For those building one of their first AR-15 firearm platforms, there are a number of standard accessories commonly found on a variety of setups. Once a shooter has a few builds under their belt, finding just the right accessory to make an AR-15 build feel unique and custom fit can take a little bit more research. Over the last decade, a number of companies in the firearms industry have provided innovative solutions for any number of possible build setups that a shooter could want. With all of the options available on the market, narrowing the field down to products that provide excellent functionality as well as a unique aesthetic can be a time-consuming process. One AR 15 accessory manufacturer in particular, RailScales, has released a number of innovative products over the last few years that can help to upgrade an MLOK AR-15 platform and make it feel uniquely tuned for a specific user.
Upgrading Your New AR Build with MLOK
RailScales, which got its start back in 2014 manufacturing hardware mounted G10 rail panels, has supplemented its product lineup with a number of function-driven product solutions in the years since. One of the first options they made available for the AR-15 MLOK rail are an upgraded version of their G10 MLOK RailScales called XOS. The XOS (and their complementary piece the XOS-H) give the end-user unmatched coverage of the MLOK Handguard with their 3-sided design essentially doubling the surface area covered by traditional RailScales. With its patented accessory cutout design on the XOS-H, RailScales added another innovative solution by allowing a number of its other accessories to sit “inside” the footprint of the machined panel, leaving no gaps. The XOS-H is currently able to accommodate the Karve, Karve-P, Anchor, RSB, RSB/M, QDX, and RailScales 1 MLOK slot Solo panels, in addition to a number of third party AR 15 accessories. Traditionally mounted at the 6 o’clock position on the MLOK handguard, RailScales has introduced new products more recently, like the QDX Sling Mount, which would seem to indicate there are plans to continue introducing more accessories that will be able to utilize the great features of the XOS-H at other mounting positions as well.
Multi-Purposed Rail Accessory
Another of the more unique solutions offered by RailScales is its QDX Sling Mount. As opposed to the standard variety of sling mount options available on the market, the QDX rotates the mount to allow for parallel QD insertion, effectively reducing the QD socket footprint (with sling attached) by 16% and the sling eyelet “height” off the rail by 37%. Additionally, the QDX allows for use with most HK-style hook attachments to provide end-users with a variety of options, and the flat forward side of the mount can even be used to brace against vertical barriers to provide a more stable shooting position. Taking up only 1 MLOK slot, the QDX is also designed to fit perfectly inside the accessory cutout on the XOS-H, making it one of the most multi-purpose accessories available.
Make Your New Build - Your Own
RailScales has a track record of offering innovative solutions in its product lineup that not only provide excellent function, but have an aesthetic appeal that makes any AR-15 build feel unique to the user. Whether it’s one of the variety of control options they make available for MLOK Handguards, or the many supplemental products they offer like the CSMR button or LEAF series for DBAL night vision lasers, end-users can be confident that when they outfit an AR-15 build with RailScales products, it will be uniquely tuned to a specific purpose.
Additional RailScales Upgrades to Enhance Your AR Build
To further elevate the customization potential described above, RailScales now offers several complementary products that pair perfectly with XOS/XOS-H panels and the QDX mount:
• LAO™ Sling Mount (M-LOK Offset Sling Point)
A low-profile, offset sling mount engineered for rifles with limited forward rail space. The LAO gives builders precise sling placement without consuming multiple slots or interfering with light/laser setups.
• BOLO™ Bipod Slinglet
A combined bipod/sling interface that provides a stabilizing front contact point while maintaining lightweight, minimal bulk. Excellent for prone shooting, hunting setups, and supported precision work.
• Thread Lasso™ (Thread Protector Keychain)
Specifically designed for keeping tabs on thread protectors during range visits. The Thread Lasso is great for workbench organization for loose muzzle devices, suppressor boosters, or even suppressors themselves.
• Hardtop™ & Halftop™ Light Mounts
RailScales’ ultra-compact light mounts designed for scout-style weapon lights. Their footprint integrates seamlessly alongside XOS-H panels while maintaining rigid stability and clean cable routing.
• G36 GIP M-LOK Rail & UMP GIP M-LOK Rail
Adapter rails that allow shooters to modernize their G36 or UMP builds with M-LOK mounting capability. These give older platforms access to all modern RailScales controls, grips, and rail panels.
• Solo M-LOK Panels
Single-slot texturing upgrades ideal for very short handguards or builders who only need a minimal indexing point.
Recommended Accessory Pairings for a Fully Tuned Build
To maximize the performance and ergonomic benefits of the products discussed:
For Control & Indexing
- Karve® or Karve-P® handstop
- LDAG™ angled grip
- RSB™ or RSB-M™ vertical grips
For Heat Management & Grip Texture
- XOS® or XOS-H® G10 panels
- TerraCore™ high-temp polymer panels
- Solo M-LOK panel for minimal builds
For Sling & Mobility
- QDX® parallel QD mount
- LAO™ offset sling point
- Thread Lasso™ for thread cap retention
For Light Integration
For Specialty Platforms
- G36 GIP M-LOK conversion rail
- UMP GIP M-LOK conversion rail
FAQ: RailScales AR-15 Upgrades
Q: What makes RailScales different from other AR accessory brands?
RailScales focuses on precision machining, heat-resistant materials like G10, and function-first designs that integrate cleanly with modern M-LOK rails.
Q: Are XOS-H panels only for the 6 o’clock position?
No — while traditionally used at 6 o’clock, new 2026 AR accessories like the LAO and future releases show RailScales expanding compatibility across more rail positions.
Q: Does the QDX mount work with both QD swivels and HK-style hooks?
Yes. QDX supports both, giving shooters the freedom to run 2-point or hybrid sling setups.
Q: Are RailScales products lightweight enough for SBR or PCC builds?
Yes. Many of their grips and mounts are among the lightest in their class while still providing bombproof durability.
Q: Can I use XOS-H with non-RailScales accessories?
Yes — many third-party M-LOK accessories fit within the XOS-H cutout, thanks to its standardized footprint.
Q: Are these upgrades beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Installation requires common tools, and the ergonomic benefits improve consistency even for new shooters.
Adr RailScales Mlok Accessories To Your Lineup Today
RailScales’ combination of precision machining, modular integration, and modern design provides shooters with the ability to fine-tune AR builds far beyond basic upgrades. Whether pairing XOS-H panels with a QDX mount, adding LAO or Thread Lasso for sling management, or adopting G36/UMP M-LOK conversion rails, every accessory expands what a rifle can become. For builders seeking premium function with a custom aesthetic, RailScales remains one of the most forward-thinking manufacturers in the industry.
Disclaimer:
This blog content was generated by a human and with the aid of artificial intelligence. It may contain errors or inaccuracies and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. This content is for SEO/entertainment purposes only and the views expressed in this content does not necessarily reflect the views of RailScales LLC. For more information, please refer to bullet point #13 on our FAQ.