SOCOM Profile barrel with free float handguard

**BPDKar98k** · 06-27-17, 00:37

I am currently in the process of doing a build using a 14.5 BCM SOCOM profile barrel and wish to use a free float handguard. I initially started with a Centurion CMR M Lok rail but was unable to use the built in QD holes because the QD swivel would touch the barrel due to the thickness. I am a little anal retentive so this bothered me and have decided to go with a different handguard.

What types of handguards are you guys using for your SOCOM barrel builds? I prefer M Lok but was also looking at the BCM KMR-A which I know has a very slim profile. Would the supplied KeyMod QD mounts have issues with barrel clearance or do they stick out far enough that a QD swivel would not come in to contact with the barrel?

**81mmcat** · 06-27-17, 07:17

Using a geissle mk8 rail with a bcm 16" socom barrel, the qd scocket works fine since the placement is different than on the CMR rail

**TexasAggie2005** · 06-27-17, 07:42

Geissele Mk14

**JasonB1** · 06-27-17, 10:58

A bit of a different direction, but have you ever tried one of the angled QD sockets that attach to the top rail like the ones from IWC and Magpul? I gave one a try because a Midwest Rail bolt on QD point was not ergonomic for me. Tried it on a CMR rail that had integral qd points that worked well enough, but the angled Magpul was out of the way and allowed fine tuning location.

**BPDKar98k** · 06-27-17, 14:13

I did initially try the magul angled QD attachment points, but like I said, I'm anal and it bothered me that I couldn't use the integral QD points.

**BPDKar98k** · 06-27-17, 14:13

Originally Posted by TexasAggie2005

Geissele Mk14

Can the integral QD point on the top angle still be used?

**TexasAggie2005** · 06-27-17, 14:23

Originally Posted by BPDKar98k

Can the integral QD point on the top angle still be used?

Yes, a Magpul QDM snaps in easily. I'll double check clearance tonight, but I think it's fine.

**BPDKar98k** · 06-27-17, 14:30

Awesome. I really like the looks of both the MK14 and MK8. The slimmer profile of the MK14 is a little more appealing but did not want to be in the same situation I was with the CMR.