Just recieved my 14.5” rails in a Sand Matte for the HK416 14.5" upper. Production batch should be ready in about 6 weeks and color options are Black and Sand Matte. A small batch of OD will only happen if there is demand for it. The other variation will be a 10.5" rail which I've seen and they look great on both 416 sized uppers. He said some will be available in a week.
So here she is out of the box. It includes the hand guard, two small rails, one longer rail, and counter sunk screws.
Inside job.
This rail feels natural to hold. Not only because it's narrower, but the sides and bottom are contoured smooth with slight convex, the concave channeling areas have a texture that feels much like wood grain. For a while I was wondering if I'd need to heat my own kydex hand guard grips or try some LaRue OBR side guards. But it really doesn't need it unless you are one of those anal people who don't want to ding up their rails against barriers and VTAC boards. BTW, I purposely banged the bottom area against my work bench a couple times and the anodizing didn't flinch. It's a durable finish.
I got a bunch of requests for weight comparison...
The stock rail weighs in at 12.5 oz. @ 9" length. That is about 1.4 oz per inch.
The Geissele 14.5" rail weighs 1.1 lbs. Which is about 1.2 oz per inch. That would mean the 10.5" rail will weigh about the same as the stock 9" rail.
I weighed the 3 rail adapters and screws. Together they weigh about 2 oz.
Lots of real estate...
Side view comparison...
Top view comparison...
Muzzle end...
Now to remove the pointless sling loops. At first I didn't like the idea of hacking up my 416 upper, but I use it in matches so it's not safe queen by any means.
I clamped an thick Xacto blade to use as a spacer guide so I wouldn't cut into the rest of the gas block.
Done.
The new rail slid on without a hitch. Just as snug as the stock rail to the bbl nut. The QD placement is near perfect (for me). Rotation is smooth. Rifle hangs freely.
I'm using a TacticalLink Convertible Sling. The 2-to-1 adapter is genius. But the sling itself doesn't flex enough for quick adjustments. I'm going to try and mod it to a Blueforce shortly.
Aside from add-on accessories, it's nice to start seeing major component options available for us. This rail and the Geissele 416-SSA trigger are ready to do some business...better business.
So here she is out of the box. It includes the hand guard, two small rails, one longer rail, and counter sunk screws.
Inside job.
This rail feels natural to hold. Not only because it's narrower, but the sides and bottom are contoured smooth with slight convex, the concave channeling areas have a texture that feels much like wood grain. For a while I was wondering if I'd need to heat my own kydex hand guard grips or try some LaRue OBR side guards. But it really doesn't need it unless you are one of those anal people who don't want to ding up their rails against barriers and VTAC boards. BTW, I purposely banged the bottom area against my work bench a couple times and the anodizing didn't flinch. It's a durable finish.
I got a bunch of requests for weight comparison...
The stock rail weighs in at 12.5 oz. @ 9" length. That is about 1.4 oz per inch.
The Geissele 14.5" rail weighs 1.1 lbs. Which is about 1.2 oz per inch. That would mean the 10.5" rail will weigh about the same as the stock 9" rail.
I weighed the 3 rail adapters and screws. Together they weigh about 2 oz.
Lots of real estate...
Side view comparison...
Top view comparison...
Muzzle end...
Now to remove the pointless sling loops. At first I didn't like the idea of hacking up my 416 upper, but I use it in matches so it's not safe queen by any means.
I clamped an thick Xacto blade to use as a spacer guide so I wouldn't cut into the rest of the gas block.
Done.
The new rail slid on without a hitch. Just as snug as the stock rail to the bbl nut. The QD placement is near perfect (for me). Rotation is smooth. Rifle hangs freely.
I'm using a TacticalLink Convertible Sling. The 2-to-1 adapter is genius. But the sling itself doesn't flex enough for quick adjustments. I'm going to try and mod it to a Blueforce shortly.
Aside from add-on accessories, it's nice to start seeing major component options available for us. This rail and the Geissele 416-SSA trigger are ready to do some business...better business.