Picatinny Rail

Parallax Tactical FFSSR Rail

parallax-ffssr.jpg

parallax-ffssr

In building a new range/competitive AR15 from extra parts I was ready to upgrade to an extended length forend, to give the 18" platform an SPR type look.  The Parallax Tactical FFSSR rail caught my eye for its slim profile and rails only where they are needed.  I was lucky enough to catch the 15" handguards as soon as they were instock again (they sold out within 48 hrs)  Shipping was quick from Parallax in San Diego and their customer service is pretty decent.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Single-piece aluminum foregrip delivers one of the slimmest profiles in the industry.

Target Market:  AR-15 owners / builders with any barrel length.

FNBs:  (Features and Benefits of this product)

  • 6061-T6 Aluminum Extrusion
  • Four limited rotation QD Mounts front and rear.
  • (2) Rear single picatinny rail mounts for sling hook type mounts (MagPul RSA)
  • Sleeve-style barrel nut with 1-1/8" flats
  • Mounts using 4 standard, 2 low-head hex screws Mounting holes every 22.5°
  • Includes shims for proper alignment
  • Cutout sections compatible with all MagPul accessories, including rail sections

 What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?  Anodized black, Cerakoted options available from Parallax when inventory is high enough.

What others are saying? "Unlike many of the slick sided tubular hand guards on the market, the Parallax Tactical Rail is very overbuilt. It is still slim and fairly lightweight (varies by length) but it is built to be more durable than most of the slim tubular hand guards on the market. " - jerkingthetrigger.com review

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Good luck. Check with PT on facebook or sales to follow when back instock.

Our Rating:

+ Robust and well constructed for a slim handguard.  Definately durable + Sling swivel points built into front and rear on both sides + Install was pretty easy, fit and finish is very good (black anodized version) - Top 1913 rail is not T-marked. - Barrel Nut is proprietary and version I received had odd flats, had to bribe smith to modify a wrench to index it correctly. - Demand is extremely high, need to increase production size.

Score: 7.5 Good

 

75

 

 

 

Looks pretty darn tactical even with less rails; will help me keep it simple and light.

Vortex Strikefire

This review is by Lance Chaar, Instructor at Chaar Tactical

vortex-strikefire

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Shockproof red dot optic, rated for low to high calibers.

Target Market:  Entry level users, novice rifle/AR-15 owners for short distance and close quarters.

FNBs:  (Features and Benefits of this product)

  • Increased light transmission
  • Optic is sealed to prevent moisture & dust
  • Rated for high recoil - factory tests with .375 H&H Magnum for 1000 rounds.
  • Temperature rated from -22 to +140 degree Fahrenheit.
  • Night Vision mode
  • Vortex Warranty

 What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?  black only, comes in red, green, or red/green dot models.

What others are saying? "I think the StrikeFire is a good deal for the price. It never lost zero, was easy to mount and sight in, and the dot never flickered or lost brightness. Do I want my son to use it in Afghanistan? No, that's why the 82nd gave him an M68 CCO. But for the average recreational shooter it's fine. I have enough confidence in it to leave it on our home defense shotgun.  The 2X doubler didn't impress me much, although I can see it's value for some purchasers. I'd rather see Vortex dump the doubler and put the money into better glass. " - AR15.com review - user firedog55

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Check your local gun stores. Online at www.brownells.com

Our Rating:

+ 4 MOA dot is clear and bright + Ghost ring rear iron sight detachable on 1913 rail (factory installed) + Works well with iron sights (absolute cowitness) - Placement and sensitivity of power button may cause optic to stay on when compressed in a hard case - 2x Magnifier extension causes a "fish-eye" effect and reduced objective width, prefer not to use. - Model purchased only came with one mounting ring option.

Score: 5.5 Mediocre

55

 

 

 

Works as advertised however overall impression is average.  Looking forward to Gen II version and upgrades to body and control placement.