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Old December 3, 2012, 05:43 PM   #1
Mrgunsngear
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Midwest Industries Gen2 SS Free Float AR Handguard Review





I've had the Midwest Industries Gen2 SS series handguard on my AR for about 6 months so far and figured I'd do a product review since there seems to be a lot of questions out there about these rails.

Pros:
-Lightweight (7''-7.1oz, 9''-8.3oz, 10''-8.6oz, 12''-9.3oz, 15''-10.9oz)
-Made of 6061 anodized aluminum. The anodizing is holding up well so far.
-Made in the USA.
-The narrow profile helps you really "grab on" to the handguard and stabilize the rifle.
-Comes with 3 2.5'' rail sections for mounting whatever toys you have in mind. One of the rails has an anti-rotation QD socket for sling mounting. There's also a bipod stud that comes with the rail.
-Comes in OD green, FDE, and black.
-A barrel wrench is included (not the best but it is functional).
-The slots in the rail allow for good barrel cooling. The holes just below the rail also help the gas tube cool.
-The anti-rotational system works as advertised (better explanation/visualization in the video).
-The rail sections are contoured to the shape of the rail and mount flush so there's less chance of snagging.


Cons:
-The barrel nut has to be replaced. I don't think it's a big deal but it's just an extra step vs some competitors out there.

Here's the video review with a little shooting and a discussion/demonstration of the rails' properties:

MI Gen2 SS Series Rail HD Video Review Link
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Last edited by Mrgunsngear; December 3, 2012 at 05:51 PM.
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Old December 3, 2012, 05:55 PM   #2
BillyJack3
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Very nice. I recently went with the Samson Evolution 12.37". It was nice to use the stock barrel nut and went on very easily. It weighs a couple more ounces than the MI and after seeing your review, I can see why. Looks like MI did a great job cutting material where they could without jeopardizing strength and fit. Looks like a great rail.
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Old December 4, 2012, 09:28 AM   #3
Mrgunsngear
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Sampson makes some nice rails as well; they tend to go for a little more money than their MI counterparts though. Pros and cons....
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Old December 4, 2012, 01:53 PM   #4
Achilles11B
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Great review. I have one on my SPR-esque AR build, love it. It's light, you have rails only where you need it, and no problems with rotation at all. I'd recommend it to anyone.
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Old December 5, 2012, 07:41 PM   #5
RampantAndroid
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Can you compare to the Troy TRX Alpha system? I've got one on my AR and love it, esp since you can buy Troy's squid rubber grommets to make a good grip without a forward vertical grip.
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Old December 5, 2012, 08:25 PM   #6
Mrgunsngear
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The Troy rail's a good system and I'd have no issue putting one on one of my rifles (my buddy has one I use anyway ). The mounting systems are different; I'm not sure one is superior vs. the other. The MI rail does seem to dissipate heat better though. I'd get whichever is cheaper....
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Old December 6, 2012, 11:27 PM   #7
Justice06RR
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Its a sweet rail for sure. I had the 12-inch rail on my 300Blackout AR. Very slim and lightweight. I think it looks better than the Troy (just my opinion) after handling both.
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