MI M-LOK handguard

[nimdabew]

Is there any reason why I should not get this hand guard? It is going on a 12.5" SBR, so I can't use the plethora of 12" hand guards like I want to. I have been doing a bit of research for the last couple of days and the hand guards have boiled down to just a few. I started with the MI SSM, Geissele SMR Mk8, SLR Solo, and Troy M Lok hand guards.

Troy got axed for various reasons, Geissele doesn't come in 11", and the SLR attachment method isn't the most awe inspiring.

For reference, here is the MI hand guard.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=1263

SLR handguard

http://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=66_106_70

Geissele SMR

http://geissele.com/super-modular-rail-mk8-mlok.html

Now, all of that being said above, I like the geiselle the most mainly because it doesn't have QD sockets everywhere, the mount system to the barrel nut seems very good, has 45 degree mlok slots, and it is built like a brick shit house. But the 13" rail is too long and I don't want to buy a new barrel just for a rail.

The MI hand guard is much lighter, but has big vent holes at the 45 degree points which I wish were mlok slots instead.

tl;dr I am trying to find a m lok handguard that will work with a 12.5" barrel. 45 degree m lok slots would be nice but aren't a deal killer. Keep cost down but will pay for better gear.

ETA: The perfect handguard that I can find is the G Mk4 without the rails at the end, and 11" instead of 9.5". I don't even know if this exists or not, but if it does in one form or fashion, please post about it here.

[Uprange41]

ALG 12" EMR V2 (http://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v2-m-lok.html)?

[nimdabew]

A lower profile, ie 1.5" OD, would be preferred. I also use the top rail as an index point.

[Tx_Aggie]

A lower profile, ie 1.5" OD, would be preferred. I also use the top rail as an index point.

The V3 does have a full length top rail, but the OD is still larger than 1.5".

http://d1z9d9wmo9i928.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/547x800/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/e/m/emr-v3-12inch-ddc1.jpg

[nimdabew]

Is there anyone that has first hand knowledge of the SLR mount up system? It seems that is the rail that will give me most of what I want. The mount system just looks a little... weak from this youtube video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9IxqlM-6n0

[nimdabew]

Ok this changes things a bit. Sent an email to SLR and they replied back in about 20 minutes on the 4th of all days.


That's not a new HG
Our current HG's (Gen4 )use a slip fit and wedged locking system.

Way more Solid than a clamp mount.

Our previous clamp mounts are some of the best out there. The current one is better by a long shot.

Sent from my iPhone


I may just pick up a SLR. Thanks everyone!

[jackblack73]

I don't own an SLR rail, but I do own the MI SSM. If anything, I'd say the SLR has a better attachment method. I consider the MI attachment method it's weak point, and the only reason I bought mine is because there are limited 10.5" M-lok rails out there. With the SSM, you have to align the barrel nut, which is annoying. But more importantly, it's still exposed and is uncomfortable if your hand runs close to the magwell. The biggest problem with the rail though is there is nothing mechanical locking the rail to the barrel nut, besides tension. They provide some Loc-tite or something, but otherwise the rail just slides on and off. My Centurion CMR, for example, has a screw that goes through the barrel nut so it can't slide forward. The SLR also uses an insert to keep it from sliding forward. That said, overall I love the feel of the SSM (it's very slim) and feel it's fine for my non-operator purposes.

[nimdabew]

SLR has a 15% off coupon for today only. code is "1776" and works with the rails.

[Junkie]

I have an earlier MI on one of my guns and I agree the mount isn't great. I used some Loctite Retaining Compound (I forget what variety, I'd have to look it up) that I used to hold in bearing races at work.

It's fairly nice, but I use a few panels on it to not burn my hand. Haven't had any problems with it. Next time I buy it'll either be KMR or MI Lightweight M-Lok or maybe Lightweight Keymod.

[plouffedaddy]

ALG 12" EMR V2 (http://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v2-m-lok.html)?

I have both and both have been problem free to date. To the OPs question---there isn't any reason I know of not to get it...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lez2O0JR2Wo

ALG review will be up one of these days....

[Hemoglobin]

I like mine. Honestly, I haven't had a chance to get out much since I made the swap over to M-lok, but given the attachment system has been out for a while I would think it's okay for most people. You can feel the heat more than I could with my C4 rails when shooting without gloves.

[Cobrasks]

I had almost the exact same want list for a new rail a short time ago ,with the
exception being that I didn't feel a need for a full top rail for this one .

I gave the ALG M-Lok v2 a try .

I plan on putting ALG M-Lok V2s or V3s on all of my rifles from now on .

The V2 is just smooth everywhere after mounting a folding front sight .
No edges like the top rail , on M-lok rail sections ,or near the receiver like on the V0 .
IMHO -the lack of a full top rail makes the slightly larger diameter rail feel smaller
then those with the top rail while giving a little more room for the heat to escape .

I don't see the lack of M-Lok slots at 3 and 9 O'clock as a problem .
Once a good in-line light mount gets released ( Arisaka looks good)
I don't see a lot of use for 3 and 9 slots for me .

The lack of the extra slots also allows the rail to feel less angled .
It's shaped less like a stop sign and more like a circle -it's kind
of hard to show that with just pictures .

[nimdabew]

I bought the 11" SLR Lite M-Lok rail for $191 shipped today. I am going to weigh my upper before and after to see how much I lose, but I think it will be substantial since I am losing the suppressor mount, DD RIS II and associated excess metal.

[derfarhar333]

I love my MI handguard! It's 3"longer than the 12" quad that came on my rifle but 6.5 ozs lighter.

[djegators]

I see no reason not to get the MI, great product, reasonable price. Nothing wrong with the other options either.