It is just me, or has Samson been a bit quiet the last few years? They used to be the AR-15 handguard manufacturer, but boy oh boy has the market become saturated. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that the Samson folks still manufacture extremely high-quality AR parts that would be at home on any rifle. The newest is their SXS Lightweight handguard, and Samson’s press release on it follows:
Samson announces new lightweight variant for the SX rail family
Keene, NH – Samson is releasing the newest model in their SX series of handguards, the SXS Lightweight. It represents the latest in handguard technology. This incredibly light rail system weighs in at 6.8 ounces for the 13” model. While weight was the primary design criteria, the rail still had to pass deflection tests to prove it is rigid enough for professional use. Long term durability is a concern in lightweight components, so Samson chose aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum over carbon fiber.
The SXS Lightweight utilizes Samson’s patent pending Vertical Bias Mount (VBM) technology. The VBM mount offers several advantages over other mounting systems. This mounting system is rigid, straight and easy to install. The VBM barrel nut requires no clocking or shims. The clamp is captured and comes pre-installed. All shooters need to do is tighten the barrel nut to AR15 specs, slide on the handguard, and tighten the two mount screws. At that point, the clamp and alignment tabs take over to create a solid and straight installation, the first time.
The M1913 top rail is interrupted by a section of M-LOK® attachment points. While completely removing the top rail would be lighter, Samson engineers were adamant about including some rail sections; the rear for bridging optics with the receiver, and the front so shooters can install iron sights.
Features:
- Numerous weight reduction cuts
- Easy install Vertical Bias Mount captured clamping system
- Free float
- Interrupted M1913 Picatinny rail on the 12 o’clock position for front BUIS and bridging optics with the receiver
- Ergonomic design
- M-LOK® attachment points at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions
- Made in New Hampshire USA
Specifications:
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Finish: MIL-A-8625 type III class 2 anodizing
- Length: 13 and 15”
- Inside diameter: 1.3”
- Outside diameter: 1.5”
- Weight: 6.8 oz. (13”)
For more information, visit Samson’s website at www.samson-mfg.com
Does that weight include the barrel nut? What material is the barrel nut? I went to the website and it doesn’t say. The barrel nut looks steel, but I can’t really tell from a photo. $250 for a 13″ aluminum over Kevlar rail.
The barrel nut is 4140 Steel.
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