free Float quad rail installed I would never go back. My rifle has a carbine length gas block so I installed the T7 or 7″ T-series rail system. They make 6 different lengths to accommodate different length gas blocks or piston systems. It’s made of a lightweight aluminum that is hard coat anodized to help it last forever. You can instantly tell the quality difference between a cheap rail and the T7. The T7 has what they call a “No Gap Monolithic Look” which means that there is no open space between the flattop rail on your upper receiver and the twelve o’clock rail on your free float system. I can tell you that the Monolithic style looks much better than it does with the gap. It also utilizes it’s own barrel nut that replaces the standard barrel nut and delta ring. This makes it look like the the rail and receiver part of the rifle are all one piece.
With a free float rail system there is less heat transfered to your hand guards and optics because no part of the rail actually touches the barrel. It also helps you keep your zero when using a sling, bipod, Vertical Fore Grip, etc. as they can put stresses on the rail system while firing.
The T7 requires some minor gunsmithing to install but don’t be afraid to do it yourself. I purchased an AR-16/M-16 armorers wrench multi-tool for $25 and installed it myself with no problem at all. Anytime I get a chance to do my own work on my rifle I take it because it’s the best way to get to know your rifle. The more you do it the less daunting the next time seems.
For anyone looking to get a really nice free float rail system, I would definitely recommend the Midwest Industries T-Series Free Float Tactical Handguards. I use them on my rifle as well as my Midwest Industries Back-up Iron Sights. Check out the pictures below and then head on over to Midwest Industries to purchase a set for yourself.
