AR-platform handguards have come a long way, and they certainly contribute to the AR’s continuing dominance in the firearms industry. While M16s originally shipped with polymer, triangular handguards that simply protected a soldier’s hands from barrel heat — literally guarding them — handguards later evolved to include Picatinny rails for attaching accessories. Quad-rail systems quickly became popular, but while they offer a lot of real estate for accessories, they also add a lot of bulk and can be a tad uncomfortable to grasp.

• RELATED STORY: Mod Squad: The Birth of the KeyMod System
• RELATED STORY: Top 14 Rails, Mounts & Handguards For the AK Platform

Rail covers help, but the KeyMod system has truly revolutionized handguards. In essence, with a KeyMod handguard, you can hang an accessory using key-shaped cutouts in the position you desire — without all that extra unused Picatinny rail. This leaves the rest of the handguard streamlined for less weight and bulk. It also helps that all the little key-shaped cutouts add up, making each handguard weigh less than solid aluminum versions.

Ready to trick your AR out with a KeyMod handguard? Check out the setups we’ve compiled.

Setup No. 1

• BCM KeyMod Picatinny Aluminum Rail Section 3”; MSRP: $23; URL: bravocompanyusa.com
• Odin Works FLM 1” Flashlight Mount; MSRP: $39; URL: odinworks.com
• Fortis KeyMod QD Sling Mount; MSRP: $19.95; URL: fortismfg.com
• BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER Vertical Grip MOD 3-KeyMod; MSRP: $21; URL: bravocompanyusa.com
• BCM  KMR13 KeyMod Free Float Handguard; MSRP: $300; URL: bravocompanyusa.com

Setup No. 2

• Vltor KeyMod Scout Light Mount; MSRP: $25.95; URL: vltor.com
• Odin Works Low-Profile Bipod Adaptor; MSRP: $34; URL: odinworks.com
• Impact Weapons Components KeyMod QD Rotation Limited Sling Mount; MSRP: $17; URL: impactweaponscomponents.com
• BCM KeyMod Kinesthetic Angled Grip; MSRP: $21; URL: bravocompanyusa.com
• BCM KMR13 KeyMod Free Float Handguard; MSRP: $300; URL: bravocompanyusa.com

Setup No. 3 

• BCM 1913 Light Mount Modular; MSRP: $39.95; URL: bravocompanyusa.com
• Odin Works KeyMod B1 Handstop; MSRP: $49; URL: odinworks.com
• BCM Quick-Detachable Sling Mount; MSRP: $17.95; URL: bravocompanyusa.com
• Rainier Arms SWITCH 5.56 Rail 12; MSRP: $227.95; URL: rainierarms.com

Setup No. 4

• Fortis SHIFT Vertical Grip KeyMod; MSRP: $79.95; URL: fortismfg.com
• Impact Weapons Components THORNTAIL KeyMod M3M61913 Offset Adaptive Light Mount; MSRP: $50; URL: impactweaponscomponents.com
• BCM KMR13 KeyMod Free Float Handguard; MSRP: $300; URL: bravocompanyusa.com
• Vltor Quick-Detachable Sling Swivel Mount; Anti-Rotational; MSRP: $239.95; URL: rainierarms.com

Setup No. 5

• Noveske Rifleworks KeyMod Offset Light Mount; MSRP: $49.95; URL: noveskerifleworks.com
• Impact Weapons Components KeyMod Bipod Mount-N-Slot; MSRP: $9.95; URL: impactweaponscomponents.com
• Impact Weapons Components OPC Sling KML Mount; MSRP: $29.95; URL: impactweaponscomponents.com
• Arisaka KeyMod Finger Stop; MSRP: $23; URL: arisakadefense.com
• Fortis REV II Free Float Rail System – 12; MSRP: $209.95; URL: fortismfg.com

Setup No. 6

• Arisaka Offset Scout Mount KeyMod; MSRP: $44; URL: arisakadefense.com
• Vltor KeyMod Slimline Grip Panel – 12-inch; MSRP: $65.95; URL: vltor.com
• Knight’s Armament Company KeyMod URX4 Handstop; MSRP: $24.99; URL: shop.knightarmco.com
• Daniel Defense SLiM Rail 15.0; MSRP: $299; URL: danieldefense.com