Any VTAC handguard users?

[El Caballo Loco]

I'd like to get a new handguard and I shoot with a C-clamp grip really far out on the handguard. I was looking at the VTAC handguard and in pics it seems to be a bit narrower than most which would compliment my grip. Yes, I have little girl hands.

Any one out there that owns one that I could possibly meet up with at a show or shoot to hold their rifle for a minute or two?

http://www.vikingtactics.com/rifleacc_troyhandguard.html

[Hoser]

VTACs are nice, but I much prefer PRI and LaRue.

[CO-Exprs]

I have one I can bring to the Lake George 3G match on Sat. I'll bring it to the tactical rifle match on Sun too. The OD is 2", which is a pretty common size for most tubes. They're nice. Good surface texture for grip, the slots are easy to work with and the tube is fairly rigid. I run a PRI for less weight, but the VTac is supremely versatile.

[TriggerHappy]

I love my 13" on my 16"carbine. They say the slots in the VTAC are a little harder to mount things to than the Troy.

[DeusExMachina]

I have two Troy TRX Extremes on both my ARs. Love 'em. IWC Mount-n-slot makes things perfect.

[leatherneck448]

I've got the 13" vtac rail on mine...

I've run it in a few matches, and love it so far. It's a great rail if you want versatility and low profile, but in terms of weight, Its not as light as something like a PRI float tube just because its made of aluminum.

As other people have said, between mount n' slot, and troy, there are a TON of things you can do/things you can hang on your rifle. Or, if youre like me, you can just run it bare.

If it were me, I'd buy one just for the cost alone (I got mine for $160 at bowers), but as others have said, there are a ton of options out there in terms of stuff like this. (JP, PRI, LaRue, etc.)

feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.



EDIT: one thing i have noticed, is if youre shooting a lot, and shooting frequently, then the tube gets HOT. Something to worry about if youre putting this on a comp. gun thats going to see 200-250 rounds put through it in the course of 4-5 hours.

[DeusExMachina]

The Troy/VTAC are actually the lightest rails currently on the market, according to The List:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPscHdzd2hlZ2hOUXNGblVaTWtaTkYyR FE#gid=0

I've never heard of the PRI being lighter, in fact I think it's a couple oz heavier.

[leatherneck448]

you learn something new everyday...[Tooth]

[DeusExMachina]

If you can find a weight of the PRI, let me know. I'd assume it would be on that list if it was a contender, but every thing I found said ~11oz (the Troy is ~8 depending on length).

[CO-Exprs]

Well, it depends on if we are talking about the old Vtac from JP or the new Vtac from Troy. The one I have is the older style from JP.

13" Troy Vtac = 14.1oz with the barrel nut
12.5" Length PRI = 12.5oz w/ top rail, 9.5oz without top rail
12.5" JP Vtac = 18oz (ish) w/ top rail, 15oz without top rail

I am currently running a 15" PRI tube, without rails at 11.1oz. The PRI tube is excellently light and rigid, but either VTac will be more versatile by providing you will many more rail attachment options. Just gotta figure out which unit better serves your needs.

[DeusExMachina]

Do those PRI weights include barrel nut?

[CO-Exprs]

Yes, the barrel nut is included in the weight on the PRI numbers. PRI doesn't list the weight of a tube with top rail only, so I had to do some math. They only publish the weight of a blank tube and a tube with all 4 rails installed. Its pretty tough to hog out enough material on an aluminum hand guard to make it as light as carbon fiber and still maintain any rigidity. When you get a PRI it is easy to see why they are so expensive. Fit and finish are outstanding and installation was very easy.