Hey everyone,
I just bought a new Aero Precision upper for my M&P Sport that came with a 13" Parallax Tactical KeyMod handguard and a Midwest Industries 16" 1:9 twist barrel. I wanted to lighten up the gun and have an upper with no A2 front sight as well. This will, however, be my first venture into the KeyMod world, so I'm hoping someone can help point me in the direction of some quality accessories such as vertical grips and possibly bipod mounts that are KeyMod compatible. I know I could just slap on a rail section, but I at least want to try the KeyMod system out, and I REALLY like the clean look of the direct attachment accessories. I always hated the little gap between my old handguard and the vertical grip, so hopefully this will solve that problem.

Anything else you can tell me from your experiences with KeyMod systems would be appreciated. Last thing I want is to lose my vertical grip halfway through a stage at a 3 gun match, or even worse lose my grip all together because it fell off somewhere without me noticing. Any tips/tricks to the whole thing?

Thanks, and OF COURSE here is a picture of the new digs

Attached Images

keymod.jpg (109.9 KB, 83 views)

Another question for all of you out there:

My barrel is marked TA 5.56 NATO 1:9

Any idea who manufactured the barrel? Also my upper is marked with a square forging mark, so I'm starting to think the seller might have just been using names of manufacturers he thought might catch the attention of buyers like yours truly.

Can anyone help??

"TA" marking could be Tactical Ambush.

5.56 BARRELS

The square forging mark is indicative of Brass Aluminum Forging Enterprises, LLC.

BA FORGING

They make the forging. Check the upper for another marking that looks like a key-hole. That's a Aero Precision upper marking.

The muzzle brake looks like a generic muzzle brake. Nothing bad. I have a similar one. As far as key-mod accessories, I'm useless. I had a very short time with a keymod forearm on a Tavor. Check out BCM. They usually have all the latest & greatest keymod stuff.

KeyMod Accessories


Also, more details on the upper please. Where did you buy it? Was it used? Did it come with the BCG & charging handle? The standardized dimensions of the AR-15 that facilitate parts manufacture and relatively easy assembly can be a pitfall for the uninitiated. Assembling an upper isn't a difficult thing to do. You can buy the best upper components in the world and end up with a steaming pile of excrement. Why? Careless assembly.

I was at my favorite small LGS. Dude walks in having problems with his AR. He bought all the best parts for it, but it wasn't performing right. Once he told us where he brought his box-o-premium parts for assembly, I knew why he was having problems. The "gunsmith" service at this particular bigger independently owned gun store isn't a gunsmith. They haven't had a real gunsmith there for the past 5 years. The upper was assembled, but not with any attention to detail or care. The muzzle device wasn't tightened down properly. The barrel nut wasn't torqued down to spec. The expensive scope wasn't mounted properly to the expensive rings. The reticule was canted, the rings weren't lapped, it looks like the "gunsmith" didn't know what an inch-pounds torque screwdriver existed.

It's like pizza. Dough, cheese, toppings. Assembled right, and you have one tasty pizza. Assembled wrong, and you get a horrible tasting mess.

__________________
-John

Last thing I would want is for it to fall apart in my hands just as a bad guy was coming thru the door on my house he just kicked in. I'm kinda slow in dropping a suddenly inop weapon and unholstering my backup.

But that's just me.

__________________
Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

i put rail attachments on my key mod to use accessories that i already had...until i decide to buy new...

__________________
SDMF

Thanks everyone, I'm excited to take this out and put some rounds downrange. The rifle wasn't built by me, but it is unfired. I have checked everything over myself, and it all seems to be up to spec, though. I didn't just toss a bunch of parts together, and it sure doesn't look like the guy who built it did either. The only thing I'm worried about is the quality of the barrel, but only time will tell if that concern is valid.

I think I may get a rail section for the keymod after all. I can't find any grips that I really like enough to pay another $50 for something I already have but just requires a section of picatinny.

This will sound harsh, but it is what it is. If you don't know what you're looking at, you don't know what you're looking at. Unless the assembled AR is from a well known shop, well known manufacturer, or someone I personally know I'm not buying it. It's a hodge podge of unverified parts put together by some guy.

I am asking one more question. Did that upper come complete with a charging handle and BCG? I ask because the bolt's lugs and the barrel's lugs wear in together. The general rule:

Brand new BCG + brand new barrel = ok, verify headspace.
Used BCG + Used Barrel from the same rifle = ok

Used BCG + brand new barrel = not ideal but workable, verify headspace.
New BCG + used barrel = not ideal but workable. verify headspace.

Used BCG + Used Barrel from different rifles = no-no

I'm checking out of this thread for good. I wish you luck. Stay safe.

__________________
-John

Of course loosing a vertical hand grip would hardly make the weapon inop.