Top Hand Guard is Loose - OK for a Red Dot?

[TriggerMortis]

Hi all, I just picked up my brand new grey VZ58 after wanting one for years.
I've ordered the FAB Defense hand guard replacement, but I've noticed the rear of the hand guard (the metal part) is a bit loose. The front part is nice and snug, but will the rear end being loose be a problem when mounting an optic in terms of keeping zero? I see a lot of optics being mounted there, but didn't know until right now how loose this cover is.
Any advice or info would be appreciated.

I went to sign up for an account on this forum, and it turns out I already had one. It seems I made a post back in 2010 about my CZ82. Pretty funny.

[RSR]

Poly FAB handguards are not intended for optic mounts.

[TriggerMortis]

ok. So, I would need some kind of metal rail system that completely replaces the upper handguard. Or one of those short rails that replaces the rear sight. I considered a sire rail mount, but it seems heavy and expensive.

[RSR]

ok. So, I would need some kind of metal rail system that completely replaces the upper handguard. Or one of those short rails that replaces the rear sight. I considered a sire rail mount, but it seems heavy and expensive.

The aluminum rail mounts are probably lighter than the factory metal liner plus whatever you mount over it.  RDS rail mounts include set screws, etc, that are intended to ensure a return to zero upon removal.

If it's a Czechpoint gun, you have the option of a side rail or forward rail mount.  Personally, I would skip consideration of the rear sight replacement option. 

[TriggerMortis]

I can't seem to find the RDS handguard online, can you point me in the right direction?
I was told the BoneSteel handguard is really good stuff. I guess my question is if these metal lower handguards get really hot. I went with the FAB because I could get a tan one, and I heard they didn't get too hot.

[RSR]

vz58usa or whatever they're called have a version that sits high and also clamps to the barrel.  Think Midwest Industries rails in the AK world.

Bonesteel and CNCWarrior both sell the BS rail AFAIK -- BS designs and CNCW manufacturers. 

Rare now, but NEA are also a good option. 

B&T and I think FAB might also make higher end options.  And there are a few other Czech/Slovak manufacturers of rails, but those are the main ones.

Tuffguard or someone makes a cheap alternative to B&T/FAB.  And there might be Canadian-made options.  Search threads here and I'm sure you'll learn more.

[sboone]

I have a vortex razor on a bonesteel dust cover.  Dust cover has been real solid and the whole SRS rail system stays fairly cool  while puttinf rounds down range.  Highly recommended.

[TriggerMortis]

Thanks sboone. A guy working at the shop recommended the bone steel handguard to me. I think I'll likely go with that option.

Is there any good way of getting this stupid lowehandguard off though? I've read posts that say the pin must go out one way, and others that say the pin can come out either way, and many others that say the pin just doesn't want to come out. I agree with the last. Any tips or tricks here?

[sboone]

My pin definitely has a slight flare to one end of it so it has to be driven out from the correct side but its very slight and difficult for me to tell without looking at the whole pin.  This may be 50/50/90 but I'm pretty sure your best bet is to lay the gun on its left side (side without the safety) and drive it out that way.  Put some tape on the hole to protect your finish from getting scratched by the punch because chances are it will try and slip.  Other bit of advice is see which side the pin is farther recessed in the reciever then put your punch on it and drive it out.  Again base solely off of my gun, the pin is slightly recessed in the reciever on the side without the flare as compared to the other.