FORWARD CONTROLS DESIGN
MCF-A Aluminum M-LOK Rail Cover
The MCF-A is the aluminum version of the original FCD MCF M-LOK rail cover. Machined in 6061 and available in short and long lengths, in black, FDE, and ODG.
The AA Surface
The MCF-A carries the AA (All Angles) dimpled pattern Forward Controls developed for the ABC/R bolt catch, LDFA forward assist, and EMR-A magazine release. It was not designed for looks. It is a surface that gives equal traction from any angle of approach.
A rail cover is where that concept earns its keep. Your hand comes at a handguard from a lot of directions and holds it a lot of ways. The pattern uses two dimple sizes and depths, with a row of perforations drilled down the middle that work as both drain holes and vents.
Why Aluminum Over an Aluminum Handguard
Putting aluminum covers on an aluminum handguard sounds backwards. Polymer, wood, and G10 solve the hot handguard problem by insulating your hand from it. The MCF-A takes a different approach: it insulates, but it also draws heat out of the handguard and dissipates it.
It is slightly thicker than the G10 version it replaces, has far more surface area from the rows of dimples, and its drain holes double as vents. Together those make it behave like a radiator.
Test Results Against G10
Under live fire, mounted at 3 and 9 o'clock and heated by radiant heat off the barrel, the MCF-A heats up more slowly than the G10 version and cools down much faster. Most of the heat rises and is either absorbed by the 12 o'clock rail or leaves through the handguard's vents.
Sitting in direct Texas sun and then moved somewhere 10 to 20 degrees cooler, the G10 panel does slightly better, but not by much. After 5 and 10 minutes of cooling there was only 2 to 3 degrees between them.
The difference between the two tests comes down to the heat source. Under fire, the handguard and covers cool at different rates and the aluminum sheds heat fastest. Baking in the sun, everything is heated evenly and everything cools at about the same rate.
What's Included
1x MCF-A M-LOK Rail Cover in your selected length and finish
M-LOK screws and nuts, installed
Specifications
- Machined 6061 aluminum
- Available in black, FDE, and ODG
- Short: 3.2 inches, covers 2 M-LOK slots, 0.54 oz
- Long: 4.7 inches, covers 3 M-LOK slots, 0.75 oz
- Width: 0.600 inches
- Thickness: 0.152 inches
- AA dimpled surface with drain holes that double as vents
- M-LOK hardware included and installed
- Requires a 1/8 Allen key, not included
- Torque: 17 in-lb
- Sold individually, one cover per package
- Made in USA
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