We got this question in from one of our readers earlier this week and wanted to share the answer with all of our shooters in the group. From K.J. “I am looking to upgrade my DPMS – What are the top 5 rails for the DPMS AR-15?
Good question KJ – check out these videos and our quick list of good quad rails that provide value for the money.
If you click on any link we may get a commission from Amazon.com which helps keep gas in the truck and the lights turned on. So if you want to help a disabled veteran – click the link and buy toilet paper in bulk.
First off lets remind our readers that DPMS stands for (Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services) Panther Arms. These guys build all sorts of rifles out of Huntsville, Alabama. Moreover, these rails are not just for a DPMS rifle, they can be used for pretty much any AR Pattern Rifle.
Second – we should say that a rail is one of the best methods to upgrade your weapon.
#5 PRO MAG
The PROMAG AR-15/M4 2-Piece, Carbine Length Quad Rail Handguard in Black (PM242) is designed for use with AR-15/M4 style rifles. Made of nylon polymer and aluminum, it offers durability and reliability for your firearm. This handguard is a drop-in replacement for carbine length AR15s, specifically those equipped with a Front Sight Base and Delta Ring. Constructed with impact-resistant fiber-reinforced nylon and aluminum heat shields, it ensures efficient heat dissipation during prolonged use.
Featuring Mil-Spec Picatinny rails at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, this black, two-piece railed handguard provides ample space for attaching accessories such as optics, lights, or grips. Its design combines the strength of aluminum heat shield inserts with the lightweight versatility of glass-filled nylon polymer. Whether for tactical operations or recreational shooting, this handguard enhances the functionality and customization options of your AR-15 carbine, meeting the demands of modern shooting enthusiasts.
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Brownells
#4 MIDWEST INDUSTRIES GEN 2
The Midwest Industries Gen2 Two Piece Drop-In Carbine Length Handguard is a strong and reliable accessory for most AR rifles, including those made by Colt. It’s made of tough 6061 aluminum and has a durable black finish that’s hard-coat anodized. This handguard is 7 inches long, weighs around 7.5 ounces, and fits carbine gas systems commonly found in AR rifles. It’s super easy to install – you can put it on your rifle without needing a gunsmith or taking off the barrel, which helps keep your firearm warranties intact.
This handguard from Midwest Industries is really convenient because it’s made in two pieces, so you can just drop it in without any hassles. It’s designed with four anti-rotation sockets for push button swivels, providing a solid setup without wobbling. Plus, it’s super light but sturdy, giving you a continuous top rail for more space to attach your accessories.
The high-quality rails are marked for easy positioning, and it’s built to work well with most gas piston systems. Best part? It’s proudly made in the U.S.A. and comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking to upgrade their AR rifle, offering durability, compatibility, and easy installation without compromising on quality.
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Optics Planet
Question: What is a good front and rear sight set up for my black rifle?
Check out the Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set Front & Rear.
These are a great value for under $99 and hard to find a better deal.
We added these to our Bushmaster as a back up in case the red dot gets damaged or battery goes dead during training.
Question: I want to shoot more accurately at long range distance.
What is a good bipod for an AR-15?
Answer: We like the Magpul Bi-pod. Like any Magpul product, you can’t go wrong.
#3 ULTIMATE ARMS
If you have an M4 style rifle (fixed front sight post) you can ditch the plastic handguards and upgrade to a quad rail with Knight’s Armament.
We like this one for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it looks great and gives you some extra real estate forward of the sight post. What’s more, it levels off with the upper receiver top rail, and allows you to mount a scope or optic pretty much anywhere.
Being free floated means better accuracy, and without getting too geeky, barrel harmonics are not affected. Also, not sure how many people have one, but this is capable of mating with an M203 or similar 40mm grenade launcher….yes, you read that right. You can add some spacers to take the edges off the rail and also mimic the familiar purchase of a milspec M4 style handguard.
Check price at Brownells
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Optics Planet
#2 TROY INDUSTRIES
I have been shooting more and more in the last year and wanted to upgrade my rig with some new parts.
I hunted around online and read a ton in the forums.
My buddy turned me on to TROY Industries that I found online at Brownells.com
He was telling me that i could not go wrong.
I ordered it and they delivered in a few days. I found that it was easy to install and adjust and it is lightweight and sturdy. I don’t have to worry so much banging it around at the range.
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Brownells
Check price at Optics Planet
#2 MAGPUL
The MOE handguard provides for a lightweight, slim, and strong hand guard.
The Magpul rails allow accessories to be mounted to the 2, 6, and 10 o’clock positions.
I have a Magpul front and rear sight for the same rifle and also have a few P mags for shooting. What’s great about these rigs is the versaility and weight reduction when you go with a polymer option. Also, it doesn’t transfer as much hear as metal.
Easy to set up and your on the range ready to go.
Check price at Optics Planet
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Amazon
Check price at Brownells
#1 PALMETTO STATE ARMORY
The PSA Custom Series Cross-Cut Lightweight 9″ MLOK Partial Picatinny Handguard is designed with precision and functionality in mind. Crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, it ensures reliability while minimizing unnecessary weight. Its hard coat anodized finish enhances corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various environmental conditions. The handguard includes front and rear Picatinny sections with M-Lok compatible slots, offering versatility for accessory attachment without compromising its structural integrity.
Featuring M-Lok compatible slits at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, this handguard provides ample options for customizing your firearm with additional accessories. Its innovative anti-slip and anti-rotation design keep the handguard securely in place during use, maintaining stability and enhancing shooting performance. Proudly made in America and backed by Palmetto State Armory’s Lifetime Warranty, this handguard comes complete with a barrel nut and hardware, ensuring hassle-free installation and long-lasting reliability for your firearm.
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Question: Do you have any info on swapping out a hand guard on a SPMS Sportical?
Answer: You can easily put a small red dot or EOTech. It all depends on what you want to do with the scope? To answer your question, anything that can mount on a picatinny rail can mount on your rifle. You have tons of options, you just need to figure our your loadout.
Question: What can I do to help with rifle and gun rights in America?
Answer: Check out http://home.nra.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Castiglione lives in Atlanta, and is an avid outdoorsman and competitive shooter.
His where-abouts include getting after it in his garage gym, practicing martial arts, hitting the trails, or running CrossFit and Strongman competitions for his non-profit, Barbells for Bullies, which holds fundraiser fitness competitions dedicated to aiding Bully breed rescues, dog rescues, or other non-profits with similar missions.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Gear Review: Palmetto State Armory PA 10
Gear Review: Vortex Sparc AR
Core 15 Scout vs DPMS Oracle Review
Personal Online Coaching
Work 1-on-1
with SEAL Grinder's Brad McLeod
To Achieve Your Goals
Personal fitness training from Brad McLeod, Navy Seal and CrossFit Level 1 instructor. Delivered online, directly to you.
"I recommend Brad to anyone that seriously wants to go to BUDs or anything else in life... try these workouts. Hooyah!" - Chris H.
