Since around 2004, toward the end of the Assault Weapons Ban, the firearms industry in the US has seen a boom of product innovation, such as the best AR-15 Handstop, from a variety of new companies vying to bring their own solutions to an entirely new market space. As the AR-15 platform began to make its way into civilian hands, there began to be a push for products to improve or enhance comfort, efficiency, shooting performance and much more that military use simply didn’t help to drive innovation around. Exciting new products became commonplace, as new methods for attaching accessories went from proprietary rail systems that only allowed one manufacturer to build products for, to the more industry standardized Keymod and later MLOK rail systems. Items such as drop-in triggers and high power weapon lights were soon standard, and it wasn’t long until the idea for an “indexing” stop or “handstop” style accessory started to become a needed addition. One of the earlier iterations of this, the S3 Handstop in Keymod by RailScales, would help to drive the industry in this direction, and their modern version called the Karve has become synonymous with “handstop” in the industry. 

The Quest For The Best AR-15 Handstop: S3 and Karve

RailScales has been in business since 2014, and are well known in the industry for their namesake AR-15 rail panels which help to add grip texture and mitigate heat coming off of the barrel during shooting. With the introduction of their S3 Handstop, RailScales was initially setting out to make an indexing point for a shooter to bring their hand back to a repeatable section of the rail to maximize comfort and time to aim. A lengthier option at 3 Keymod holes, the S3 was the first evolution of the AR-15 handstop to become a popular choice among sport shooters, and as the modern rail system continued to evolve, so too did the handstop. Once it became clear that MLOK would overtake Keymod as the industry standard, RailScales anticipated a need for an option similar to the S3 Handstop that would work on both platforms. The Karve, which would replace the Keymod only S3, ended up being even lower in profile than it’s predecessor, taking up a paltry 1 MLOK slot of rail space. In addition to that, users who still had a Keymod rail system could take advantage of RailScales patented COG system which allowed users to incorporate the Karve regardless of rail system.

Karve: For Keymod or MLOK Rails

The Karve by RailScales utilizes the COG system for mounting to Keymod or MLOK rails all within the same product footprint. The idea behind this was to be able to use the Karve for any future mounting methods, as well as existing legacy methods. The machined pocket for the COG system could realistically be updated to incorporate any new rail attachment methods that may be developed in the future. This in and of itself adds a lot of value that other industry offerings simply don’t have available, as with any other best AR-15 Handstop on the market, there would need to be a separate piece for each rail type. RailScales has made an effort to future-proof this product with these steps, giving the Karve a much longer lifespan than many similar accessories in this product space. Additionally, those customers who are still using legacy rail systems can rest easy knowing that they will be able to take advantage of a great product even if they aren’t able to upgrade their rail to a more modern system.

Seamless Low Profile Durable AR-15 Accessory

In addition to the COG mounting system, the Karve has an extremely low profile off the rail (1.125 inches). This has given the Karve the smallest footprint possible for an AR-15 handstop, making it feel like part of the rifle as opposed to another bulky add-on. The Karve is machined out of lightweight, but durable 6061 aluminum to give it both strength and options for color anodizing, all in an unmatched 0.4 oz package, including the hardware. With all of their products manufactured in the US, RailScales ensures a quality product that clearly stands above other options available.  Looking for Karve or other award-winning AR-15 accessories? Visit our collection page now.

FAQs About the Best AR Handstop: 

Q: What’s the difference between a handstop and a vertical grip? 

• A handstop is typically a low-profile accessory designed to index the support hand and prevent over-extension, whereas a vertical grip provides a full forward-facing control point for more aggressive recoil management. Handstops like the Karve are lighter, less intrusive, and ideal for fast, close-quarters setups or minimalist builds.

Q: Why does the Karve work on both MLOK and KeyMod systems?

• Thanks to RailScales' patented COG™ multi-mounting hardware, the Karve can mount to either MLOK or KeyMod rails without requiring a separate SKU or adapter. This gives users flexibility and future-proofing—particularly important as rail trends evolve.

Q: What makes the Karve better than polymer handstops from other brands? 

• The 6061 aluminum construction offers unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. At just 0.4 oz including hardware, it provides durability without adding bulk. The machining quality, anodizing finish, and tight tolerances also outperform most polymer options.

Q: Is the Karve reversible for different hand placements? 

• Yes! The Karve is bi-directional, allowing shooters to use it in either a push or pull configuration depending on grip style and shooting stance. This versatility makes it ideal for both competition and duty setups.

Q: Can I combine the Karve with other RailScales accessories for a better setup?

• Absolutely. The Karve pairs especially well with RailScales grip panels, RSBM-P vertical grips, and QDX sling mounts to enhance weapon retention, comfort, and ergonomics.

Other RailScales Accessories to Pair With the Karve Handstop

To get the most out of the Karve or Karve-P handstop, consider integrating these RailScales products for a more efficient and ergonomic rifle build:

1. MiniDot™, Honeycomb™, and Matrix™ Rail Panels 

These MLOK and KeyMod-compatible grip panels are made from textured G10 (FR4) and provide superior grip control, heat shielding, and hand indexing.

• MiniDot™: Aesthetically clean with low-profile grip texture.

• Honeycomb™: Balanced comfort and traction—also used on the Anchor and Karve surfaces.

• Matrix™: More aggressive for gloves or extreme conditions.

These pair well alongside a Karve for tactile referencing and consistent support-hand placement. 

2. RSBM-P™ Vertical Foregrip 

When combined with a handstop like the Karve, the RSBM-P vertical grip provides another option for those who prefer a full forward grip for recoil control and fast transitions.

• Made from lightweight, durable polymer.

• Compact size keeps it suitable for short-barreled or minimalist builds.

3. QDX™ M-LOK Sling Mount

Adding a sling mount can help fine-tune weapon handling and positioning.

• Dual-format mounting (QD and HK-style hooks).

• Compatible with Karve placement without interfering with your primary grip zone.

Perfect for running a two-point sling in fast-paced or tactical environments.

4. Halftop™ and Hardtop™ Light Mounts

Ensure visibility and target ID by pairing your grip setup with weapon-mounted lights. These mounts attach seamlessly to M-LOK rails and offer:

• Low-profile or extended adjustability.

• Full compatibility with SureFire Scout Pro series lights.

• Durable, anodized aluminum construction to match your Karve.

  

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.