Guide

Upgrade Your AR-15 with the Best Carry Handle Rail Options

Posted on by William Zheng

The Ultimate Guide to Carry Handle Rails: Enhance Your AR-15 Experience

When it comes to upgrading your AR-15, the carry handle rail is an essential accessory that can significantly enhance your shooting experience. It allows you to mount optics securely while preserving the classic look of your firearm. This guide explores the various types of carry handle rails available, their applications, benefits, and essential features to consider when making your choice.

Comparison Table of Carry Handle Rails

Type of Rail Material Compatibility Weight Price Range Best For
Picatinny Rail Aluminum/Steel AR-15 with Fixed Carry Handle Lightweight $20 – $150 Mounting Red Dots & Scopes
A2 Rear Sight/Rail Mount Aluminum AR-15, M16 A1/A2 Moderate $30 – $100 Tactical Setup
Weaver Rail Aluminum AR-15, M4 Lightweight $25 – $120 Versatile Optics Mounting
UTG Carry Handle Rail Mount Aluminum AR-15, M16 Moderate $35 – $80 Low-Profile Optics
M16 A1/A2 Carry Handle Rail Aircraft Grade Aluminum M16 A1/A2, AR-15 Lightweight $40 – $120 Enhanced Aiming Capability

Understanding Carry Handle Rails

What is a Carry Handle Rail?

A carry handle rail is an accessory designed for firearms, particularly the AR-15, that allows users to mount various optics such as red dot sights, scopes, or magnifiers on the carry handle of the rifle. This rail offers a stable platform while maintaining the functionality and aesthetic of the classic carry handle.

Benefits of Using Carry Handle Rails

Carry handle rails come with numerous advantages, including:

  1. Versatility: They allow for a range of optics to be mounted without replacing the upper receiver, making them ideal for shooters who want to retain the original design of their firearms.

  2. Ease of Installation: Most carry handle rails are designed for straightforward installation, typically requiring no gunsmithing.

  3. Preservation of Iron Sights: Many designs allow for the continued use of iron sights, ensuring you have backup aiming options.

Carry Handle Optic Mount for AR-15 - MSP

  1. Improved Accuracy: By mounting optics on a carry handle rail, shooters can achieve better alignment with the barrel, enhancing overall accuracy.

Types of Carry Handle Rails

Carry handle rails vary in design and functionality. Here are the most common types:

  1. Picatinny Rails: These are the most popular type, featuring a standardized design that allows compatibility with a wide range of accessories. They are robust and provide a secure fit for various optics.

Weaver AR-15 Carry Handle Picatinny Rail - MidwayUSA

  1. Weaver Rails: While similar to Picatinny rails, Weaver rails have different spacing and are typically used in applications where lighter optics are mounted.

  2. A2 Rear Sight/Rail Mounts: Specifically designed for AR-15 and M16 platforms, these mounts integrate with the existing rear sight, allowing for optics without sacrificing sight functionality.

  3. Specialized Carry Handle Rails: Some manufacturers create rails tailored for specific models or configurations, providing unique features like quick-detach mechanisms or enhanced durability.

Choosing the Right Carry Handle Rail

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a carry handle rail, consider the following features:

  1. Material: Look for rails made from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum or steel for maximum longevity.

  2. Weight: Lightweight options are ideal for tactical applications where mobility is critical, while heavier rails may offer more stability.

  3. Compatibility: Ensure the rail is designed for your specific rifle model to guarantee a secure fit.

  4. Mounting System: Some rails feature a simple thumbscrew system for easy attachment, while others may require more complex setups.

Brands and Their Offerings

  1. MountsPlus.com: Offers a wide range of carry handle optic mounts and is known for its quality selections. Their A.R.M.S. #2 is a notable option that provides stability and ease of installation.

  2. MidwayUSA: A reliable source for various carry handle products, including Picatinny and Weaver options, catering to different mounting needs.

  3. Monstrum Tactical: Specializes in tactical accessories, providing options such as the Picatinny rail mount for seamless integration with AR-15 platforms.

AR-15 Carry Handle A2 Rear Sight/Rail Mount - Monstrum Tactical

  1. OpticsPlanet.com: Features a broad selection of mounts, including NcSTAR and UTG products, known for their affordability and reliability.

  2. Green Blob Outdoors: Offers a unique discount code for customers, making their carry handle optics more accessible.

  3. IMI Defense: Known for precision-engineered products, their M16 A1/A2 carry handle mounting rail is an excellent choice for serious shooters.

  4. AT3 Tactical: Provides classic designs that echo historical use, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Technical Features Comparison of Carry Handle Rails

Feature Picatinny Rail Weaver Rail A2 Rear Sight Mount UTG Rail M16 A1/A2 Mount
Material Aluminum/Steel Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Weight Lightweight Lightweight Moderate Moderate Lightweight
Installation Type Thumbscrew Thumbscrew Integrated Thumbscrew Thumbnut
Optics Compatibility Red Dots, Scopes Red Dots, Scopes Iron Sights, Optics Low-Profile Optics Scopes, Accessories
Price Range $20 – $150 $25 – $120 $30 – $100 $35 – $80 $40 – $120

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Conclusion

Incorporating a carry handle rail into your AR-15 setup can significantly enhance your shooting capabilities. By understanding the various types, benefits, and features of these rails, you can make an informed decision that suits your shooting style and preferences. Whether you choose a Picatinny rail for its versatility or an A2 rear sight mount for its integrated design, the right carry handle rail will elevate your firearm’s performance.

FAQ

What is a carry handle rail?
A carry handle rail is an accessory for firearms like the AR-15 that allows users to mount optics securely on the carry handle, enhancing aiming capabilities while preserving the rifle’s original design.

What are the benefits of using a carry handle rail?
Benefits include versatility in optics mounting, ease of installation, preservation of iron sights, and improved accuracy through better alignment with the barrel.

What types of carry handle rails are available?
Common types include Picatinny rails, Weaver rails, A2 rear sight mounts, and specialized carry handle rails designed for specific firearm models.

How do I choose the right carry handle rail?
Consider factors like material, weight, compatibility with your rifle, and the mounting system when selecting a carry handle rail.

What brands offer quality carry handle rails?
Brands such as MountsPlus.com, MidwayUSA, Monstrum Tactical, OpticsPlanet.com, Green Blob Outdoors, IMI Defense, and AT3 Tactical provide a variety of options.

Are carry handle rails easy to install?
Yes, most carry handle rails are designed for simple installation, often requiring just a thumbscrew or basic tools.

Can I still use iron sights with a carry handle rail?
Many carry handle rails are designed to allow continued use of iron sights, providing backup aiming options.

What is the price range for carry handle rails?
Prices typically range from $20 to $150, depending on the type and brand of the rail.

Do carry handle rails affect the weight of the firearm?
Yes, adding a carry handle rail can increase the weight of the firearm, so it’s important to consider the weight of the rail when choosing one.

What materials are carry handle rails made from?
Carry handle rails are commonly made from aluminum, steel, or aircraft-grade aluminum for durability and lightweight performance.

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