Bravo Company's KMR Handguard is one of the most popular lightweight for ends on the market. Pictured here with BCM KeyMod accessories .
December 02, 2014
By Drew Warden
The KeyMod attachment system has become widely popular among rifle enthusiasts as the firearm industry has searched for a new forend design to replace the standard MIL-STD 1913 "Picatinny" quad rail.
Featuring a number of key-shaped slots that serve as modular attachment interfaces instead of one continuous rail, the KeyMod system provides a universal platform that is lighter and more ergonomic than traditional quad rails. The system, which is similar to the attachment interface still used in the modular shelving systems of retail shopping stores, also offers greater flexibility for attaching accessories.
While there are other attachment systems - such as Magpul's M-Lok and Tech Ops /Rebel Arms's T-bolt - vying for the title of industry forend standard , KeyMod's open-source design seems to be the frontrunner. Currently, there are more companies working with KeyMod than with any other new forend concept.
The popularity of the KeyMod system has led not only to an increase in the number of KeyMod rails available, but also to an increase in the number of KeyMod accessories.
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Today, a multitude of manufacturers are developing accessories specifically engineered for use with the KeyMod platform. Vertical grips, quick-detachable (QD) sling mounts, Picatinny rail sections and more are all being produced. These KeyMod accessories are a great way to boost functionality on your rifle without adding a lot of extra weight, and they can be easier to mount than attachments designed for a standard Picatinny rail.
Given KeyMod's continued growth, it's likely that only more KeyMod-specific accessories will soon become available.
For those already invested in the KeyMod platform or for those considering a new forend, below are eight great KeyMod accessories currently available.
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Light Mounts Flashlights have become a common and useful attachment on quad-rail ARs, and anyone using a black rifle fitted with a KeyMod forend shouldn't have to go without one either. Quite a few manufacturers have developed KeyMod-compatible light mounts that are capable of positioning the flashlight near the front of the handguard without interfering with a mounted front sight. This KeyMod Light Mount from Arson Machine Co. is primarily designed to run the light in the "10:30" or "1:30" position, but it can also be placed at the "7:30" and "4:30" positions near the bottom of the handguard.
Angled Grips Angled grips have become a popular modification for ARs in recent years, with some feeling they offer a more ergonomic option than standard vertical foregrips, especially for those using a "C-Clamp" grip where the thumb is placed over the rifle's bore. Shown here is the Kinesthetic Angled Grip (KeyMod Version) from BCM, which features a biomechanically efficient forward rake that creates an interface for positive retention and joint relief to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder when holding the rifle. Fortis Manufacturing also offers an angled grip built for KeyMod.
Rail Panels A downside of the KeyMod forend for some is the octagonal profile of the handguard, which might feel less comfortable than one that has a more rounded form. With KeyMod-accessible rail panels, users can have a round "feel" where they place their hands on the forend while retaining the ability to attach additional KeyMod accessories to other areas on the handguard. Because panels come in a variety of lengths, the user can place panels where they need them without sacrificing more of the KeyMod slots than are necessary. Pictured is a KeyMod Angled Panel Kit from BCM.
Quick-Detachable (QD) Sling Mounts The ability to quickly detach a rifle from its sling is crucial in combat as well as in other scenarios, and there are many quick-detachable (QD) sling mounts available from a wide variety of manufacturers for KeyMod platforms. The BCM Gunfighter QD Sling Mount (pictured here) is a low-profile QD sling mount that fits all standardized KeyMod interface mounting holes. A few of the many other manufacturers of QD sling mounts for KeyMod systems include: Impact Weapons Components, V7 Weapons Systems and Riverman Gun Works.
Rail Panels A downside of the KeyMod forend for some is the octagonal profile of the handguard, which might feel less comfortable than one that has a more rounded form. With KeyMod-accessible rail panels, users can have a round "feel" where they place their hands on the forend while retaining the ability to attach additional KeyMod accessories to other areas on the handguard. Because panels come in a variety of lengths, the user can place panels where they need them without sacrificing more of the KeyMod slots than are necessary. Pictured is a KeyMod Angled Panel Kit from BCM.
Vertical Grips As with quad rails, vertical grips are great accessories for KeyMod forends, and a number of manufacturers are crafting some innovative designs specifically for KeyMod. For instance, the Vertical Grip Short (KeyMod Version) from BCM (pictured here) features a patent-pending tool-less attachment method wherein the user simply twists the grip to unlock and lock it into place on the KeyMod rail. Some other companies offering KeyMod-compatible vertical grips include: Fortis Manufacturing, Riverman Gun Works, Unity Tactical and Samson Manufacturing Corp.
Barrier Stops Designed as an additional support when firing from an improvised position, the barrier stop is a convenient tool for competitors, long range shooters or anyone forced to fire from a makeshift rest. There are a few different companies producing barrier stops tailored for KeyMod, and this Textured Barrier Stop from Knight's Armament is a good example. Other popular manufacturers of KeyMod barrier stops include: Naroh Arms, SLR Rifleworks and Noveske Rifleworks.
Bipod Adapters Bipods are incredibly useful tools for ensuring a stable rest when prone or when firing from an improvised position. While many AR owners opt to leave off bipods, for those who like having them and who are using a KeyMod forend, there are a few options available. Shown here is the Odin Works K-Pod Bipod Adapter, which is compatible with Harris-style bipods. Primary Weapons Systems (PWS), Impact Weapons Components and Riverman Gun Works are some other companies manufacturing KeyMod bipod adapters.
Light Mounts Flashlights have become a common and useful attachment on quad-rail ARs, and anyone using a black rifle fitted with a KeyMod forend shouldn't have to go without one either. Quite a few manufacturers have developed KeyMod-compatible light mounts that are capable of positioning the flashlight near the front of the handguard without interfering with a mounted front sight. This KeyMod Light Mount from Arson Machine Co. is primarily designed to run the light in the "10:30" or "1:30" position, but it can also be placed at the "7:30" and "4:30" positions near the bottom of the handguard.
Angled Grips Angled grips have become a popular modification for ARs in recent years, with some feeling they offer a more ergonomic option than standard vertical foregrips, especially for those using a "C-Clamp" grip where the thumb is placed over the rifle's bore. Shown here is the Kinesthetic Angled Grip (KeyMod Version) from BCM, which features a biomechanically efficient forward rake that creates an interface for positive retention and joint relief to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder when holding the rifle. Fortis Manufacturing also offers an angled grip built for KeyMod.
Rail Panels A downside of the KeyMod forend for some is the octagonal profile of the handguard, which might feel less comfortable than one that has a more rounded form. With KeyMod-accessible rail panels, users can have a round "feel" where they place their hands on the forend while retaining the ability to attach additional KeyMod accessories to other areas on the handguard. Because panels come in a variety of lengths, the user can place panels where they need them without sacrificing more of the KeyMod slots than are necessary. Pictured is a KeyMod Angled Panel Kit from BCM.
Quick-Detachable (QD) Sling Mounts The ability to quickly detach a rifle from its sling is crucial in combat as well as in other scenarios, and there are many quick-detachable (QD) sling mounts available from a wide variety of manufacturers for KeyMod platforms. The BCM Gunfighter QD Sling Mount (pictured here) is a low-profile QD sling mount that fits all standardized KeyMod interface mounting holes. A few of the many other manufacturers of QD sling mounts for KeyMod systems include: Impact Weapons Components, V7 Weapons Systems and Riverman Gun Works.
Rail Panels A downside of the KeyMod forend for some is the octagonal profile of the handguard, which might feel less comfortable than one that has a more rounded form. With KeyMod-accessible rail panels, users can have a round "feel" where they place their hands on the forend while retaining the ability to attach additional KeyMod accessories to other areas on the handguard. Because panels come in a variety of lengths, the user can place panels where they need them without sacrificing more of the KeyMod slots than are necessary. Pictured is a KeyMod Angled Panel Kit from BCM.
Vertical Grips As with quad rails, vertical grips are great accessories for KeyMod forends, and a number of manufacturers are crafting some innovative designs specifically for KeyMod. For instance, the Vertical Grip Short (KeyMod Version) from BCM (pictured here) features a patent-pending tool-less attachment method wherein the user simply twists the grip to unlock and lock it into place on the KeyMod rail. Some other companies offering KeyMod-compatible vertical grips include: Fortis Manufacturing, Riverman Gun Works, Unity Tactical and Samson Manufacturing Corp.
Barrier Stops Designed as an additional support when firing from an improvised position, the barrier stop is a convenient tool for competitors, long range shooters or anyone forced to fire from a makeshift rest. There are a few different companies producing barrier stops tailored for KeyMod, and this Textured Barrier Stop from Knight's Armament is a good example. Other popular manufacturers of KeyMod barrier stops include: Naroh Arms, SLR Rifleworks and Noveske Rifleworks.
Bipod Adapters Bipods are incredibly useful tools for ensuring a stable rest when prone or when firing from an improvised position. While many AR owners opt to leave off bipods, for those who like having them and who are using a KeyMod forend, there are a few options available. Shown here is the Odin Works K-Pod Bipod Adapter, which is compatible with Harris-style bipods. Primary Weapons Systems (PWS), Impact Weapons Components and Riverman Gun Works are some other companies manufacturing KeyMod bipod adapters.
