Rainier Arms Evolution Rail?

[AC89]

Any body have any experience with the Rainier Arms Evolution Free Float System made by Samson MFG, or the Samson Evolution Free Float forend? Im looking to pick one up but really dont know much about it. It looks nice and the few reviews I can find paint it in good light.

But what I want to know is how strong it is, how well it holds up to a beating, any long term issues etc. I am also open to alternative rail systems, also liking the Centurion C4 rail system.

Looking to lighten up my rifle just a bit while not compromising flexibility and strength. My 11" troy trx standard rails be a bit heavy for my liking.

[Prc329]

Have you looked at the Midwest industries gen 2 SS? I have one and really like it. Light and slim. Also seems pretty strong.

[till44]

I put a 12" one of these on a Reece build last fall. Here's the pros and cons that I have found.

PROS:
- light, only 11 oz if you don't put all the extra rails on.
- circumfrance. I like that I can wrap almot my entire hand around the rail, I feel like I have better control of the front of the gun.
- easy install. No joke, one of the easiest rails out there to do yourself.
- modular. I didn't need tons of rail-estate, I needed a small section for a bipod and that was it.

CONS:
- The rail is strong, but due to the way it mounts to the upper receiver Isimilar to the TRX and VTAC rails), there can be some give between the two if you are really placing extra pressure towrds the end of the rail. For example, if I load the bipod too much (really leaning into the bipod) I can get the rail to slightly flex. It's a minor issue that has no ill effect and rarely happens.

Over countless hunting trips, range outings with friends, and a class the rail has been great. I think Centurion makes a great product as well, owner is a veteran which I like supporting. You will get a tougher rail, but pay more for them. Have you looked at the DD MFR? A littel heavier (12.2 oz) than the Evolution, but looks slightly more ergonomic. I have no experience with one but have heard good things.

[AC89]

Cant say I have looked at those yet, but I will take a look, thanks.

[Bladewurk]

I was gonna get one as I like my bud's. They are nice and slim and seem plenty strong. Nice modular rail!

[Prc329]

The 9" Rail you listed is 9.5 OZ. The 9" MI Gen 2 SS is 8.3 OZ.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=450

[762.DEFENSE]

Have you looked at the Midwest industries gen 2 SS? I have one and really like it. Light and slim. Also seems pretty strong.

I have the Gen 2 in 12" and the Gen 1 in 15" and love them both.

[AC89]

Thanks guys, taking a good look at the mi rail. Now for the tough one, what dont you like about the mi rail?

[Prc329]

Thanks guys, taking a good look at the mi rail. Now for the tough one, what dont you like about the mi rail?

Its very light, one of the lightest out there.
Its slim. So slim I can almost fit my whole hand around it.
I think it looks really good
I like the way it goes on the upper.

I am running a Vltor Mur-A1 and the upper feels much lighter then my older setup.

[ExtremeX]

I have the Samson Evolution and it feels great.

I went with the 12.37" for a middy 14.5"

I could have went a bit shorter on the rail to cut down on additional weight, but the rail is pretty light.

[dbrinas]

if you look at the Stag 3gun AR it uses the Samson Evolution rail. so I would think its pretty legit.

[Tjfearl]

I have one on my Rainier Arms CE 16 Upper and it is a very sturdy. I believe it is a 13.2" model. It would be a PIA to adjust the rail attachments, but I like the way they came on it.

[firebert]

I have the MI Gen2 SS also. Was going to pick up the Rainier Arms one but they were out of stock at the time.

Things I don't like about the Gen2 SS:
- The longer 4.5" rail section is sold seperately. Others come with 2 short section, 1 long section - this comes with 3 short sections.
- The rail/QD socket section design is dumb. They should've just made a dedicated QD socket section because you could only use one or the other with most rail mounted accessories

Other than that i'm happy with it. Love the price, got it on ineedmoregear for ~$145 shipped

[Jyruiz]

Wow, I really like the MI Gen2 SS.

[Prc329]

And the MI comes with a bipod stud if your gonna build a precision rifle.