Jody Lewis gives us an up-close look at the AM-TAC Precision K.R.S. V2 keymod handguard with QIK System
I recently had the opportunity to install the AM-TAC Precision K.R.S. V2 keymod handguard with QIK System in the 15" variety. The company claims their handguard is "suitable for any environment and any mission." We put it to the test to see if it could hold up under heavy use.
The KRS V2 has two very distinct features, first is the weight, weighting in at a mear 7.8 ounces bare and 12.6 ounces with all of the installation hardware. To put that into perspective, that is only 2.3 ounces more than the ultra light BCM KMR, which weights in at 5.5 ounces. Considering the KRS is 2" longer than the KMR that is pretty impressive.
The second innovative feature of the KRS is their QIK system, which allows for rapid QD attachment to any of the keymod holes on either side. Talk about versatility. Each QIK point also has anti-rotation limiters that keep your sling where you want it. In addition, there are 2 dedicated 360-degree QD sockets for heavy use. You can now find that perfect balance on a two-point sling by attaching to most anywhere on the rail, whether left or right handed.
Specifications
Available Lenghts: 13" / 15"
Material: 6061 Extruded Aluminum
Height: 2"
ID: 1.55"
OD: 1.70"
Finish: Milspec Type III Hard Anodizing
Barrel Nut: Steel, single piece – fits standard barrel nut wrench or field expedient wrench
Weight: 15" Handguard only 7.8oz. With barrel nut & Screw installed 12.6oz
The KRS is made from 6061 extruded aluminum and is Type III Milspec hard coat anodized. Most AR rails today are made with 6061 with a few exceptions being 7075. The benefits are weights vs. strength and I have yet to break a 6061 rail, but rest assured it can be done.
Installation was a breeze. The steel barrel nut works with a standard barrel nut wrench or a crescent wrench works with the center of the barrel nut. The KRS rail is held on by 6 3mm screws, which concerned me at first, but once the rail is slid onto the barrel nut, it is evident the massive nut spans a good portion of the rail and allows for a very sturdy platform. Even without the screws attached the rail felt solid. There are no anti-rotation points on the rail, so make sure your barrel nut is secured to spec.
Over the course of a few months, we ran the rail hard putting it through several courses and nearly 1000 rounds of 556. In that time, the rail has yet to fail and is still performing well. After the initial rail installation, I took a pair of dial calibers to measure the distance from the barrel to the inside lip of the rail and after 1000+ rounds I am happy to report it has not shifted in the least.
After several full-auto magazine dumps, the temperature of the aluminum was barely noticeable which is attributed to the open design and heat dissipation properties of aluminum itself.
Another feature I forgot to mention on this rail is the internal diameter, which is 1.55" and will allow for the use of most suppressor systems, a huge benefit for the quiet crowd.
The rail has an MSRP of $239 for the 15" and $226 for 13". I hope AM-TAC comes out with a 9” for my SBR as I would definitely run this setup with my quiet stick.
Overall this is a great rail with a lot of features and one that you should take a serious look at if you are going for lightweight or suppressor use.
Each handguard includes (2) 7 Slot keymod picatinny rail sections. (MSRP $25.95 each)
For more information about Am-Tac, check them out at http://am-tac.com
BlownDeadline contributed to this article by supplying photos of his personal rifle featuring the AM-TAC rail. BlownDeadline is one of the top cerakoter’s in the industry. For more information, please visit http://blowndeadline.net
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