The Troy TRX Extreme BattleRails have been a big success with shooters thanks to their light weight, small outside diameter, and reasonable price. The new BattleRail Alpha builds on the success of the TRX Extreme by refining the mounting system and adding new features.
The BattleRail Alpha is a free float hand guard for the AR-15 family of rifles. Like its predecessor, it is light in weight and has a very slim outside diameter. This smaller outside diameter allows the support hand to wrap around the rail more effectively which increases grip and control.
The BattleRail Alpha features a new mounting system that attaches via the standard AR-15 barrel nut. There were occasional problems with over torqued/stripped screws on the TRX BattleRails, but the system has been improved to preclude that from happening on the BattleRail Alpha. The most obvious addition is the built in spring loaded front sight. This will be a useful addition for some users, but it may interfere with some ways of mounting a weapon light.
This has all the makings of another big hit from Troy Industries.
I love the Troy battle sights and incorporating the design into this rail is cool.
Dann in Ohio
The rail market is heating up with similar designs and lower price points. Troy, Samson, and Seekins Precision seem to be driving quality lightweight and easy to install rails that are capturing the imagination of DIY people. This suggests pressure on Daniel Defense, KAC, Centurion and others in the consumer market. Of course these bigger guys have gov/mil contracts that they want to protect as well.
Viva innovation!