StrangerDanger Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I recently received a top rail from Freedom Fighter Tactical to install on a friends M4. Since I had my carriercomp top rail removed for my coating process, I figured I'd take some decent pictures and compare the two side by side. Generally, the carriercomp top rail has been the 'go to' rail for anyone serious about mounting an optic to their M4. I noticed that Freedom Fighter Tactical had released an offering that looked quite similar to the carriercomp rail. At various times, the carriercomp rail has been extremely difficult to get -- so an alternative is welcome. While the Freedom Fighter Tactical rail costs a little more than the carriercomp rail, it also includes a set of washers and fasteners. The Freedom Fighter Tactical rail is also available for purchase at pretty much any given time with minimal wait periods. The rails themselves are nearly identical. The only differences I noted was that the carriercomp had a more aggressive dehorning process performed. This means there are fewer sharp edges present. The carriercomp unit also has T markings present. The finish on the aluminum is different. On the carriercomp, the finish is shinier than the Freedom Fighter Tactical model. The Freedom Fighter Tactical model has more of a flat subdued finish. Installation of these rails is pretty straight forward with the proper tools. Procuring a proper flat head screw driver for the fasteners is probably the biggest challenge. The bit you want is a Magnabit 240-6. They fit perfectly. You'll also want to use a torque wrench. Torque the fasteners in an alternate pattern like if you were torquing the lug nuts on a car. Eventually snug them all to 16 - 18 inch pounds. Locktite is recommended for the fasteners. I would take an additional step and coat the fasteners and receiver threads with Locktite Primer. 243 Locktite is recommended for two dissimilar materials. You can make due with 241 blue locktite though. Allow the fasteners to dry for at least 24 hours before shooting the weapon. Bottom line is, you can't go wrong purchasing either one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 6, 2013 Author Share Posted May 6, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 6, 2013 Author Share Posted May 6, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No. 6 Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Thanks for the comparo, very helpful to a newbie (like me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M4-Desert Camo Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I have the FFT and no issues, problems at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 6, 2013 Author Share Posted May 6, 2013 No problem! For another comparison, here is a factory top rail and a SideArmor center cut top rail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharkey Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I've got the sidearmor short-rail and the 8 round side-saddle and am very happy with the purchase. No issues whatsoever with them from any aspect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bm4sbs Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Nice Write Up, Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdkarmy Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I can vouch for the FFT top rail, quality seemed excellent and lead time was great as well. I haven't seen a carriercomp in person, but FFT does seem to produce a quality product. I kind of like the subdued look and finish that it has. I didn't see any instructions with my top rail and really just tightened by hand without the use of a torque wrench however I was careful not to overtighten, but tight enough... I did use blue-loctite so I'm hoping this holds, seems rock solid to me. Still waiting for my CC Ti Tube.... been forever, but should be any day or month now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadDad Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Can someone remind me what is wrong with the factory top rail? I haven't found anything that doesn't fit on it yet and haven't had the urge to swap it out for something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M4-Desert Camo Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Can someone remind me what is wrong with the factory top rail? I haven't found anything that doesn't fit on it yet and haven't had the urge to swap it out for something else. Nothing fit on mine without MAJOR force, I believe it's not to true spec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tack425 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Looks like the CC has notches/hashes in the recessed bevel screw holes to keep screws torqued? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 7, 2013 Author Share Posted May 7, 2013 Those ridges are from the washers pressing into the aluminum under torque. The FFT unit will probably do the same once the unit is installed. Those grooves help prevent the screw from backing out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniel333 Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Can someone remind me what is wrong with the factory top rail? I haven't found anything that doesn't fit on it yet and haven't had the urge to swap it out for something else. I was just about to ask this.... Whats wrong with benellis rail? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 8, 2013 Author Share Posted May 8, 2013 The factory top rail isn't in spec. If you attempt to mount an optic to it with a LaRue mount, the mount will be destroyed during recoil. The recoil lug on the bottom of the LaRue mount is just slightly larger than the sight channel that is cut in the OEM rail. During recoil, the mount shifts to the rear and chews up the mount. Now, if you're using a mount that has a cross bolt design that is supported along the entire picatinny rail, the OEM rail will do okay. The lack of a cut down the center of the aftermarket rails doesn't interfere with the sight picture whatsoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L84Cabo Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 FFT does seem to produce a quality product. Some of their previous products have had challenges. Glad this one seems to be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigkim Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 (edited) Question: Will that larue 661 mount work well with the newer, mod 3, Sidearmor rail? That is what I ordered. Nothing fancy just the short or OEM length version. My goal: I want to mount the larue 661 mount and the t1, which is on order from larue, and didn't want to run into problems with the factory rail. I ordered the sidearmor rail on Amazon of all places and as an added bonus, I thought I may try the sidearmor 6 round quick detach carrier to go with it. I also liked the way the rail had the channel to use the fixed sights. Everything else I put on the gun has been FFT. Edited May 29, 2013 by craigkim more info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 29, 2013 Author Share Posted May 29, 2013 The SideArmor rail will work fine with the LaRue mount. I had one before and had no issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forzArmata Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 The factory top rail isn't in spec. If you attempt to mount an optic to it with a LaRue mount, the mount will be destroyed during recoil. The recoil lug on the bottom of the LaRue mount is just slightly larger than the sight channel that is cut in the OEM rail. During recoil, the mount shifts to the rear and chews up the mount. Now, if you're using a mount that has a cross bolt design that is supported along the entire picatinny rail, the OEM rail will do okay. The lack of a cut down the center of the aftermarket rails doesn't interfere with the sight picture whatsoever. And ^^ that is exactly why I replaced my LaRue mounts with AMD mounts. They have a much more positive grip on the rail, and can be easily swapped so the QD lever/arm closes on right or left side of receiver (with the arm facing back towards your face). Awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigkim Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 And ^^ that is exactly why I replaced my LaRue mounts with AMD mounts. They have a much more positive grip on the rail, and can be easily swapped so the QD lever/arm closes on right or left side of receiver (with the arm facing back towards your face). Awesome. I can't find it, is there a thread on here displaying the amd mount vs. the larue mount. If not,... why? Is one less rail sensitive than the other? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 How well does the curvature of the FFT rail match the OEM when it comes to properly mating with the receiver? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Both seem to fit quite well. I can't tell a difference at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saym14 Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Can someone remind me what is wrong with the factory top rail? I haven't found anything that doesn't fit on it yet and haven't had the urge to swap it out for something else. agree. my factory rail works fine. why pay to change it. also these other rails don't have the cut, so how is the view of the sights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WrenchBender Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 agree. my factory rail works fine. why pay to change it. also these other rails don't have the cut, so how is the view of the sights. Did id ya miss post #15?.........it even had pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 23, 2014 Author Share Posted June 23, 2014 Factory rail + LaRue mounts = broken LaRue mount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.