SOCOM Profile barrel with free float handguard

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

I am currently in the process of doing a build using a 14.5 BCM SOCOM profile barrel and wish to use a free float handguard. I initially started with a Centurion CMR M Lok rail but was unable to use the built in QD holes because the QD swivel would touch the barrel due to the thickness. I am a little anal retentive so this bothered me and have decided to go with a different handguard.

What types of handguards are you guys using for your SOCOM barrel builds? I prefer M Lok but was also looking at the BCM KMR-A which I know has a very slim profile. Would the supplied KeyMod QD mounts have issues with barrel clearance or do they stick out far enough that a QD swivel would not come in to contact with the barrel?

2

Using a geissle mk8 rail with a bcm 16" socom barrel, the qd scocket works fine since the placement is different than on the CMR rail

3

Geissele Mk14

4

A bit of a different direction, but have you ever tried one of the angled QD sockets that attach to the top rail like the ones from IWC and Magpul? I gave one a try because a Midwest Rail bolt on QD point was not ergonomic for me. Tried it on a CMR rail that had integral qd points that worked well enough, but the angled Magpul was out of the way and allowed fine tuning location.

5

I did initially try the magul angled QD attachment points, but like I said, I’m anal and it bothered me that I couldn’t use the integral QD points.

6

Can the integral QD point on the top angle still be used?

7

Yes, a Magpul QDM snaps in easily. I’ll double check clearance tonight, but I think it’s fine.

8

Awesome. I really like the looks of both the MK14 and MK8. The slimmer profile of the MK14 is a little more appealing but did not want to be in the same situation I was with the CMR.

9

Mine is free floated in a DD RIS II with cutout for the FSB. Heavy, but probably very tough.

10

Would love an RIS II for a Block II clone but really don’t wanna shell out the cash they are going for these days.

11

Colt M4A1 and Geissele MK8 is great.