Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green Review

First Thoughts on the Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green is an intriguing addition to the AR-15 aftermarket, promising a lightweight and highly customizable platform for shorter-barreled rifles and pistols. The skeletonized design and M-LOK compatibility immediately suggest a focus on weight reduction and modularity, something that’s always welcome when building a maneuverable AR.

I’ve been looking to shave weight off my AR pistol build, which was starting to feel front-heavy after adding a light and foregrip. The allure of a handguard under 8 ounces, combined with the promise of a robust mounting platform, was enough to pique my interest; aesthetics also factored in, and the foliage green promised to be a nice change from the usual tactical black. After considering options from Midwest Industries and Aero Precision, I landed on the Rise Armament handguard due to its unique look and reported rigidity. My initial impression was positive, the handguard felt solid and looked even better than the pictures online, sparking excitement for my next range trip.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green at an outdoor range during a typical Oklahoma summer day – hot, humid, and with a decent amount of dust in the air. The handguard was installed on my AR pistol, chambered in 5.56 NATO, and I ran a variety of drills, focusing on transitions and close-quarters engagements.

The handguard performed admirably, providing a comfortable and secure grip, even with sweaty hands; the M-LOK slots provided ample space for mounting my weapon light and a vertical foregrip. After a few hundred rounds, I noticed some slight heat buildup, but the skeletonized design seemed to dissipate it quickly. I was pleasantly surprised by how secure the mounting felt; there was no noticeable flex or movement, even with the added accessories.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green has proven to be a reliable addition to my AR pistol. There are only minor scratches in the finish near the muzzle from barricade drills; the foliage green Cerakote has held up well, resisting fading and wear.

Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and some CLP to keep the finish looking fresh. Compared to my previous handguard, this one feels much more solid, with no discernible movement or flex, even after extended use and exposure to varying temperatures.

Breaking Down the Features of Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green

Specifications

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance. It weighs in at a mere 7 ounces, making it remarkably lightweight for its size and functionality. The handguard is M-LOK compatible, offering 360 degrees of QD mounting points and a Picatinny upper rail for versatile accessory attachment.

• Weight: 7 oz. This is a significant advantage, especially for those seeking to minimize the overall weight of their AR platform.
• M-LOK Compatibility: Provides a streamlined and secure mounting platform for a wide range of accessories.
• 360 Degrees of QD Mounting Points: Allows for flexible sling attachment options, catering to various shooting styles and preferences.

These specifications translate directly to improved maneuverability, customization, and overall shooting comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The M-LOK slots securely hold accessories, preventing any unwanted movement during use. Its strength allows for the shooter to add a bipod or other forward attachments without any flex in the assembly.

The handguard’s free-floating design enhances accuracy by preventing any pressure on the barrel. While the skeletonized design aids in heat dissipation, extended firing sessions can still lead to heat transfer, requiring the use of gloves or rail covers.

Design & Ergonomics

The skeletonized design of the Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green not only contributes to its lightweight nature but also provides a unique aesthetic. Machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, the handguard feels solid and well-constructed. The Rise Armament handguard is extremely easy to install with the easy slip-on alignment.

The smooth edges and comfortable grip make it a pleasure to handle, even during extended shooting sessions. There is a very slight learning curve getting used to the thin profile, however, the positive grip texture provided by the cutouts lends well to weapon manipulation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green is built to last. Constructed from 6061-T6 billet aluminum with a MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 hard anodized finish, this handguard is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a mild solvent and a brush to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. I believe it will hold up to the standard abuse any firearm experiences in the field and should last the life of the firearm.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green is highly customizable, thanks to its M-LOK compatibility and Picatinny upper rail. It seamlessly integrates with a wide range of accessories, including weapon lights, grips, lasers, and optics.

The 360 degrees of QD mounting points offer further flexibility for sling attachment. The handguard is compatible with any standard AR-15 upper receiver and barrel nut wrench, making installation and customization a breeze.

Pros and Cons of Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green

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Who Should Buy Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green?

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green is perfect for AR pistol builders, home builders looking for weight reduction, and individuals prioritizing maneuverability and customization. It also appeals to those who appreciate a unique aesthetic and high-quality construction.

Those prioritizing extreme budget-friendliness or require maximum heat resistance may want to explore other options. A must-have accessory would be rail covers for improved grip and heat protection during extended shooting sessions.

Conclusion on Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green

The Rise Armament 7.5″ AR-15 Skeletonized M-LOK Handguard – Foliage Green is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing handguard for their AR-15. At $133.49, the price is justified by the quality of materials, innovative design, and enhanced functionality.

I would definitely recommend this handguard to anyone looking to upgrade their AR platform. This is a great value proposition for end users to modernize their current system.

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