Everything You Need to Know about M-LOK Handguard
M-LOK Handguard Handguard sets the appearance and functionality of the firearm allowing you to add more accessories. Handguards are made up of polymer and aluminum and come in different shapes and sizes such as drop-in and free-float handguards. M-Lok Handguards make a huge difference especially when it comes to using AR 15. But the accessory mounting system adds an added advantage. There are three main types of mounting systems: Picatinny, key-mod, and M-LOK. Out of these three, M-LOK offers an innovative way to mount accessories. Though Picatinny rails were durable and had universal compatibility as the rails were made of aerospace aluminum they were quite heavy and the shooters complained about the cheese grate feeling on their hands. Then came the slot system, KeyMod (an open-source system developed in collaboration with VLTOR and Noveske), and M-LOK with smooth surface and better mounting options.
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WHAT IS M-LOK HANDGUARD? M-LOK is an advanced version of the MOE (Magpul Original Equipment). All M-Lok accessories can be used on older MOE slot handguards but due to lack of adapter plate old MOE accessories cannot be used on the newer M-LOK handguard. A good example of an M-LOK handguard would be the 15 M-LOK handguard, with the option of up to 15 slots. 3
HOW DOES M LOK HANDGUARD WORK? M-LOK allows direct accessory attachment on the hollow slot (negative space) mounting points. If the accessory mounting is perfect; the more accurate the shooting would be. M-LOK rail uses T-shaped nuts and has narrow slits. Screw the M-LOK accessory with a T-nut to fix it with the rail. Once the accessory is mounted to the M-LOK rail, the connection remains secure and that gives a better accuracy and stability.
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HOW TO INSTALL M-LOK? M-LOK has precise slots cut into the handguard. You can attach the accessory with the mounting hardware that locks into the slots. Match the space between the T-nut and the accessory that complements the breadth of the mounting surface. M-LOK rail uses the rectangular T-Nut and a rectangular slot. Squad the T-nuts and insert them into the slots.
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With the help of a hex wrench, tighten the screw to 90˚ for each T-nut until secure.
ADVANTAGES OF USING THE M-LOK RAIL SYSTEM With the help of the M-LOK rail, you can directly mount a small rail or accessory to your rifle’s handguard. ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸
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As M-LOK has a smooth surface it becomes quite easy to carry. M-LOK system saves on unnecessary weight and further reduces the outer diameter of the platform M-LOK system enables you to easily add or remove accessories either forward or rear-facing. M-LOK system endures heavy and repetitive recoil, further maintaining the stability of the mounted accessories and shooting accuracy. Assembling and disassembling accessories are quite easy while using MLOK rail. When using rifles like AR-15s, they heat up making it difficult to carry around. But the M-LOK handguard serves as a safeguard in this situation.
WRAPPING UP A lot of companies are using M-LOK rails on their handguards as well as a lot of common accessories are available with M-LOK mounts. Lighter, smoother, slimmer, and multi-faceted – this is what we can call an M-LOK handguard. Hopefully, the information mentioned above gives you a better insight into the MLOK handguard. Happy shooting! Source: https://www.mddir.com/hub/everything-you-need-to-know-about-m-lokhandguard/
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