Benelli M4 -- Interest in a true 4 point rail system?

[stevenb]

Hey everyone,
Like many with the Benelli M4, I've been seriously disappointed with the current aftermarket rail systems for this weapon. Currently I personally have the Sidearmor rail system. It leaves a lot to be desired though.
I have been in contact with an industry manufacturer in the firearm industry for a while now. They've developed a platform that is very impressive. I did throw in a tip here and there.

This rail system once installed will make disassembly slightly easier then the factory stock handguards.
The top of the rail system is an uninterrupted rail from front to back. The top rail extends aprox. 4 inches past the front of the stock handguards. 3 and 9 o'clock rail positions are true to the barrel. Rails on the sides are optional, and different lengths can be used depending on the users needs.
The rail system offers a complete heatshield enclosing the barrel for the entire length of the railsys.
The system offers a free floated barrel assembly. No barrel clamps or bolting the rail to the weapon to prevent disassembly.
Exact materials are yet to be decided. Cost of molding/machining has to be taken into consideration before a final decision is made. As with final cost is yet to be determined.
Right now, a wiring plan is being laid so the user can properly route tape switches and keep them from being damaged. Something which no AR-15/M16 platform has offered.
Weight is a major issue, and is being dealt with in many different ways. There are a few other "features" that are being developed with this project that will make the weight penalty null.
Now, the only problem is the marketability of this item. There needs to be an interest in this item for the manufacturer to tool up to produce them. Crossing fingers and hoping for Military/LE contracts is risky.
We've all seen the rail system that is likely from Surefire that was at the Beretta booth at the NRA show, it was okay, but lacking.

The manufacturer will be watching this thread, (along with a few other places that I post it) So all you have to do is show some interest. When we get a little further with the design, the maker will probably let me post some renderings.

My personal interest?
A. I want one, it is by far the best design I've ever seen
B. Some of the design points I've helped with would be neat to see actually developed.
C. Resume material. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

-Steve

[jmikesteen]

"Weight is a major issue, and is being dealt with in many different ways. There are a few other "features" that are being developed with this project that will make the weight penalty null."

Oh, the old helium filled Surefire, Right? [img]smile.gif[/img]

Just messing with ya, I love my M4 and it is pretty neat right out of the box so there has to be a compelling reason for me to stick something on to it. I really have trouble coming up with anything I need to add to it with the possible exception of a light. I don't believe I need a rail system for that. I think there is a need for these but it is probably in the LE or Military area. But I also know there are those that have to have every accessory that might be of use to tack on the sides, top, and bottom of their firearms and my attitude is more power to them. It is your money and your biceps. I wire my boat trailer lights not my shotguns.

[stevenb]

Current systems for mounting a light to the Benelli are pretty limited, unless you're talking about using half a roll of duct tape.
I don't consider barrel clamps to be a viable solution since they usually complicate the disassembly of the weapon.
If you don't need anything to mount, then a rail system isn't for you.
Using this rail system will require the user to remove a number of factory pieces, so the weight differences is minimal. Top factory picatinny rail, factory handguards.

-Steve

[usctf]

Hi Steve. Pretty cool what you are doing. You're asking for opinions. so here is mine. Being an AR15 fan as well, I think that Brugger (B&T) handguard is pretty close to exactly what I'd want...a simple Knight's RAS-type hand guard replacement that doesn't require me to alter the factory weapon (except to swap out the factory handguard with it...obviously). RAS-type rail covers would be cool as well to slide over the unused sections of rail for comfort. K.I.S.S. is a good rule. Keep us informed, and thanks again.

They say that the B&T is heavy...perhaps a similar unit that uses lighter materials may be the way to go.

[stevenb]

usctf,
Thanks for the comments.
I examined the B&T unit and found a list of downfalls a mile long as have others.
One of the major problems with an open design is the venting gas beneath the handguard assembly. Weight was another issue. Comfort. Ability to hold a zero. Lack of an uninterupted top rail from the receiver over the top of the rail system. This is the major support for the rail systems ability to keep a zero.

The top rail and most of the "heatshield" is attatched to the weapon by 5 bolts/screws on the top of the receiver. Naturally, you replace the factory picatinny rail. The sides and bottom rail system are one piece which locks into the top rail assembly, and is engaged between the receiver extension and barrel extension much like the factory handguards.
The magazine cap then holds everything together just like the factory design.

No modifications to the weapon which cannot be reversed are needed.

Weight is a huge issue with our design. The Benelli M4 is already an overweight monster. Which on one hand helps with recoil, but on the other wears out the user who is carrying it for an entire day.

The wiring routing plans are really slick. Something which I haven't even seen done in AR15 rail systems.

The idea with rail covers is to have the ability to remove the rail or install a shortened one to reduce weight or things for webbing/gear to catch on. With any picatinny rail, you could use rail covers if you wish.

As soon as I get permission to post a rendering, I will do so.

-Steve

[stevenb]

Here's the rendering I promised.



-Steve

[M1014]

cool ----))))))))))))M1014((((((((((

[stevenb]

You'll notice the side saddle. That is optional.
Replacement of the Tacstar carrier is high on my list.

-Steve

[M1014]

get someone to make some,,,,they look very functional/////////M1014

[usctf]

Yeah, Steve...that looks pretty cool. I like it.
What will it be made of? Some sort of polymer construction would keep it light.

I'm just a little weary of removing my factory picatinny rails, but I could be persuaded

[ 05-04-2005, 06:09 AM: Message edited by: usctf ]