The rail covers that came with my M&P15T leave a lot to be desired. I’ve just ordered a Tango Down vertical grip and saw their rail covers, which look pretty solid. I’ve also seen the Magpul covers online. Anyone have experience with these or any other brand? I’m interested in hearing some opinions before I order a set.
Thanks to all who take the time to respond.
I use them on both the XCR, Colt 6520 and SBR. They are sturdy, lock into place and keep the heat off your hands, but they are “heavy” compared to other brands. I really like them though. They replaced KAC panels on my SBR
Hey Variable,
Which brand are you using (Magpul or Tango Down)?
TD/LMT
for clarifying which cover. Killer SBR, by the way.
Thanks. Give em a try, I think you will be pleased with them if you go that route.
Good luck and post pics when you get your build done 
toy you have there. I can say with experience that it will clean your sinuses inside of a building though 
What ammo do you put through it BTW?
IMHO…if you’re using a VFG, then some type of Rail Ladders (from Magpul or recently Surefire has started selling their’s as a spearate part and Grant has them) will keep the weight down. Yes they don’t protect from “Heat” as well, but if you’re not holding the rails, I think it’s a non-issue.
Back to the SureFire Rail Ladders…
I had these once on the SF Rail System, but sold them with the rail. I really liked them the best overall as far as comfort. They have a very soft and pliable texture. Right now I am using the Magpul ladders, but they are a little more stiff. Still not bad.
Tack
Mostly I feed my toys M193 and M855. The self defense mags are filled with 75gr Tap. Its got a good bark indoors this is true
I think that I have owned and used just about every rail cover on the market (TD, Magpul, SF, KAC). I have also figured out what works best for me. Here are some thoughts on setups:
First, I shoot with gloves on so heat isn’t really an issue for me.
If you run a VG and run your thumb down the barrel (instead of curling it around the VG) I like to use either the TD rail covers or the Magpul XT’s. I then use either the Magpul (falcon ind) ladders or the SF ladders at the 3 and 6 positions on the rail.
If you run a VG and “choke the chicken” then I would run ladders on all rails as your hand rarely touches the rail.
If you do not use a VG and shoot with gloves on, then run ladders. Both Magpul (falcon industries) and SureFire make good ones. This will give you a nice slim grip.
If you do not use a VG and do not use gloves, then I think rail covers (like the KAC, Magpul or TD covers) are your best option to protect your hand from heat.
I personally use the SF ladders as I have found them to be the best. They are much softer and tacky feeling than the Magpul (falcon ind.) ladders. They are also MUCH cheaper.
C4
Thanks for the suggestions. Since I haven’t really had the chance to shoot much with it, I have no idea how I’ll hold it. Guess I’ll know more after my patrol rifle class in November. So far, I like the idea of ladders. I suspect I’ll “choke the chicken” when holding the VG as the “thumb along the barrel” doesn’t feel quite as natural. What does that say about me?
Great info from everyone. Much appreciated!
I think “Choking the Chicken” means thumb around the VFG. Ask Grant…it seems he’s the one with the “Chicken Fettish”! 
While we’re on that topic, and not to Hi-Jack this thread…
Someone posted a thread “somewhere” where Rob Haught advocates pushing hard with the weak hand and pulling hard with the strong hand for quicker recovery after the first shot in a 2 shot/ Double Tap sequence. I tried this…and it works. The reason I point this out is that it’s hard to use this technique with the weak thumb on the weak side rail (other 4 fingers around the VFG) versus the thumb all the way around the VFG.
Tack
I tend to like the Falcon ladders and full panels. I put a full on the bottom (6 o’clock), ladders on both sides (3 and 9), and sometimes some leftover ladders on the top of the upper itself and/or top of the rail (12).
Any idea who makes the S&W covers?
Choking the chicken is generally a bad idea as it can cause you to pull shots. If you look at how you shoot a handgun it is the same way (thumb pointing down the barrel) so it just makes sense to shoot your long gun the same way.
C4
Remember Rail Covers are to protect the Rail too. Once they are bent or damaged there is nothing to do but trash them.
For my personal guns I used them for looks as much as comfort. I like having a thicker Rail to grab onto, Big Hands. I also like being able to lay my Rifle down and not worry about it sitting in the dirt. Basically it’s a layer of protection.
I purchased all of mine off of ARCOM, new and used. I saved a lot of money going that way. Plenty for sale but they go quick. I still pick them up when I come across a good deal over there. I cant bring myself to pay $15 for a single rail cover. Thats what you will pay retail. For cutting, the Mag pull is easier. Tango downs take a little dremel work and sanding to get them right. Or you an just buy the shorter ones.
I have a bunch of KAC covers at home. I will give them a coating of Cerakote and see how it comes out.
The tape switch slot will pretty much eliminate white light AD’S. Personal AR.
I saw a couple of Foliage Green the other day for sale. These are OD. Personal AR.
More Green on my work AR.
KAC rails look good
Im pretty sure its JUST TD… no LMT.
Back to the OP, Get TD, hands down best in the business !
LMT makes under contract from TD the TD rail covers with the LMT logo on them.
where did you find them?
direct from LMT?