varminter .223
Well-known member
All these options are wearing me out. Which do you guys that have used them think is the better option. Im mounting my radius and I just want function and a positive fit.
Keymod or m -lok on handguard
- Thread starter varminter .223
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varminter .223
Well-known member
I went with a Matrix Foxtrot 11" from JoeBob's. I just couldn't see dumping 3 times the money on one without giving the Matrix a shot first. Only available in keymod so that was easy!
deaddogwalkin
Active member
I have one and my son has the other. Can't remember who has what. There isn't any difference as far as I can see in quality. I would flip a coin. Just need to make sure you get the right type of rail attachment for it.
Squeeze
New member
I have both. I don't have a preference. I think Keymod probably has better availability of specialty mounting trinkets, but I think I read the USMC went with M-Lok, so expect that gap to disappear. I do remember having to hunt for aluminum rail sections, for M-Lok, because Magpul makes most of their stuff plastic...Tough plastic, but plastic. The determining factor for me was the tubes themselves. Those Matrix tubes, at JoeBobs, are hard to beat at that price! The black finish is a bit chalky, but I just painted one FDE, to match FDE furniture, and in that application chalky black didn't matter. I have them on most of my rifles now. I started out with a couple of MIs, one in Keymod, and one in M-Lok, but at 2.5x the price of the Matrix tubes, I stopped buying MIs, and outfitted the rest of the rifles with Matrix tubes. If you go with a Matrix tube, then Keymod is your only option.
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jim87formula
Member
Oh, you haven't heard the Keymod is dead? Lol, check this video out.
Which I am not going to change, I like the Keymod and the price is a lot better for most Keymod handguards.
Which I am not going to change, I like the Keymod and the price is a lot better for most Keymod handguards.
JoeBobOutfitters
New member
I have used Keymod on all rifles but most were purchased before MLOK has taken off more. For the average user, there's not a real discernible difference. If you are beating on the rifle and mounting a bunch of large items on the rail then the MLOK has the advantage in terms of strength.
Originally Posted By: varminter .223I went with a Matrix Foxtrot 11" from JoeBob's. I just couldn't see dumping 3 times the money on one without giving the Matrix a shot first. Only available in keymod so that was easy!
The Matrix Foxtrot handguards are hard to beat for the money. $70 for a 15" USA made free-float handguard with a steel barrel nut is pretty stellar.
Originally Posted By: varminter .223I went with a Matrix Foxtrot 11" from JoeBob's. I just couldn't see dumping 3 times the money on one without giving the Matrix a shot first. Only available in keymod so that was easy!
The Matrix Foxtrot handguards are hard to beat for the money. $70 for a 15" USA made free-float handguard with a steel barrel nut is pretty stellar.
varminter .223
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: JoeBobOutfittersI have used Keymod on all rifles but most were purchased before MLOK has taken off more. For the average user, there's not a real discernible difference. If you are beating on the rifle and mounting a bunch of large items on the rail then the MLOK has the advantage in terms of strength.
Originally Posted By: varminter .223I went with a Matrix Foxtrot 11" from JoeBob's. I just couldn't see dumping 3 times the money on one without giving the Matrix a shot first. Only available in keymod so that was easy!
The Matrix Foxtrot handguards are hard to beat for the money. $70 for a 15" USA made free-float handguard with a steel barrel nut is pretty stellar.
One question......why do they make odd lengths. Are they intended for low pro gas blocks? I hope the 11" works good where my 12" hogue was just shy of the gb. 13" would contact it in my rifle length gas system.
Originally Posted By: varminter .223I went with a Matrix Foxtrot 11" from JoeBob's. I just couldn't see dumping 3 times the money on one without giving the Matrix a shot first. Only available in keymod so that was easy!
The Matrix Foxtrot handguards are hard to beat for the money. $70 for a 15" USA made free-float handguard with a steel barrel nut is pretty stellar.
One question......why do they make odd lengths. Are they intended for low pro gas blocks? I hope the 11" works good where my 12" hogue was just shy of the gb. 13" would contact it in my rifle length gas system.
Squeeze
New member
Originally Posted By: varminter .223
One question......why do they make odd lengths. Are they intended for low pro gas blocks? I hope the 11" works good where my 12" hogue was just shy of the gb. 13" would contact it in my rifle length gas system.
That is my guess. I went with low pro gas blocks. The only issue is if one needs an adjustable gas block, make sure you get one that adjusts from the muzzle facing end of the GB. I would not be amused if I had to remove the fore-end to adjust the GB. If I need an adjustable GB, I use Wilson Combat low profile adjustables. They fit well in the channel of the Matrix tubes, and they aren't too bad to adjust with a T-handle hex wrench. It makes for pretty clean lines on the rifle, when the GB goes in the tube.
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One question......why do they make odd lengths. Are they intended for low pro gas blocks? I hope the 11" works good where my 12" hogue was just shy of the gb. 13" would contact it in my rifle length gas system.
That is my guess. I went with low pro gas blocks. The only issue is if one needs an adjustable gas block, make sure you get one that adjusts from the muzzle facing end of the GB. I would not be amused if I had to remove the fore-end to adjust the GB. If I need an adjustable GB, I use Wilson Combat low profile adjustables. They fit well in the channel of the Matrix tubes, and they aren't too bad to adjust with a T-handle hex wrench. It makes for pretty clean lines on the rifle, when the GB goes in the tube.
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