What does it take 2 install 10” free float quad rail?

[hdrolling]

I see MLOK and Keymod used like interchangeable. So what is the difference?

Keymod looks like a keyhole, if it doesn't look like a keyhole it's MLOC.

 

[cyphertext]

Keymod looks like a keyhole, if it doesn't look like a keyhole it's MLOC.

Keymod looks like the shelving attachments at Walmart... I've also heard it described in a less mature, not family friendly way...

 

[Ricrock]

Personally I prefer Key-mod. It has less intrusion under the handrail than MLoc. If you have clearance issues with a gas block or anything else the key-mod is less intrusive. I also think the keymod is easier to attach. The MLoc takes some practice to attach properly, while keymod is very straight forward.
The keymod does kinda look like a pe__is tho!

 

[Westie1]

And for what it's worth, US Army adopted the mlok design.

 

[hdrolling]

Personally I prefer Key-mod.

I prefer it as well, mostly because the first rifles I built had kemod rails and I didn't want to have to buy accessories for a third mounting system.
My sport has the quad rail but I already had leftover gear from being active Army to put on.
My Daniel Defense had a keymod rail and at the time both of my BCM rifles only came with Keymod, BCM just added Mloc this year. And since I had three Keymods I used the same when I built my Noveske.

 

[Kadonny]

The keymod/m-lok decision is pretty laid out for me. If you plan on swapping out accessories often, then go M-lok. Two turns and the accessory comes off. If you want a solid lockup system that is easy to install and you don't change things out all that often, keymod is the way to go. It requires more turning and torquing.

I go back and forth as to which one I like better. Once you get the M-lok all adjusted, it is easier, but I do like the ease of the keymod too.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

These are two of my M-Lok and Keymod handguards. Someone mentioned Android vs iPhone. Probably as good analogy as any.

The greater difference is between the generally larger and heavier quad rail vs both Keymod and M-Lok. Keymod has been out for a long time, M-Lok in the last 2-3 years. My guess is that M-Lok will probably be the dominant player because of Magpul but both Keymod and M-Lok are fine choices. Of more importance in selecting a handguard that well suits your purposes is length, diameter and weight. There are also some Keymod and M-Lok designs with 7-sided mounting (plus picatinny top rail) vs the traditional 3-sided. Some guys prefer a larger heavier quad rail and larger grip accessories... so there is no universally right or wrong choice.

I the below pic, notice the clean and low profile mounting of the forward grip. I'll pluck a couple pics off the Net of a forward grip clamped onto a quad rail.


Keymod
M-Lok

Plucked off the Net

 

[lrrifleman]

@OP,

May I add my two cents? If I were you, I would consider building another upper, because you could tailor it to your desires, yet still keep the warranty in place should you need to have the factory work on the rifle.

Presuming that you have a bench vise, you will need:
1. Upper receiver blocks
2. A barrel wrench
3. An torque wrench
4. Gas tube pin tool (recommended but not required)

For an upper build, you will require;
1. An upper (stripped can be obtained for $40-100)
2. An upper parts kit (about $20)
3. Barrel of your choice, about $80-600.
4. Handguard (type and length is dependent upon barrel selected)
5. Gas tube (type and length dependent upon barrel selected)
6. Low profile gas block (ensure it matches barrel diameter at the gas port)

IF you play your cards right, you can swap the BCG between uppers, as long as the parent cartridge is based on a 223.

 

[Hillbillyhero]

I'd go as lightweight as possible

Sent from my P00C using Tapatalk

 

[Flyingfool]

I am heavily leaning magpul slimline MLOK

I seem to like keymod system better but I can’t yet seem to find a guard in keymod similar to the magpul slimline. At least not one that is priced competitively ( $35 range ) with the magpul.

 

[bamashooter]

I am heavily leaning magpul slimline MLOK

I seem to like keymod system better but I can’t yet seem to find a guard in keymod similar to the magpul slimline. At least not one that is priced competitively ( $35 range ) with the magpul.

You have expressed interest in attaching a possible forwrd grip and light. There are alternatives which might be cost effective until you "upgrade", buy another rifle someday, etc.

One alternative is to use a bayonet lug mounted light and a rail which mounts to your existing hand guard. Here's an example:

The bayonet-lug mounts are available in different styles and configurations.

The picatinny rail mounts come in different lengths and simply attach through the holes in the hand guard. This requires removal and a reinstall of the lower hand guard.

Here's yet another styled mount: