FORWARD CONTROLS DESIGN
REF Carbine Receiver Extension
The REF is a 6 position AR-15 and M4 standard carbine receiver extension, made from impact extruded 7075 aluminum with rolled threads and a dry film lubed interior. Available in anodized black, Cerakote FDE, and Cerakote ODG.
Forward Controls is not in the habit of modifying TDP spec components just to be different. Different is only different. The changes on the REF are mostly invisible to the user, and each one exists because it does something.
Extra Drain Holes
A TDP spec carbine receiver extension has one drain hole at the tip. That works because the Colt M4 stock has an open section above the butt pad, so water runs out the end.
Most of the better modern stocks close that opening with an integrated butt pad. The REF keeps the drain hole at the tip and adds two more under the stock, at the 2nd and 5th latch positions. Two is enough to drain the tube quickly. It does not need six.
Over the beach capability is not something a recreational shooter is going to ask for. FCD builds combat weapon features into their designs regardless.
Position Markings at 3 and 9 O'Clock
VLTOR has long engraved stock latch position numbers on top of their carbine receiver extensions, using the hole that M4 and SOPMOD stocks need for the lock release lever's spring loaded pin. It is a clever use of a feature that was already there.
The problem is that many of the Magpul stocks do not use that release lever, so they have no hole on top. Numbers engraved up there stay visible but stop corresponding to the actual latch position. The REF puts them at 3 and 9 o'clock instead, where they work with any stock.
Carbine receiver extensions went from 2 positions on the early Colt carbines to 4, and 5 or 6 is standard now. More adjustment is better ergonomics, but it also makes finding a position by feel harder. Nobody wants to look at the rifle while deploying it, and when there is time, a consistent length of pull helps. The markings are small and discreet, large enough to read and no larger. Fashion has no place on a duty gun.
Before You Order
This is a standard carbine receiver extension. It is not compatible with the VLTOR A5 system. For A5, you need an A5 length tube: the VLTOR RE-A5, the RE-10/A5SR, or the FCD RE5F, which has 9 positions.
The REF is made from impact extruded 7075. That process can leave minor surface imperfections, most of which disappear once the stock is on.
Completing The Build
A receiver extension needs a castle nut and an end plate. Pair it with the FCD CNF castle nut and either the ESF-H end plate with three QD sling sockets or the ESF-H1 with a single rear socket. The FCD JCW joint castle nut wrench handles the torque, including on end plates with side facing QD sockets that block a conventional three lug wrench.
What's Included
1x Forward Controls Design REF Carbine Receiver Extension in your selected finish
Specifications
- Impact extruded 7075 aluminum
- Anodized black, or Cerakote in FDE or ODG
- 6 latch positions
- Rolled threads
- Dry film lubed interior
- Three drain holes: TDP spec hole at the tip plus 2nd and 5th latch positions
- Laser engraved latch position indicators at 3 and 9 o'clock
- Accepts Mil-Spec M4/AR-15 type collapsible stocks
- Not compatible with the VLTOR A5 system
- Made in USA
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