Most clone journeys start the same way. For me—and I suspect many others—it began with a picture on Instagram or a post on a forum. That one image sparks an all-night investigation into history, deployments, and generational shifts.
Once the obsession sets in and you decide you can’t live without that rifle, the next step is hunting down parts. That’s usually when reality hits: either the parts can’t be found, or when they do show up, they carry staggering price tags.
One of the most striking rifles I’ve ever seen is the Mk11 Mod 0. The first thing that catches your attention is the RAS rail, the signature feature that allows you to mount all the “cool guy” lasers, thermals, and accessories. It’s an iconic look, but that exclusivity comes with a price—both in terms of scarcity and cost.
That’s where Centurion Arms comes in. Known for producing some of the highest-quality AR and SR-25 components on the market—and famous for their Mk12 rifles—Centurion has released their own version of the RAS.
At nearly half the price, the Centurion RAS is indistinguishable from the original Knight’s rail in all the ways that matter—only far more accessible.
Eugene Stoner’s SR-25 provides unmatched modularity. Centurion Arms builds on that foundation, offering premium AR-15 and SR-25 components that give shooters the flexibility to tailor a rifle to any mission without compromise.
The new Centurion Arms Rifle Length Free Float RAS (12″) is built to give AR-10 users unmatched precision, durability, and modularity. With full-length M1913 Picatinny rails at all four quadrants, this free-float system provides solid real estate for mission-specific accessories: from bipods and lights to sling mounts and lasers. By eliminating barrel contact, the RAS preserves barrel harmonics and boosts accuracy under sustained fire. Designed to meet the needs of field operators and precision shooters alike, this isn’t just a handguard, it’s a purpose-built upgrade.
Product Description
The Centurion Arms Rifle Length Free Float RAS (Rail Adapter System) is a precision-engineered component designed to enhance the functionality, versatility, and accuracy of the AR-10 styled rifles. This advanced handguard system is equipped with full-length mil-spec M1913 Picatinny rails located at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions along the handguard’s exterior. These Picatinny rails conform to military specifications and are designed to provide robust, secure mounting platforms for a wide array of tactical accessories. Whether you’re attaching vertical grips, bipods, weapon lights, laser aiming modules, sling mounts, or optical sights, this RAS system offers the adaptability needed to configure your rifle for virtually any mission-specific application.
A key performance feature of this system is its free-floating design. Unlike traditional drop-in handguards that may make contact with the barrel, the Centurion Arms Free Float RAS does not touch the barrel at any point. This free-float configuration preserves the natural harmonic vibrations of the barrel during firing, which results in more consistent shot placement and overall improved accuracy, particularly during rapid or sustained fire. This benefit is especially valuable to marksmen and tactical operators who demand repeatable precision in a variety of field conditions.
Included in the package are essential components required for installation, such as a proprietary barrel nut, three precision alignment pins, and a specialized rail nut. These parts are designed to ensure secure attachment, proper indexing, and long-term durability under demanding operational use.Rifle Requirements:
In order to install and utilize the Centurion Arms Rifle Length Free Float RAS correctly, the host rifle must be equipped with a rifle-length gas system. This refers to the distance from the chamber to the gas port, which should be approximately 12 inches. However, the system can also be adapted for use with shorter gas systems—such as mid-length or carbine-length—provided that a low-profile gas block is employed to accommodate clearance within the rail. It is important to note that installation of this free-float handguard is not a drop-in procedure. It will require full disassembly of the rifle’s existing gas system, as well as the complete removal of the factory-installed barrel nut. Proper tools, mechanical aptitude, or assistance from a qualified gunsmith are strongly recommended to ensure safe and secure installation of the rail system.
This handguard uses a proprietary barrel nut that may be installed using a standard AR-10 armorer’s barrel nut wrench (not included). Installation will also require a strap wrench for the rail nut (also not included).
Specs:
- Length: 12.3125in w/ Rail Nut
- Weight: 17.1oz
- ID: 1.420in
Where to Buy
Read the full article here