Let’s Dive into XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail offers a budget-friendly way to mount optics on your AR-15’s carry handle. XTS aims to provide a simple solution for those wanting to modernize older rifles without investing in new uppers. It promises to be a stable platform for various optics, adding versatility to your AR-15.
I needed a way to mount a red dot on an older AR-15 without swapping the entire upper receiver. The carry handle limited my optic options. I was searching for an inexpensive, reliable solution that wouldn’t break the bank, and the XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail seemed like a good fit.
The initial impression was surprisingly positive; for the price, the rail feels solid. Its matte black anodized finish looks clean and matches the AR’s aesthetics well. The Aircraft Aluminum construction gives it a lightweight feel, which is crucial since it’s mounted high on the carry handle.
I considered a few other options, including more expensive, full-length rails and some cheaper, unknown brands. I chose the XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail for its balance of price, reputation (however minimal), and the promise of compatibility with Weaver-style rings. Some other options looked flimsy, while the full-length rails were overkill for my needs.
I was cautiously optimistic. The price was so low that I wondered about the quality. However, I was also excited about the possibility of easily adding an optic to my old AR.
Real-World Testing: Putting XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail at my local shooting range. I mounted a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot using Weaver-style rings. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect conditions for testing.
The rail performed adequately, holding the zero of the red dot during the initial rounds. However, the height over bore was noticeable, requiring some adjustment to my cheek weld. After about 50 rounds, I noticed a slight loosening of the rail on the carry handle, which I tightened with an Allen wrench I brought with me.
The installation was straightforward. The rail mounts easily onto the carry handle with two screws. The provided instructions were minimal but adequate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions over a couple of months, the XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail has held up reasonably well, with some caveats. While the rail itself remains structurally sound, the screws require occasional tightening. This is especially true after extended shooting sessions involving higher round counts.
There are minor signs of wear on the anodized finish, mainly around the screw heads. The rail is relatively easy to clean with a standard gun cleaning solvent and a brush. Overall, the durability is acceptable for the price, but it definitely doesn’t compare to higher-end, more robust mounting solutions.
Compared to previous experiences with other mounting solutions, the XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail performs as expected for its price point. It’s not the most rock-solid mounting platform, but it allows me to use optics on my carry handle AR-15. It’s certainly better than iron sights alone.
Breaking Down the Features of XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail
Specifications
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail features the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: XTS
- Color: Black
- Finish: Anodized
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Aluminum
- Gun Rail: Picatinny
- Gun Make: AR Platform
- Gun Model: AR-15
- Length: 5.2 inches
- Weight: 2.2 oz
- Quantity: 1
- Mount Type: Weaver
- Attachment Type: Weaver
These specifications directly impact the rail’s performance. The Aircraft Aluminum construction ensures lightweight durability. The Picatinny rail allows for mounting a wide variety of optics.
Performance & Functionality
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail performs its primary job of providing a mounting platform for optics on AR-15 carry handles. It’s generally reliable, although it requires periodic tightening of the mounting screws. Accuracy is adequate, but the inherent height-over-bore issue with carry handle mounts remains a factor.
The main strength is its affordability. It provides a budget-friendly solution for older AR-15s. The primary weakness is the need for occasional maintenance (tightening screws) and the less-than-ideal height-over-bore. Overall, it meets expectations given its price, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price. The Aircraft Aluminum construction feels solid, and the anodized finish is reasonably durable. The weight is minimal, which is crucial for a carry handle mount.
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail is user-friendly; installation is simple and requires only basic tools. There’s no significant learning curve. The only ergonomic concern is the added height of the optic, which may require adjusting your cheek weld.
Durability & Maintenance
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The Aircraft Aluminum construction is relatively durable. The anodized finish provides some protection against corrosion.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with gun cleaning solvent and occasional tightening of the mounting screws are sufficient. There are no complex mechanisms or parts that require specialized maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail is designed to accept any optic that is compatible with Weaver-style rings or mounts. This includes a wide range of red dots, scopes, and other optical accessories. There are no specific accessories included with the rail itself.
It is compatible with most standard Weaver-style accessories from other brands. There is limited customization available beyond selecting different optics and rings. The rail is what it is: a simple, functional mount.
Pros and Cons of XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail
Pros
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
- Easy Installation: Simple and quick to mount.
- Lightweight: Doesn’t add significant weight to the rifle.
- Versatile: Accepts a wide range of Weaver-compatible optics.
- Functional: Provides a usable optic mounting platform for carry handle AR-15s.
Cons
- Requires Maintenance: Mounting screws need occasional tightening.
- Height Over Bore: Adds significant height to the optic, affecting cheek weld.
Who Should Buy XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail?
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail is perfect for AR-15 owners who want to add an optic to their existing carry handle rifle without spending a lot of money. It’s suitable for casual shooters, recreational plinkers, and those who want a simple, affordable upgrade. It’s also a good option for those who want to try out optics on their AR-15 before investing in a more expensive mounting solution or a new upper receiver.
Those who should skip this product include competitive shooters, tactical users who demand the utmost stability and reliability, and anyone who is highly sensitive to height-over-bore issues. If you need a rock-solid, precision mounting platform, you’ll want to invest in a more robust, albeit more expensive, solution.
A must-have accessory is a set of quality Weaver-style rings. A thread-locking compound (such as Loctite) for the mounting screws is also highly recommended to help prevent loosening during shooting.
Conclusion on XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail
The XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail offers a budget-friendly way to mount optics on your AR-15’s carry handle. It is a simple, functional solution for those seeking an inexpensive upgrade. It is not without its drawbacks, particularly the need for occasional maintenance and the increased height-over-bore.
The value proposition is strong. For the price, it provides a tangible benefit: the ability to use optics on an older AR-15 without significant investment.
I would recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are looking for an affordable solution. However, be prepared to occasionally tighten the screws and adjust to the higher optic position. If you demand top-tier performance and unwavering stability, look elsewhere. But for a casual shooter on a budget, the XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail gets the job done. Give your old AR a new lease on life – grab an XTS Carry Handle Conversion Rail and start shooting!