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CAS-14/Cluster Rail Handguard -
Vltor debuted their CAS-14 handguard/rail system for the M14/M1A back at the 2004 SHOT show. It's similar in look to their CAS-V handguard for the M4. It has become the standard offering on the Springfield Armory SOCOM II rifle. Springfield is the exclusive seller of the CAS-14 handguard, also designated the 'Cluster Rail'. The only way to get one is to send your rifle in to Springfield Armory to get one installed. You cannot purchase it from Vltor. The Cluster rail comes in two versions - a standard rail and extended rail. The standard rail ends right before the receiver, while the extended one shown here, extends all the way over the ejection port to the rear. The extended Cluster rail provides more mounting options for optics.
The Cluster rail has two major components, the upper rail/handguard, and the lower handguard. The lower handguard attaches and detaches in a couple of seconds with one hand by pulling back on two spring loaded catches on each side of the lower handguard and swinging it down. At the front of the lower handguard are two hooks which interface with pins at the front of the top rail. The side rails are part of the upper rail, so it the Cluster can be used without the lower handguard. The Cluster is made of aluminum and well vented. The rails are riveted onto the handguards. Threaded inserts at the 4:30 and 7:30 positions on the lower handguard are for attaching rails at those angles.
The standard upper Cluster handguard attaches to the barreled receiver at three points - the op rod guide, the rear of the barrel and the left side of the receiver. A U-shaped bracket is installed around the op rod guide, which is tightened to the upper handguard. At the rear of the barrel, a clamping mechanism secures the handguard to the upper handguard clip grooves on the barrel. A bolt secures the rear of the handguard to the side of the receiver using the threaded hole in the receiver used for attaching scope mounts. The extended top rail has a forth attach point. The stripper clip guide on top of the receiver is removed, and replaced with a rail attachment block. This is done by knocking out the roll pin and sliding the guide out of the dovetail, and replacing it with the new block. The top rail interfaces with this block with two screws. One screw has scallops on its head to prevent it from loosening, as it 'overlaps' the second screw. Quite ingenious. A channel runs the length of the center of the top rail so that the iron sights can be used.
This extended rail will fit all Springfield Armory M1A factory synthetic stocks. (Standard, socom, scout & socom 2)
Springfield says do not use with wood stocks. I am guessing a mod. would have to be made or smithing to make work with wood stock properly???
Synthetic exceptions would be sage or archangel type stocks that may have come with a Springfield, but these are aftermarket, and will not work. One exception is the vltor modstock for m1a, this will work as this was a co op project between Springfield armory & vltor.
Not for use with super match barrel.
This is probably the best way to mount a optic to a M1A . Factory designed, very high quality fit & finish. Highly detailed part.
These are very rare and hard to find, especially in new condition. Very cool roll marks and super practical upgrade.
Measures: Top rail 17" ,side rails are both 5", and bottom rail is 10"
Condition is new old stock, never installed 99% condition. Perhaps a handling mark or two.
*** SOLD ***
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Vltor debuted their CAS-14 handguard/rail system for the M14/M1A back at the 2004 SHOT show. It's similar in look to their CAS-V handguard for the M4. It has become the standard offering on the Springfield Armory SOCOM II rifle. Springfield is the exclusive seller of the CAS-14 handguard, also designated the 'Cluster Rail'. The only way to get one is to send your rifle in to Springfield Armory to get one installed. You cannot purchase it from Vltor. The Cluster rail comes in two versions - a standard rail and extended rail. The standard rail ends right before the receiver, while the extended one shown here, extends all the way over the ejection port to the rear. The extended Cluster rail provides more mounting options for optics.
The Cluster rail has two major components, the upper rail/handguard, and the lower handguard. The lower handguard attaches and detaches in a couple of seconds with one hand by pulling back on two spring loaded catches on each side of the lower handguard and swinging it down. At the front of the lower handguard are two hooks which interface with pins at the front of the top rail. The side rails are part of the upper rail, so it the Cluster can be used without the lower handguard. The Cluster is made of aluminum and well vented. The rails are riveted onto the handguards. Threaded inserts at the 4:30 and 7:30 positions on the lower handguard are for attaching rails at those angles.
The standard upper Cluster handguard attaches to the barreled receiver at three points - the op rod guide, the rear of the barrel and the left side of the receiver. A U-shaped bracket is installed around the op rod guide, which is tightened to the upper handguard. At the rear of the barrel, a clamping mechanism secures the handguard to the upper handguard clip grooves on the barrel. A bolt secures the rear of the handguard to the side of the receiver using the threaded hole in the receiver used for attaching scope mounts. The extended top rail has a forth attach point. The stripper clip guide on top of the receiver is removed, and replaced with a rail attachment block. This is done by knocking out the roll pin and sliding the guide out of the dovetail, and replacing it with the new block. The top rail interfaces with this block with two screws. One screw has scallops on its head to prevent it from loosening, as it 'overlaps' the second screw. Quite ingenious. A channel runs the length of the center of the top rail so that the iron sights can be used.
This extended rail will fit all Springfield Armory M1A factory synthetic stocks. (Standard, socom, scout & socom 2)
Springfield says do not use with wood stocks. I am guessing a mod. would have to be made or smithing to make work with wood stock properly???
Synthetic exceptions would be sage or archangel type stocks that may have come with a Springfield, but these are aftermarket, and will not work. One exception is the vltor modstock for m1a, this will work as this was a co op project between Springfield armory & vltor.
Not for use with super match barrel.
This is probably the best way to mount a optic to a M1A . Factory designed, very high quality fit & finish. Highly detailed part.
These are very rare and hard to find, especially in new condition. Very cool roll marks and super practical upgrade.
Measures: Top rail 17" ,side rails are both 5", and bottom rail is 10"
Condition is new old stock, never installed 99% condition. Perhaps a handling mark or two.
*** SOLD ***
Send PM
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