Guns SHOT16: New Rails and an Updated VIS from Vltor Dave Merrill January 21, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Vltor probably holds the title for most often mispronounced name in the firearms industry (FYI, it's said like ‘uhl-torr'). This year at SHOT they were displaying both some new products and a few featured revised products. First up was the new Freedom Rail. Available in lengths from 6.93″ all the way to 14.8″ (with four lengths in between), the Freedom Rail is a single piece free-float rail with anti-rotation tabs. Yes, we're probably in familiar territory here. Vltor promises that it's a super easy install because there's no special alignment of the proprietary barrel nut required. Each octagon-shaped Freedom Rail features a continuous top trail and 7 different planes of continuous KeyMod. The new Vltor Utility Rail first looks like an updated CASV forend. However, they were careful to say that it was not a CASV, but that it would be replacing the CASV. Like the CASV, it piggybacks onto the upper receiver eliminating the need for special risers if using a magnified optic. However, unlike the CASV there are enough shots left on the upper receiver to utilize any rear sight you desire as opposed to a specific low-profile option. Compatible with M203 grenade launchers, the bottom portion of the Utility Rail can be removed. It's available in 3 lengths (6.87″, 12.21″, and 12.24″) and some models feature a step-down in the front that's the same height as the receiver. Once again, you could utilize any BUIS desired with these. Lastly they've given a face-lift to the popular Vltor VIS rail. They're calling it polylithic, because even though it does indeed start out as two pieces, they are fused together to form a rigid single unit. Instead of the entire lower half being removed when a barrel is installed or removed, they have a small trap door access port for use with their factory barrel nut. Just like with the original VIS, the brass deflector can be removed or replaced, allowing you to swap between having a forward assist or not. You can visit Vltor online here. Follow us on Instagram, @RECOILmagazine and keep an eye out for these hashtags: #recoilmagazine, #recoil, #shotshow2016, #mediadayattherange and especially #recoilSHOT2016. We will updating the Constant Coverage article, well…constantly. Bookmark that here at this link. What is the NSSF SHOT Show? The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services. Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here. 2016 SHOT Show January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas) January 19–22, 2016 Sands Expo and Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada Hours: Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. 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