The build is a lightweight AR platform.
Lower - New Frontier Arms LW15 Polymer (complete)
Upper - Lightweight S&W stripped w/o forward assist or port cover
BCG - Ares Armor NiB
CH - BCM Gunfighter mod 4
BUIS - Magpul rear MBUS
PSA or BCM A2 Front sight block
Barrel - 16" AR15 Performance Melonited CMV lightweight mid-length in 223 Wylde 5R hybrid 1:8 twist
Muzzle device will be either a GoGun (NoTalon) SupperComp or a Griffin Armament M4SD II FlashComp (Which ever shoots better)
Then, I may have the barrel cut down to 14.5 and pin on the muzzle device
So,...that leaves the handguard. It's either gonna be:
Magpul MOE Mid-length (8.7oz., 9", $30, non-free float) http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG418/184
or
Strike Industries Mega Fins keymod rail (under 7 oz., 11", $130, Free-float) - they will be coming out with one in a month that is cut out for A2 front sight posts. http://www.strikeindustries.com/shop/index.php/rifle-accessories/ar/handguard/ar-mega-fins-key-mod-handguard-rail-9-black-448.html
While trying to keep this as light as possible, I'm also wanting to keep the cost down as much as I can without sacrificing performance (tactical training CQB - to 200 yards max / maybe 3-gun) and put the saving towards my 308AR builds.
So, for and extra $100, the Strike Mega FIns rail gives be a savings of about 2oz, 2 more inches of rail (nice for certain holds) and free-floating.
Is the Mega Fins over the MOE worth it?