My Sport (which sadly isn't home yet) has a railed hand guard, which I'm not a huge fan of. I have been considering replacing it with a Magpul, but was thinking, as long as the rails are there I could change the rail covers to the same color as the stock I put on and save the cost of another hand guard.

I find the panels increase the size of the hand guard, making it rather large in the hand. In that same camp would be the 2 piece panel sections, same size overall, but provide the option of mixing colors for a personalized camo look.

I've never used the ladder type covers, but they would seem to provide a slimmer profile, although leaving the rail system exposed and subject to snagging on other objects. Do these provide any real degree of comfort?

Any thoughts? Show me what you've got and give me your experiences, please.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

Congrats on the new Sport, welcome to the club!

It's really up to you. If you want to stay slimmer, consider the ladder styles. This doesn't make the handgaurd any thicker, but won't stop heat as well either and is not as comfortable IMO. Also as you said, another option could be one of the many styles of actual panels that slide over the rail sections, thus providing full rail coverage. The problem as you said, that these make the handguard thicker to hold. If the panels provide too much thickness, you could always put on a VFG too. Just a thought.

So....you need to decide what fits you. I just installed my Knights Armament M4 RAS rail on my Sport that came with the rail panels that slide on a lock into the rails. Yes, this makes the guard thicker, but with my long fingers I find it very comfortable. Also with the panels, when they are on, you get a totally different look than the naked rails.

I can get some pics posted tomorrow, I need to get them up anyway for my new Sport.

I have a Troy TRX Alpha rail so I use Squid Grips. But for a regular picatinny rail I'd probably consider the Larue Index Clips. IndexClips, 72 Piece Set | LaRue Tactical

I had panel covers for a while and couldn't stand how wide it made my grip. Let them go and went with some cheap ladder rail covers. Much better in my opinion. That's on my 15-22. For my M&P15, I have a tube style Samson rail. Very narrow and just right for me.

I use these and find they don't add as much thickness as a full cover. My hands are average to small and I like them a lot. I also tie in their hand stop which I'm yet to use but feels good so far.

I have large hands, and I do not like holding a Foster's beer can for a front end on a rifle. I much prefer a smaller stock. It more closely matches the feel of my bolt action hunting rifles and my bird hunting shotguns.

I use the ergo grip ladder covers and I think they work really well. They DO increase comfort substantially. Also, the idea that they won't protect your rails is somewhat misguided. That's actually their purpose. The top, no, but the grooves and all edges are covered (so no snags) and the important part of your rail is protected functionally, even if the tops of the rail aren't cosmetically protected.

shown here on my M&P15x for reference, used in tandem with a magpul AFG2.

Attached Images

DSCN0419 (800x398).jpg (192.1 KB, 292 views)

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686/M&P9 Pro/M&P15X/M&P15-22

I use regular rail covers, but only have them on the bottom rail. Provides heat resistance and comfort without giving me the beer can look and feel.