I have the new style handguard on my 15-22. The one with the M-lok slots, and I hate it!

On my AR I have key mod which is very easy for me to use, and locks the accessories securely.

I just cant figure out why the M-lok is so popular. I can't seem to make it work properly.

If the cap screws have loctite on them, the locking plate is too tight to stop turning when I tighten it. If there is no loctite on the screw threads, the locking plate will not turn to the 90% position so the mount can be snugged down. I have to stick a small screwdriver into the adjacent slot and position the backing plate and hold it stationary with the screw driver while I tighten the screw. I cannot imagine this is the way this system is supposed to work, but it seems to be the only way I can tighten down accessories.

Please enlighten me if I am doing this wrong. If this is the way it is supposed to work, the system sucks.

I have read reports comparing the m-lok to the keyMod system and almost everyone says the m-lok is the way to go! I must be doing something wrong.

Rick

When I do my m-lok additions, I start the tab on the screw, put the tab in the slot, than I put a little pressure on the piece and feel the tab sort of fit/hold/snap in place. I keep outward pressure on the piece until it is tight enough that the tab stays in the proper place in the designated slot. I hope I am explaining it correctly. Also if you experiment with the hand guard off you can see what I mean.

I have key mod on my ar's also(except for my 15-22 which is old style). I have The Strike Industries LINK-CFG (Curved Fore Grip) which is desogned to work on both m-lok and keymod. After installing it, and having the same issue as what you have, I'll stick with key mod

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SDMF

I agree that Keymod is the better way to go, but M-Lok is quite a bit cheaper (simple slot cut and accessories are simple to mfg).

The only problem with M-loc is Magpul is dumb. They put way too aggressive of Loctite on at the factory. I use a crescent or open end wrench to hold the "wing nut" while I tighten the screw and loosen it a few times. Then simply "snug" it lightly, then loosen just enough to "set the proper gap" where the wing nut will just spin freely without the wrench holding it but its just touching the part. Its tricky until you do it a few times, then its actually a much simpler and better system than key-mod which I have lots of issues with coming loose or not fitting correctly. Im in the process of getting rid of my Key-mod stuff for M-loc.

I'm with ya on the MLok stuff. Just don't get it and it does not work well for me.

I'm gonna swap out the stock forearm on this 15-22 for another one that is set up for Keymod. I just gotta put together my tacticool22 shopping list and pick a handguard. Maybe I'll make those things my Merry Christmas to Meeeeeeeeee.....

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Michael
M&P 15-22

I thought it was just me having problems with the MLok. Interesting that others are seeing the same issues. As Mall Ninja suggested, you need to work the screw through the nut first to loosen it up. Do this before you insert it into the slot. They really did go overboard with the Loctite.

You get the hang of it after a while. I don't use keymod handguards because I don't like the way they look. All of my AR's have M-Lok rails. It takes some fooling with, but after a while, it becomes easy to add rail sections.