Recently, we were able to sample some Midwest Industries Gen2 SS Series Rails. These are one piece free float handguards. They have a very slim profile, and remind me somewhat of the Samson Evolution Rail, but slimmer. Now I'll admit, I've never been impressed with Midwest Industries. Their previous rails did not blow me away. However, this rail has changed my views for the better.
Thanks to Stickman for providing the pictures.
From the Midwest Industries website:
-Super slim 1.5 inch outside diameter and incredibly lightweight
-Modular design, includes three additional 2.5 inch rail sections - one rail section includes an anti-rotational QD socket - the 3 modular rail sections add 2.5 ounces.
-High quality MIL-STD 1913 top rail, T-marked for accessory location
-Constructed from 6061 aluminum, hard coat anodized for a lifetime of service
-All parts are fully dehorned for non-abrasive, comfortable feel
-Proprietary Barrel Nut, Barrel Nut Wrench and Bipod Stud Included
-Some minor gunsmithing required
-100% Made in the USA with Lifetime Warranty
Today we are going to install a 15' Midwest SS rail on a 16' Centurion Arms Barrel. Since this is a one piece design, you will have to remove your gas block as well as your muzzle device. Pretty standard when installing one piece free floating rails. This also uses a proprietary barrel nut, so the standard barrel nut has to come off as well. Once all the pieces are off, we can get started. The kit also includes a barrel nut wrench for easier installation.
First we slide the proprietary barrel nut over the barrel and thread it onto the upper.
You'll notice that the Midwest barrel nut threads on with the 'teeth' side closest to the receiver, unlike your standard barrel nut that has the 'teeth' side away from the receiver.
Once the barrel nut is threaded on, you'll want to torque the barrel nut to 30-60 ft-lbs. I always start at 30 ft-lbs, and then of course increase as needed to 'time' the teeth so the gas tube can pass through the upper receiver. In this case, we got lucky, and 30 ft-lbs managed to align the tube.
Once that's done, install the gas block and tube.
You can now slide the rail over the barrel.
You will notice that the two notches on either side of the rail, will line up with the barrel nut.
After you install the rails, and line up the notches to the barrel nut, install the 2 screws on the bottom of the rail. The screws should be torqued to 35 in-lbs. *INCH POUNDS NOT FT LBS*
Reinstall your muzzle device, We have a Battle Comp 2.0 here, and you're done. Make sure your firearm is assembled correctly and function test.
Although, I've had limited time with the rail so far, it's blown me away. The weight, ease of installation, and price point, this rail is a winner so far.

Now that I’ve finally finished my lightweight AR-15, I’d like to write a review of the Midwest Industries SS7 free float tube that I replaced the handguards with.

AR-15 two piece free float handguards from Midwest Industries, a U.S. Manufacturer of quality tactical rifle accessories. Quality components, competitive pricing, and top notch customer service. The Midwest Industries Generation 2 T-Series Handguard is a 1-piece free float handguard for the AR-15 platform. The quad rail design offers plenty of picatinny rail to mount accessories. The T-marked rails allow accessories to be removed and replaced with ease and ensures consistent replacement. The Midwest Industries two-piece free floating rail is a drop in solution for your AR-15. Installation does not require the removal of the factory barrel nut, barrel, or gas block, simply cut off the delta ring. The rail clamps on to the factory barrel nut and provides a true free floating rail. Brownells is your source for MIDWEST INDUSTRIES, INC. At Brownells parts and accessories. Shop our vast selection and save! Sight & Scope Installation Tools. AR-15 COMBAT HANDGUARDS FREE FLOAT M-LOK. MIDWEST INDUSTRIES, INC. (In Stock) - 4.9 (26) AR-15 G4 HANDGUARDS M-LOK. Midwest Industries is dedicated to manufacturing quality firearm components and accessories for a wide range of rifle platforms. Be the first to get updates on our.

I’m going to be occasionally comparing the SS7 to the YHM Customizable Free Float System, which was my first choice before I discovered the SS7. I have nothing at all against YHM or their products, but I hope to demonstrate how the SS7 is superior to the YHM tube.

I got my SS7 from MidwayUSA for about $130. Since then, AR-15tactical has been selling them for $119, which is just ridiculous. Seriously, go get one. By contrast, the YHM tube can be found for as low as $100 at Area 51 Tactical, which is also a ludicrous steal.

First, here’s what it looks like on my AR:

I stupidly forgot to take a picture of just the tube before I attached it, so here’s a generic marketing picture:

Now for the details:

Weight

This thing is light. Really light. Unattached, it feels like it’s practically not even there, which I think is mostly a function of its size given its mass; you expect it to weigh substantially more when you pick it up. In total, the whole shebang weighs 7.8 ounces without any additional rails segments attached, which is actually less than even the lightest single-shielded carbine handguards (including the factory barrel nut, delta ring, and handguard cap, of course). Remember, this isn’t a smooth carbon fiber tube or anything; it’s an honest-to-god aluminum free float tube with picatinny rails and everything. I am just absolutely astonished by the weight. By contrast, the YHM tube is 9.5 ounces with no rails at all, not even the permanent top rail that the SS7 includes. That’s heavier than the heaviest M4 handguards, which weight 9.3 ounces.

The weight savings is mostly achieved by perforating the tube with big ol’ holes, which are also used to attach the included accessory rails and are spaced 45 degrees apart around the tube. There are six holes at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, and seven at the 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, and 10:30 positions. I find the pattern to be very attractive, and the openness of the tube allows heat to dissipate very quickly — and right into your hand! In practice, it’s not going to be a problem as long as you’re not dumping multiple magazines in a matter of seconds.

Fit & finish

I have to say, the SS7 is a very handsome-looking free-float tube. I really like the clean design and the fact that the built-in top rail extends a little beyond the jam nut so it can touch the rail on the upper receiver for that “monolithic” look. I don’t plan to mount anything on it, and I would probably appreciate it being removable to shave off another few tenths of an ounce, but I have to admit that it looks very attractive. No biggie.

One thing I would prefer is if the tube were teflon-coated, like the Spike’s Tactical lower receiver that the gun is built upon. The SS7 feels noticeably gritty and metallic, not at all like the silky smoothness of the receiver. This is purely cosmetic and obviously not a big deal, but it would be nice. It really made me appreciate the Spike’s Tactical product even more, though.

Installation

Midwest Industries Free Float Handguards

Installation is pretty standard and matches the procedure for YHM tubes; with the right tools, it’s not a big deal. In fact, both tubes appear to use the same barrel nut and jam nut. Unlike the YHM tube, though, the SS7 incorporates an anti-rotation screw.

But it looks like Midwest industries has taken the jam nut and drilled shallow holes in it so that it can interface with their proprietary tool. This seems a bit unnecessary, since it already had slits that worked perfectly fine:

A happy side effect of this is that you can tighten the nut with YHM’s tool or any of the newer AR-15 armorer’s tools that include free float wrenches to tighten the nut. My armorer’s tool does not include this, so I bought Midwest Industries’ proprietary wrench and it works fine. I probably could have banged on it with a hammer and a flathead screwdriver if I was desperate enough.

Once mounted, the tube feels absolutely rock so

Midwest Industries Free Float Quad Rail Install