How Do I Install Rails on VEPR 12 Hand Guard

[profbri]

OK, I know this is probably incredibly simple, but this is my first firearm, and I hate the idea of drilling into her already (Just took her out for the 1st 50 rounds last Sat.)

I've got a great foregrip I need to install, which means I have to install the rails. I bought a rail kit from CSS, and it has a bunch of different hardware, nuts, oblong nuts, bolts, washers, lock washers, etc.etc.) and the first instructions I was given were to just line it up, drill the holes and screw it in, which I thought was insane! That's like screwing a towel rack into your bathroom wall, put a wet towel on it and it rips right out of the plaster leaving gaping holes behind (shudder).

I'd like it to be on the bottom, centered and straight, without any bunch of "extra" holes around the rail, or worse, not install the rail securely enough and have it rip out of the hand guard.

I'm not an imbecile, just ignorant, and I have plenty of household and automotive tools, just nothing for guns specifically (though from looking at what came with this rail kit, nothing is needed that I don't have-except for a work bench, or any good work space, or any vice like equip to hold the shotgun or hand guard steady-other than that I'm all set.

So what I could use is a real simplistic step by step instructional on how to do this with the fewest mistakes. I know there is a lever on the right side just below and in front of the rear sight that has to be moved up. But the axis that it should move around is rectangular, so the lever isn't moving unless that axis nut moves with it. I'd like to avoid leaving a bunch of scratches in the finish (which brings up another point, namely: how to touch up the few scratches left from tightening the lock nut for my muzzle brake? Any great gun paint brands I should use?)

I'd really appreciate any help anyone can give. Thank you,

Brian

[munkeeboi]

I used a standard magpul moe 11 slot rail and drilled down the center of the stock vepr handguard (there's molding line that you can follow). Drill one hole first, attach the screw and nut then drill the second hole. The moe rails come with 2 oblong nuts that holds in place. you will have to shave the bottom of the rail a bit where it hits the curve in the handguard (bottom of my picture)

unless you buy a hand guard that already has the rail molded on or go with an aluminum tactical rail, that's the way it's done.

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