Next Military Handguard

[biodsl]

In the civilian market, quad rails have given way to a host of lighter handguards in various configurations. In the RFP for the Compact Semi-Auto Sniper System the military specifically called for a handguard that was NOT a quad rail. They were looking for something with a full length rail at 12 o'clock but was configurable otherwise.

Let's say the military came to the Horde for our recommendation. They want two handguards; one for the M4 and one for a C-SASS. What handguards would you recommend?

[kmon]

Seekins would be my choice

[stanc]

It appears the Army may be looking for a new fore end for the M4A1+, perhaps inspired by SOPMOD Block II?





Note the extended fore end on page 6 of this presentation: http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2015smallarms/Russell.pdf

[biodsl]

It appears the Army may be looking for a new fore end for the M4A1+, perhaps inspired by SOPMOD Block II?





Note the extended fore end on page 6 of this presentation: http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2015smallarms/Russell.pdf

So it appears they may be looking at keeping a quad rail system...and the weight associated with it.

[stanc]

So it appears they may be looking at keeping a quad rail system...and the weight associated with it.

Perhaps so. Or, it may be that the picture was just to give a general idea of what they want.

Note that listed under "Focus areas for improvement" is Improved Extended Forward Rails.

[am4966]

Do you suggest a MLok or Keymod? I prefer MLok, so I'll suggest a rail based off of that platform.

[biodsl]

Do you suggest a MLok or Keymod? I prefer MLok, so I'll suggest a rail based off of that platform.

Personally, I don't have a recommendation since I don't have experience with either. My handguards are the older (ha! two years old!) Mid-West Industries SS rails.

I've been out of the Army so long I'm not even sure what your typical 11B hangs off his rifle these days. I'm hoping the Horde collective can give some insight to what would be the hot ticket for our boys going forward.