Sometimes you look at your deadly black assault carbine and think, "I know, this gun's got to get more deadly, much more deadly." Inspired by this vision of the future you go out and get a new hand guard. In my case, this meant getting a Fortis Switch 556 12 keymod system.
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| Obey the System |
Why? In the first place, keymod fore-ends are practical because you can attach items to the rifle without the extra weight and profile of multiple rails. Why Fortis? Because their system is lightweight, robust, easy to install and in-budget. The hand guard simply clamps into place over the supplied barrel nut without the need to index the gas tube assembly to the nut. At least that's the marketing. What's the reality?
Exactly as described. After removing my old Yankee Hill free float tube, the new barrel nut torqued onto the receiver without a hitch, the gas tube went into place above it and the hand guard worked as advertised. I eyeballed the guard's top rail with the receiver and liked the snug fit, there's negligible space between the two.
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| The gas tube doesn't need indexing with the barrel nut |
Then, to clamp the hand guard into place, simply close the proprietary Fortis mechanism's lever 90 degrees until it clicks into place and... that's it. Absurdly easy to install and as described, it's robust, lightweight and well made.
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| Line up the hand guard with the receiver |
Would I recommend the Fortis Switch to a friend. Yes, I most certainly would. Is it easy to install? It comes with instructions, I'm not sure they're necessary. Is it tactical? Look, it's black, what more do you want. Does it work? I should say so! Is it affordable? Yes, cheap at half the price.
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| Clamp Down! |
So go out and get yourself a Fortis hand guard, if you want, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. This version has the following specs:
Material: Aircraft Grade 6061-T6 Aluminum / Locking handle: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Length: 12.42”
Weight: 8.5 ounces minus barrel nut. Barrel nut is 1.6oz.
Internal Diameter: 1.34"
Continuous Top Rail
Rotation Limited QD Sockets
Keymod at the 3, 6, & 9 o'clock
Mil. Spec. Hard-coat Anodized
4140 heat treated barrel nut (1-7/16 X 16 T.P.I.)
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| A whole lot deadlier, thanks, Fortis |
It's made in the USA too, and that's a bonus.
Shoot straight,
LSP
