Today we look at the best MLOK handguard top picks, their features, pros, and cons. The M-Lok system has gained prominence for its simplicity, lightweight design, and remarkable adaptability
The term “M-Lok,” which is short for “Modular Lock,” aptly describes its versatility and ease of use. This mounting system allows you to attach a wide range of accessories, from optics to bipods, without the need to remove the entire rail.
What is an M-LOK Handguard?
An M-LOK handguard is a modular rifle accessory mounting system that uses a series of slots and lugs to attach accessories, such as grips, lights, and rail covers, to the handguard in various positions. M-LOK is a standardized system for secure and flexible accessory attachment.
Benefits of MLok Handguards
Choosing one of the products in our best MLOK handguard list will guarantee you the following advantages
Direct Accessory Mounting
M-Lok allows for the direct mounting of small rails and accessories to your rifle’s handguard, eliminating the need for a heavy Picatinny rail that runs the length of the weapon.
Smoother Texture
Unlike the rough, cheese-grater feel of Picatinny rails, M-Lok features a smoother texture that is gentler on your hands, clothing, and the inside of your rifle case.
Compatibility with Non-Metal Surfaces
M-Lok works well with non-metal mount surfaces, making it an excellent choice for use with polymer accessories.
No Need for Backside Access
When mounting accessories with M-Lok, you don’t need access to the backside of your rail, making it easy to add or remove accessories quickly.
Customizable Placement
M-LOK compatible accessories can be mounted at either end of the system’s elongated slots, allowing for easy customization of accessory placement.
Forward or Rear-Facing Mounting
Accessories can be mounted either forward or rear-facing on the M-Lok system, catering to individual preferences and shooting styles.
No Specific Installation Direction
The M-Lok system doesn’t require a specific installation direction to function properly, providing flexibility and convenience.
Recoil Mitigation and Stability
M-Lok accessories are designed to endure heavy and repetitive recoil, featuring recoil mitigation lugs with full support in all four axes of movement. This prevents shifting due to rough handling or recoil, preserving the stability of your mounted accessories and enhancing shooting accuracy.
Best MLOK Handguard-Our Top Picks
1) Aero Precision AR15 Atlas S-One M-LOK Handguard
The Aero Precision AR15 Atlas S-One M-LOK Handguard is the best MLOK Handguard. This handguard boasts several key features that make it a popular choice among firearm enthusiasts.
One standout feature is the inclusion of both front and rear Picatinny rails. These rails provide ample space for attaching various accessories such as optics, lights, vertical grips, and other tactical gear, allowing you to customize your rifle to your specific needs.
Weight reduction is enhanced by the design of the handguard which eliminates the center of the top rail, significantly reducing the overall weight of the handguard without compromising its structural integrity. This is especially beneficial for those who want to maintain a lightweight and maneuverable firearm.
The handguard features indexing grooves in the 12:00 position, which provide positive grip control, ensuring that your hand stays firmly in place during operation. This enhances both comfort and accuracy when firing your AR15.
For enhanced versatility, the Aero Precision Atlas S-One offers quick disconnect sling sockets at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. These attachment points make it easy to mount a sling, allowing you to carry your rifle comfortably and securely while keeping it within reach for rapid deployment.
This handguard is designed to work seamlessly with low-profile gas blocks, ensuring your rifle functions smoothly. The 1.3-inch inside diameter provides sufficient clearance for most gas systems and other accessories you may want to add to your firearm.
With a 1.5-inch outside diameter, the handguard strikes a balance between being slim enough for a comfortable grip and robust enough to support accessories. This diameter makes it easy to handle while still accommodating your customization needs.
The Aero Precision Atlas S-One M-LOK Handguard is compatible with mil-spec AR15 upper receivers and barrels, making it a versatile choice for those using standard AR15 components. However, it’s important to note that this handguard is not compatible with M4E1 Enhanced Upper Receivers, so users of that specific upper receiver should consider alternative options.
Pros
- Front and rear Picatinny rail
- Compatible with low-profile gas blocks
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction for optimal durability
- Reduced weight by eliminating the center of the top rail
- Compatible with mil-spec AR15 upper receivers and barrels
Cons
- NOT Compatible with M4E1 Enhanced Upper Receivers
2) Strike Industries Strike Rail M-Lok Handguard
The Strike Industries Strike Rail M-Lok Handguard is a robust and versatile accessory handguard made for AR15-style rifles.
This handguard has a generous 1.57-inch internal diameter providing ample clearance for suppressors, making it an ideal choice for those who seek to run their rifles with such attachments.
M-Lok compatibility is a key feature of this handguard, allowing for the attachment of a wide range of accessories, such as lights, grips, and rail covers, in a convenient and modular fashion.
Ambidextrous quick-detach (QD) socket placement is another notable feature of the Strike Rail. This thoughtful design allows for the convenient attachment of slings on both sides of the handguard, making it suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This ambidextrous capability ensures that the rifle can be comfortably and securely carried, regardless of the user’s dominant hand.
The handguard also incorporates a built-in anti-rotation feature within the rail. This feature ensures that the handguard remains securely in place, even during rapid or sustained fire, enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the rifle.
The Strike Industries Strike Rail comes with an aluminum barrel nut. This component contributes to the handguard’s durability and strength, making it capable of withstanding the rigors of intense shooting activities. The aluminum construction also helps keep the overall weight of the handguard in check, a valuable consideration for those who want to maintain a lightweight firearm.
This is the best MLOK handguard for durability and stability.
Pros
- Ample clearance for suppressors
- Allows for the attachment of a wide range of accessories
- Ambidextrous quick-detach (QD) socket placement
- Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters
- Aluminum barrel nut for strength and durability
Cons
- None
3) TRYBE Defense AR-15 Lightweight M-LOK Handguard
The TRYBE Defense AR-15 Lightweight M-LOK Handguard is exceptionally lightweight. Crafted with precision, this handguard is designed to minimize the weight of your rifle making it easy to handle and maneuver without compromising on durability or strength.
The handguard comes with a barrel nut and a specific torque wrench size of 30mm. This simplifies the installation process and ensures that the handguard can be securely attached to your rifle with the proper torque, which is crucial for the reliable and stable performance of your firearm.
Included with the handguard are T15 mounting screws, which are essential for a secure and hassle-free attachment to your AR-15. The provision of these screws ensures that you have all the necessary components at your disposal, making installation straightforward and efficient.
The handguard offers M-LOK attachment positions on the left, right, and bottom sides. This versatile M-LOK system allows for the easy attachment of a wide range of accessories, such as optics, lights, foregrips, and more. The positions on all three sides ensure that you have the flexibility to customize your rifle to your specific needs.
The handguard is machined from 6000 Series Aluminum, which is known for its durability and lightweight properties. This material choice ensures that the handguard can handle the stress and rigors of shooting activities while keeping the overall weight of the rifle in check.
The hard anodized finish adds a layer of protection to the handguard, enhancing its resistance to wear, corrosion, and the elements. This finish not only contributes to the handguard’s longevity but also provides it with a sleek and professional appearance.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Hard anodized finish adds a layer of protection to the handguard
- Easy attachment of a wide range of accessories
- Comes with a barrel nut and a torque wrench
Cons
- None
4) V Seven AR-15 Hyper-Light Magnesium M-Lok Handguard
The V Seven AR-15 Hyper-Light Magnesium M-Lok Handguard is one of the best MLOK Handguard picks, it features a blended aluminum and magnesium alloy construction for reduced weight, a wear layer with superior wear resistance, integrated QD swivel mounting points, a super aluminum 7068 barrel nut, and a Type III hard coat anodized black finish.
The blended aluminum and magnesium alloy helps in a substantial weight reduction of approximately 30% compared to commonly used 6061 aluminum handguards contributing to improved rifle maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for those who value a lightweight and agile firearm.
The wear layer of the V Seven AR-15 handguard is created through a plasma deposition process. This process results in a tough ceramic-like coating that provides superior wear resistance compared to traditional anodizing. This coating not only enhances the handguard’s durability but also adds an E-cote black finish, giving it a sleek and professional appearance.
Another valuable feature of this handguard is the inclusion of three integrated QD swivel mounting points. These attachment points make it easy to install a quick-detach sling, allowing for secure and convenient carrying options that cater to different shooting positions and styles.
The handguard comes with a super aluminum 7068 barrel nut. This material is significantly harder and stronger than the commonly used 7075 aluminum, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the handguard. This robust barrel nut contributes to the overall stability of the handguard when installed.
The barrel nut itself is coated with a Type III hard coat anodized black finish, which not only enhances its durability but also matches the handguard’s aesthetics.
This finish provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring that the barrel nut can withstand the rigors of shooting activities and environmental conditions.
Pros
- Aluminum and magnesium alloy construction for reduced weight
- Superior wear resistance
- Three integrated QD swivel mounting points
- Features super aluminum 7068 barrel nut
- Ships with wrench & mounting screws (Torx T25)
Cons
- None
5) Aero Precision M5 ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard
The Aero Precision M5 ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard is the best MLOK Handguard for M5, it features a full-length top Picatinny rail for attachment customization, quick disconnect sling sockets at multiple positions, compatibility with low profile gas blocks, and compatibility with AR308 upper receivers and barrels.
With a full-length top Picatinny rail, there is provision for a wide and continuous platform for attaching a variety of optional accessories, including optics, sights, and other tactical gear. The full Picatinny rail allows for unparalleled customization, enabling users to configure their rifles to suit their specific needs.
For enhanced versatility, the Aero Precision ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard offers quick disconnect (QD) sling sockets at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. These attachment points make it easy to mount a sling, allowing you to comfortably and securely carry your rifle and providing quick access for deployment.
This handguard is designed to be compatible with low-profile gas blocks, ensuring that the gas system of your AR308 rifle functions smoothly. The ability to accommodate low-profile gas blocks is crucial for the efficient operation of the firearm, making it a practical choice for those who require reliability in their rifles.
The Aero Precision M5 ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard is designed specifically for AR308 upper receivers and barrels, ensuring a seamless fit and optimal performance. This compatibility with AR308 components makes it an excellent choice for those using this larger caliber platform, whether for sporting, hunting, or tactical purposes.
Pros
- A wide and continuous platform for attaching a variety of optional accessories
- Quick disconnect sling sockets at multiple positions
- Compatibility with low-profile gas blocks
- Compatibility with AR308 upper receivers and barrels
Cons
- NOT Compatible with M5E1 Enhanced Upper Receivers
Read Also: 5 Best Aero Precision Handguards
Best MLOK Handguard FAQs
What are the advantages of M-LOK handguards?
M-LOK handguards offer several benefits, including a low-profile design, flexibility in accessory placement, and a lighter weight compared to traditional Picatinny rails. They allow for easy customization and improved handling of firearms.
How do I attach accessories to an M-LOK handguard?
To attach accessories to an M-LOK handguard, you’ll need compatible M-LOK accessory mounts. These mounts have T-nuts or screws that fit into the slots of the M-LOK handguard. You simply slide the mount into the desired slot, tighten the screw, and secure your accessory.
Do M-LOK handguards affect accuracy or balance?
M-LOK handguards are designed to be lightweight and should not significantly affect the balance of your firearm. However, adding numerous heavy accessories could potentially impact balance and accuracy.
What is the difference between M-LOK and KeyMod?
M-LOK and KeyMod are two popular modular accessory attachment systems. M-LOK uses slots, while KeyMod uses keyholes. They are similar in function, but the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best MLOK handguard ultimately depends on one’s specific firearm, preferences, and intended use. M-LOK handguards offer a versatile and lightweight solution for customizing firearms, allowing for the secure attachment of various accessories with ease.
The choice between different M-LOK handguards often comes down to factors such as compatibility with the firearm platform, desired length, and additional features like Picatinny rail sections or quick-detach sling points.
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