5 Elite KeyMod UpGrades From Bravo Company

One of the reasons the AR-15 has become so popular in the law enforcement community is that a single rifle can be quickly configured for any of several different missions. This modularity became even easier several years ago with the introduction of the KeyMod system.

Picatinny accessory rails have served the shooting community well, but they have some drawbacks. The rails add weight to the gun and girth to the handguard. The KeyMod system uses a series of keyhole-shaped attachment points on a handguard instead of four bulky rows of metal rails. When using KeyMod accessories, there are no unused rails taking up space and adding weight to the rifle.

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Attaching accessories to a KeyMod handguard is quick and easy, needing only a few turns of a wrench to lock things into place. The attachment screws are captive, so you will never be on your hands and knees trying to find a small nut that slipped out of your hand when adding a piece of gear. Having shot several rifles with KeyMod systems, I have quickly become a fan. I anticipate that all future guns I buy will be equipped with the KeyMod system.

Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) makes a number of KeyMod handguards and accessories that work well for today’s patrol officers and SWAT cops. Here are a few that are worth considering adding to your own patrol rifle or entry gun.

KMR Handguards

Bravo Company’s KeyMod Rail (KMR) handguards are made of an aluminum and magnesium alloy that makes them up to 40 percent lighter than aluminum-only versions. Lengths of 9.4, 10.5, 13.4 and 15 inches are available. The 10.5-inch handguard weighs only 6.3 ounces including the mounting hardware.

According to Bravo Company, the proprietary finish on the KMR was developed for the aerospace industry and has a better resistance to wear when compared to anodized and hard-chrome finishes. KMR handguards have a Picatinny rail in the 12 o’clock position and seven KeyMod attachment slots every 45 degrees.

Angled Panel Kit

While there are no rails to cover, some officers may want to use Bravo Company’s Angled Panel Kit to give the KMR a full, round feel in the hand. Angled panels are made of polymer and have a non-slip surface. Three different colored panels are available: black, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green.

QD Sling Mount

An officer can add a Bravo Company Quick-Detachable (QD) Sling Mount to any location on a KeyMod handguard. The steel mount is very low profile and is not likely to snag or catch on any equipment.

Gunfighter Grip

The Bravo Company Gunfighter Vertical Grip is a short grip that will attach to any KMR handguard. It has a slight forward angle that helps improve the angle of the support wrist for some officers. The polymer grip can also be reversed, which helps some officers improve weapon control.

The vertical grips have an aggressive texture to improve your grip in both wet and dry situations. Grips are available in four colors: black, gray, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green. A small storage compartment is located in the base of the grip.

Picatinny Rails

Even though the KeyMod system is set up to not need Picatinny rails, there are still some accessories—such as lights and lasers—that are only available with rail mounts. For that reason, Bravo Company offers lengths of Picatinny rail that can be mounted to a KeyMod handguard. BCM offers aluminum rail sections in 3-, 4- and 5.5-inch lengths. These sections are available in black only.

Polymer rail sections are also available. Currently, the company offers the polymer lengths of Picatinny rail in three different colors: black, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green. They are available in the same lengths as the aluminum versions.

For more information, visit bravocompanyusa.com or call 877-272-8626.