The M-LOK handguard is one of the latest and greatest that Marlin has put out. It is a much lighter alternative to the older series rifles (usually referred to as “ferrules”), which are now mostly considered to be heavy, bulky, outdated pieces of hardware.
The Marlin M-LOK handguards provide a slim, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for shooters who want to add accessories to their firearms without having to change out the entire handguard.
That said, there may come a time when you want or need to change your M-LOK handguard. This could be for any number of reasons: you might want a different color, a different style, or you might have damaged your old one and need to replace it.
How To Change Your M-LOK Handguard?
The first step is to remove the barrel from the rifle. You do this by loosening the two screws that hold the barrel in place on either side of the receiver (near the stock). Once these are loose, you should be able to pull the barrel out by gently wiggling it back and forth.
Now that the barrel is out of the way, we can start on the M-LOK handguard. It comes off in one of two ways, depending on the model of M-LOK you have purchased or built. On some lever-action rails, there is a lever located near the front barrel band. This lever is used to release the M-LOK handguard from the rifle.
A good example of a lever-action rail is the Marlin M-LOK handguard. It is a great choice for lever-action rifles, as it retains the traditional look and feel of the rifle while adding the benefits of M-LOK attachment points.
On other models (usually those that are built as part of an aftermarket kit), the handguard is attached with screws. In this case, you will need to remove the screws and set them aside (you may want to keep track of which screw goes where, as they are not all identical).
Once the handguard is free, slide it forward off of the barrel and set it aside.
How To Install a New M-LOK Handguard?
Now it’s time to install your new one! The process is essentially reversed: slide the handguard onto the barrel, making sure that it sits flush against the receiver on both sides.
For M-LOK models that are slightly oversized (including the Marlin M-LOK Handguard), you’ll need to take out six Allen bolts—three on each side—to remove it. These bolts are located just above where your fingers would grip the handguard, near where it’s connected to the receiver itself.
Once these bolts are removed, you should be able to slide the M-LOK off by pulling it gently towards the muzzle end of the rifle. Be careful not to pull it off too far, as there are still the barrel nut and delta ring to contend with.
Once the M-LOK is off, install the new one in the same way that you removed the old one. Make sure to tighten all of the screws and bolts securely, so that it doesn’t come loose during use. Now you’re all set! Just don’t forget to reattach your barrel.
The M-LOK handguard comes off easily, allowing for quick installation of the new M-LOK unit. It is important to be careful during the removal/installation of M-LOK parts. as some M-LOK pieces are interchangeable. for example, a user can install an AR10 M5 piece on their rifle by mistake.
After installing the new M-LOK unit, just reattach the barrel and you’re ready to shoot again!
Some tips to keep in mind while installing a new M-LOK Handguard are –
- M-LOK handguards are not all interchangeable and may require slight modification for installation on certain firearms.
- Make sure to tighten all screws and bolts securely, so that it doesn’t come loose during use.
- Be careful not to pull the M-LOK handguard off too far. As there are still the barrel nut and delta ring to contend with.
- M5 nuts are used in place of traditional barrel nuts in some M-LOK handguard models for weight savings.
- There are many M-LOK handguard models on the market from different manufacturers. So it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
Wrapping Up
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully changed your M-LOK handguard. Be sure to give it a test run at the range to make sure everything is working properly before you take it into the field. Make sure you don’t miss out on any important steps when assembling your M-LOK Handguard. Since any misstep can result in an incomplete or faulty installation.
As always, be sure to consult your rifle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.
Happy shooting!
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