Build it and it will shoot. Rails offer operators and shooters a variety of accessory mounting options. The trend these days is KeyMod rails that allow sections of Picatinny rails to be strategically placed for custom placement of lasers, grips, tactical lights and sling swivels. Vertical grips offer more control over muzzle rise when shooting fast is a need. The stock A2-style grip does the job, but a simple swap out means you can have a grip that better fills your hand with or without a glove.
Aim Sports AR/M4 Combo Kit V1
The V1 combo kit has everything needed to customize an AR handguard—rail, vertical grip, flip-up front and rear sights. The quad-rail handguard has four Picatinny/Weaver-style rails for mounting tactical lights, laser aiming devices and other accessories. The handguard also free floats the AR’s barrel for better accuracy. The front flip-up sight can mount directly to the handguard’s top rail while the 4.25-inch vertical grip attaches at the bottom of the rail. The rear flip-up mounts to the AR’s flattop receiver. (aimsportsinc.com; 855-275-4246)
AT Vertical Folding Fore Grip
The American Tactical (AT) Vertical Folding Fore Grip can be folded and stowed out of the way when not in use. When needed, it can quickly be deployed, offering the operator a palm-filling grip with plenty of texture. Made from glass-reinforced polymer, the grip is ergonomic and can locked into one of five positions. (americantactical.us; 800-290-0065)
Black Dawn Ladder Rail Covers
Black Dawn Industries’ Ladder Rail Covers protect unused rail areas from damage and keep non-shooting hands from the sharp, raspy feel of rail on hands. Made from a rubbery material, the Ladder Rail Covers offer a low profile and a more comfortable grip. They are easy to cut and customize to most rail systems. Each strip has 17 rails and is available in black, OD green and DGE. (blackdawnguns.com; 660-851-0907)
Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3
The BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 offers a reduced angle for improved ergonomics and trigger control. It is wider than the Mod 1 and Mod 2 grips. The grip features an extended forward tang that closes the gap between the triggerguard and pistol grip. The backstrap is similar to a high-rise beavertail. A hinged trap door accesses a small storage compartment that is water resistant. Available is black, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green. (bravocompanyusa.com; 877-272-8626)
Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Short
The slight forward angle helps increase shooter hold with a more natural wrist angle. The vertical short grip can be installed for more control in rapid fire. The grip’s short, low profile means mobility is increased and it is less likely to snag on gear or your environment. The flat, textured side of the grip gives better yaw control. It easily attaches to any Picatinny or Weaver-style rail. A small storage compartment is built into the grip butt. Available in black, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green. (bravocompanyusa.com; 877-272-8626)
Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Short – KeyMod
This short, compact, low-profile vertical grip offers quick attachment through a tool-less direct mount KeyMod interface. It can also be mounted at a reverse angle to offer additional control. Mounts to most KeyMod rails. Available in black, Flat Dark Earth, wolf gray and foliage green. (bravocompanyusa.com; 877-272-8626)
Bravo Company KMR-10
The KMR (KeyMod Rail) system allows operators to use various accessories from a variety of manufacturers. It also is smaller than a conventional Picatinny rail, so the handguard has less bulk in hand. The KMR-10 is 10 inches in length, has an outside dimension of 1.5 inches and weighs only 4.1 ounces. Available only in a black finish, the rail is made from a blended aluminum and magnesium alloy that is 30 to 40 percent lighter than aluminum. (bravocompanyusa.com; 877-272-8626)
Command Arms MGRIP2
The MGRIP2 is a two-piece polymer magazine well grip. The setup provides a sure grip for operators who like to grip the AR’s magazine well when firing. Fingers grooves are built into the MGRIP2 for even more grip adhesion. The unit weighs only 2.8 ounces and also helps protect the lower receiver. Available in black, green and khaki. (commandarms.com; 215-949-9944)
Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail III
The third generation of rail from Daniel Defense, the Lite Rail III, offers better structural integrity while improving functionality. It is machined from one piece of aluminum and requires only four bolts to attach to your AR. Swivel points are integrated into the left and right side of the rail. The AR15 Lite Rail III free-floats the AR’s barrel for added accuracy and, depending on the model, can be used with gas block/front sight setups or with low-profile gas blocks. (danieldefense.com; 866-554-4867)
DPMS .308 Carbon Fiber Free Float Tube
The Carbon Fiber Free Float Tube from DPMS stays cooler than standard aluminum handguards, and it weighs less. The entire unit weighs only 4.7 ounces. And at only 2.1 inches in diameter, this handguard feels thin in hand. The 12.6-inch-long tube free-floats the barrel to improve accuracy. Constructed of fiberglass and carbon fiber, it is as light as it is strong. (dpmsinc.com; 800-578-3767)
Ergo Grips Textured Slim Line Rail Covers
Picatinny rails can feel like a cheese grater in your hand—sharp and abrasive. The Textured Slim Line Rail Covers by Ergo protect rails from damage and shooters’ hands from wear. The 6.8-inch-long covers are made of Santoprene and provide a rubbery sure-grip surface. Covers are easily cut for a custom fit. Available in black, dark earth, OD green, coyote and pink. (ergogrips.net; 877-281-3783)
Fortis REV Free Float Rail System
The Fortis REV is a one-piece, 12-inch handguard that free-floats an AR’s barrel. It is made of lightweight aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum yet remains rugged. The rail has both Picatinny rails at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions and KeyMods at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions for a variety of custom mounting options. The Fortis REV’s overall weight is only 9.2 ounces. Available in black and Flat Dark Earth finishes. (fortismfg.com; 253-245-5622)
Geissele Automatics Super Modular Rail MK5
The Geissele Super Modular Rail MK5 handrail combines both traditional Picatinny-style rails with KeyMod attachment points along the length of the rail. The MK5 is lightweight and weighs 12.8 ounces, including the barrel nut. The unit’s outer diameter is 2.1 inches, and it comes in 9.5- or 13-inch lengths. The rail is ergonomic and free-floats the barrel. Available in black and desert dirt color (DDC) finishes. (geissele.com; 610-272-2060)
GrayHawk Products P-Rail Mount
Hot Shot Tactical’s P-Rail Mount allows quick and easy placement of a light on any mil-spec Picatinny rail. The mount adjusts in seconds, and a ball knob is tightened to secure the mount to the rail. The ball knob makes installation and removal easy, even while wearing gloves. The P-Rail Mount body is made using ABS material. The rail offers universal fit and is compatible with most 1-inch tube flashlights. The light just snaps in! (grayhawkproducts.com; 855-357-2327)
Guntec Thin Profile Handguard
Made from T6 aluminum, the Thin Profile free-floating, lightweight handguard has removable side and bottom rails. The top features a long monolithic rail that offers numerous mounting options for optics and other accessories like lasers and night-vision equipment. The sectional rails can be moved and attached to different positions on the handguard. Available in black OD green and flat dark earth. (guntecusa.com; 480-478-4517)
Hogue Forend Extension
Hogue’s 9.5-inch forend extension works with either Hogue’s carbine- or rifle-length tubes, and it fits over low-profile gas blocks. The extension is made from aluminum and has a knurled texture. Slots in the extension tube allow attachment of Picatinny rails and barricade stops or the attachment of a sling swivel. The unit is available in a black finish. (getgrip.com; 800-438-4747)
Hogue AR-15 Beavertail Rubber Grips
The Hogue overmolded beavertail grips incorporate finger grooves in the frontstrap and a cobblestone texture for a secure grip during trigger time. The beavertail provides extended length of pull and supports the web of an operator’s hand. It includes triggerguard filler and is available in black and desert tan finishes. (getgrip.com; 800-438-4747)
Lanco Tactical Grip Stop Mod 2
The Grip Stop Mod 2 was designed by a U.S. Marine Corps combat veterans to bridge the gap between a vertical grip and hand stop. The Mod 2 offers a variety of grip angles to prevent an operator from locking their wrist, and it can be used as a barricade stop. Made from solid billet aluminum and featuring a hardcoat anodized black finish, the Grip Stop weighs slightly over 3 ounces and mounts directly to any Picatinny rail. (lancotactical.com; 717-367-7221)
Midwest Industries MI-SSK 12-Inch KeyMod Rail
The slim (1.5 inch diameter) MI-SSK KeyMod Rail is also lightweight. The 12-inch version weighs only 8.5 ounces. Tough and rugged, the rail is constructed from 6061 aluminum and features a hardcoat anodized black finish. The top is a long Picatinny-style rail and the sides are KeyMod. Both rail types offer numerous attachment points for accessories. It is fully dehorned for a non-abrasive feel. (midwestindustriesinc.com; 262-896-6780)
POF USA Tactical MRR Handguard
The Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF) MRR Handguard is designed to fit on POF AR rifles and comes in 11.5 and 14.5-inch lengths. It features a fully integrated Picatinny rail that runs along the length of the handguard and onto of the receiver. It has attachment points on all sides of the rail to allow rails to be attached. The MRR is free floated when attached to a POF upper receiver. (pof-usa.com; 623-561-9572)
Primary Weapons Systems DI KeyMod Handguard
The Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) DI KeyMod Handguard comes in three lengths: 9.75, 12.1 and 15 inches. The lengthiest—the 15-inch version—weighs 13.3 ounces. The slim width makes the handguard more ergonomic and the KeyMod system allows multiple accessory attachments in a variety of locations to truly customize your AR. The top rail is a Picatinny-style rail. The barrel is free-floated for better accuracy. Integral sling swivel attachment points are built in. (primaryweapons.com; 208-344-5217)
Stark SE-5 EXPRESS Grip
The SE-5 Express Grip is specifically designed for shooters who train and operate with the support hand well forward on the hand guard or rails. The further forward the weapon is gripped the easier it is to manage recoil. This unique design allows the shooter to move, or “drive” the gun from target to target or engage a moving target more efficiently. This soft coated grip is comfortable – in stark contrast to other vertical fore grips – comfortable enough to hold in position during long waiting periods, whether in a dynamic situations or sport hunting. (starkequipment.com; 603-556-7772)
TangoDown BG-16 Battlegrip
The soft, hand-filling TangoDown BG-16 grip has smooth edges and a curved backstrap for an ergonomic fit that is comfortable during trigger time. The textured surface provides a positive grip whether wet or dry. The small compartment in the butt is also weather resistant. Available in black, foliage green or Flat Dark Earth finishes. (tangodown.com; 909-392-4757)
TangoDown BG-17 Battlegrip
The B-17 is larger than TangoDown’s BG-16 grip. The increased size and extended backstrap with beavertail are made for users with large hands. The soft rubber conforms to a user’s grip and helps reduce felt recoil. In the butt is a small weather-resistant storage compartment. Available in black or Flat Dark Earth finishes. (tangodown.com; 909-392-4757)
TangoDown BG-FG Flip Grip
The Flip Grip offers an operator an adjustable grip with two modes: a 24-degree rake or vertical. To adjust the grip position just pull down on the grip and rotate it 180 degrees. It automatically locks in place. The mounting hardware is high-grade stainless steel and the grip itself is made of an ultra-tough polymer. An aggressive non-slip texture makes sure your hand stays in place. Available in a black finish. (tangodown.com; 909-392-4757)
TangoDown BGV-QDK Stubby Vertical Grip
The Stubby vertical grip is designed to be less likely to snag on gear. It attaches to any Picatinny rail via a quick-detach throw lever. The grip is grooved for a sure hold and a small storage compartment is located in the butt. It is constructed from impact-resistant polymer and a metal mounting fixture. Available in black, foliage green or Flat Dark Earth finishes. (tangodown.com; 909-392-4757)
