In the modern sports shooting world, the AR-15 weapon platform has long been one of the most popular firearms to own and outfit with custom AR accessories. While the AR-15 style of weapon has many appealing qualities that make it user-friendly and easy to upgrade and customize, there has been a significant push in recent years to bring new life and AR-style MLOK rail systems to other firearms classifications. Agency Arms has had success in releasing custom shotguns with the more modern rail system to allow for added accessory options, in addition to their high-end lineup of custom handguns. Hunting rifles, and even lever-action repeaters have also seen efforts to modernize in similar ways, giving end-users that many more choices to make in outfitting a newly purchased firearm. As is the case with the AR-15, the types of accessories used on the weapon are dependent on function and aesthetic.
The Time To Upgrade Your Weapon Accessories
The incorporation of the MLOK style handguard on weapon systems outside the AR-15 platform has allowed for the manufacture of numerous accessories that can enhance the function and performance beyond what was available even 5 years ago. Companies like RailScales have been making AR accessories for the last decade, and many of these translate nicely to shotguns, hunting rifles, and more. Known primarily for their machined G10 Rail panels, RailScales also offers a wide range of complementary accessories that can upgrade an out of the box shotgun substantially. Unlike the AR-15 platform, shotguns don’t generally have issues with heat transfer from the barrel causing the handguard to become uncomfortable to grasp. However, while heat may not be an issue, MLOK rail panels like those made by RailScales, can offer added grip purchase and a reliable indexing point for the hand to consistently bring the weapon to firing position every time. Similarly, adding a handstop or vertical foregrip, like RailScales Karve, Anchor, or RSB can give the secondary hand a control grip option to help keep recoil impact to a minimum.
Modernizing The Hunting Rifle
Hunting rifles, those utilizing a bolt-action or lever-action style of reloading as opposed to magazine-fed AR systems, have also seen modernization in adding MLOK rail options. Like with shotguns, a bolt-action rifle is not going to suffer from heat transfer in the same ways that AR-15 systems do, as the barrels are generally thicker and the number of rounds per minute are limited by the nature of chambering and firing the weapon. However, like shotguns, a bolt-action or lever-action rifle can be substantially upgraded by incorporating functional MLOK accessories. RailScales QDX Sling Mount offers an upgraded take on quick-detach options, allowing for both QD and Hook mount style slings to attach to the weapon in a parallel fashion as opposed to the more common perpendicular QD attachment. This keeps the sling closer to the rail to prevent snagging, something that can be especially useful navigating foliage while out hunting or even at the range.
Handgun Functional Modifications
While most handguns are limited by size, and therefore would not have an MLOK rail style equivalent, there are still many ways to upgrade functional aspects of certain handguns. Slides can be modified to allow for the attachment of red-dot sights, and many users will upgrade to a 2-stage trigger for functional improvements in shooting technique as well as safety enhancements. For those using a government frame 1911, RailScales has offered their Ascend Grips, a line of upgraded pistol grips to not only increase the gripped surface area allowing for a more textured feel while grasping the firearm, but also increasing the aesthetic appeal.
With the advent of modern rail attachment systems, the AR-15 is no longer the only modularly upgradeable firearm system on the market. When looking to enhance and upgrade a new shotgun, rifle, or handgun, RailScales has accessories to fit every build and make any firearm feel custom designed for the end-user.
