In the years prior to the invention of Keymod and MLOK style rail systems, the AR-15 was a substantially heavier, and bulkier weapon platform. Over the course of roughly 10 years, spanning the end of the Assault Weapons Ban in the US, as well as the expansion of the Global War on Terror, the AR-15 system saw some of the most drastic changes in its storied history. The quad-rail style handguard, consisting of Picatinny rail sections along each of the 4 cardinal mounting positions and popularized by military-use weapons like the MK-18, was durable, could be outfitted with numerous functional accessories, and held up to the rigors of warfare. Eventually, the need for a more streamlined, lightweight solution for the AR-15 system led to the advent of Keymod and MLOK style handguards, which were both much lighter than the legacy Picatinny rails. While these new styles brought many advantages, especially in regards to functional and aesthetic MLOK accessory options, they were not without their drawbacks as well.
Heat Diffusion For Lightweight Rails
One of the major disadvantages of the new style of rail systems for the AR-15 platform is the handguard being thinner and lighter means that heat transfer from the barrel becomes an issue and eventually can make the weapon too uncomfortable to grasp with bare hands. It wasn’t too long before a solution presented itself, and companies like RailScales began manufacturing hardware-mounted AR-15 rail panels that were composed of heat diffusing materials like high-temperature polymer and G10. RailScales’ namesake product is not only a lightweight addition to any Keymod or MLOK style rail system, but they also serve multiple functional purposes besides mitigating heat transfer.
Once an end-user has acquired their preferred AR-15 weapon platform with MLOK style handguard, the last thing anyone should be considering is adding a lot of extra weight from bulky accessories. Fortunately, there are many functional additions that can be added to the firearm while still maintaining the streamlined profile and light carry weight. In addition to their machined G10 MLOK rail panels, RailScales also offers an array of useful products that can help upgrade the feel of a weapon without adding an excess amount of extra weight.
Double Down For Control
For those looking to add a control option for their forend, RailScales offers a number of competitive options in both handstops, as well as vertical forward grips. User preference generally dictates which option to utilize, but for those looking to keep the weapon profile slim and streamlined, a Karve handstop is both lightweight and has minimal height off of the rail. When paired with RailScales XOS-H panels to create a perfect indexing point for the control hand and a reliable barrier against heat transfer from the barrel.
Some users will still prefer the more steadfast option of a vertical forward grip to ensure a firm grasping point for the second hand to control recoil. While there are many great options on the market, most are either composed of less durable polymer materials or have the drawback of adding extra weight and bulk to the front of the AR-15 system. RailScales has a selection of vertical foregrips in a number of styles, all machined out of high-quality, American-made aluminum. In addition to having the extra durability from material strength, the engineering and design are evident in both the aesthetic as well as the overall weight. To illustrate, the Anchor, RSB, RSB-M, and LDAG all weigh less than or equal to polymer options offered by competitors.
Continual Advancement In Functionality
Keeping a new MLOK AR-15 rifle streamlined and lightweight while having all of the functional accessories needed to enhance a build can be a real challenge. Fortunately, companies like RailScales will continue to offer new and innovative products to outfit the AR-15 without adding unnecessary weight.
