Difference in forearm quality

[waxthis]

Ok, I'm looking at throwing a railed forearm on my rifle length AR, to add some light's etc.. for plinking varmints, and am curious as to why there is such a huge range in price's for similar length and models. I really like the PRI GEN III, but that goes for over $300, YMH makes a similar model "5005"for $120, LaRue/Daniel Defense over $300, similar YHM or Midwest around $150....

What gives here? are those higher priced Brands that much better? All these manufactuers claim they now have anti rotaion screws to help with bending, and 6061-T6 aluminum or better. Perhaps overhead and production cost factor into this? Im not looking to beat the critter to death with this handguard, or bust down his front door, just want something that will do the job and not break. Thoughts?

[sniper7]

I have owned most of those (YHM LaRue and Midwest)

the YHM rails are really nice, super solid, won't move and are of good quality. You aren't going to get as good of a finish, the barrel nut is made of what I feel to be cheaper aluminum and the color is not a nice deep black finish.

The Midwest rails I had had were 2 piece free float. the color is excellent, they clamped onto the existing barrel nut which has the potential to be able to slightly move under rougher conditions and a ton of rounds fired.
very nice T-marks on those and I haven't had any problems with accessories not going on the rails. I had an issue and MI sent me a new one no questions asked so they have a good warranty and customer service backing them up.

The LaRue is IMO the crown jewel and is now exclusively what I have on my ARs....all of them. Superior quality, the barrel nut is extremely strong, the system used makes sure it will not move at all, all accessories go on to the rails really nice, great quality black finish, excellent T-marks, lifetime warranty and of course "Live free or die" is laser etched on it which adds to the extremely cool factor. The price is definitely up there but you won't have to buy another rail again, the value of your gun goes up when you put "larue" next to it and you are going to have a extremely fine looking weapon.


call me a "larue fanboy" I guess but after all the ARs and products I have seen and played with, his quality is top notch and IMO can not be beat.

[Troublco]

I have a Gen III PRI, a DD Omega, a YHM Diamond rail, a YHM lightweight, and another I can't remember who made at the moment. They are all good, but the PRI is very light and does a great job of not getting hot/cold. The thing I don't like about it is that the only way I know of to get a full length rail on top of it is to get a Swan Sleeve, and I try to stay away from anything Dickie sells. The Omega is a great rail, but it is pricey like the PRI. It also has an odd cross-section, narrower than it is tall. I like this, but some folks might not. It is definitely a high quality piece, though. The YHM's are nice, but not as nice as the LaRue pieces.

You tend to get what you pay for!

[waxthis]

Thanx guys!!!

[Batteriesnare]

I agree with Sniper and Troublco. I would invest the extra money, you will not be sorry!