ARCA option assistance for AeroM5

[olive drab]

I have an aerom5 "enhanced upper" which has the propriety handguard. I wanted to add an arca lok capability to the rifle to use with a tripod, and some other forward accessories for use in the local precision gas gun matches. The two options I am considering are the sgt of arms integrated arcalok handguard https://www.sgtofarms.com/handguards and the 12" add on for the key mod rail I currently have https://www.area419.com/product/keymodarca/
With that said, I like the integrated rail that sgtofarms offers but it comes at almost $300 after shipping and FDE cerakote. The area419 option is cheaper but only 12".
Please chime in if you have used either option and your thoughts on the good and bad of that particular item.

 

[msgriff]

There is still incompatibility issues with ARCA rails and clamps due to no actual standard other than the RRS 1.5 It can be a crap shoot even with some rail variation between lots, but if you go with the Area 419, it's guaranteed to work with a RRS spec clamp.

 

[olive drab]

I wasnt aware of that.

 

[AleksanderSuave]

Get a CMT HDM Rail, with built in arca on the bottom, if you want 1 piece.

https://www.cmttac.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=95_108

https://ar15discounts.com/products/cross-machine-tool-hdm-arca-swiss-style-rail/ best deal I could find, qualifies for 15% off as well with their "overstock" coupon, and free shipping.

I just picked one up for my new 18" build. very good quality machine work. The sgt of arms one seems to go out of stock regularly, and that to me isnt a great sign..because if you got a defect or needed a replacement, pretty good odds it would take forever.

Area 419 rail is a good option, I had the m lok version of that. As the above person said, whatever clamp you use, if you dont have one that has adjustable tension, then you have to more or less make sure they use they are compatible, or they may not lock.

 

[CajunExpat1]

I’m a fan of the Sgt of Arms handguard, I have one on a 6.5 Grendel AR15. Fit is fantastic with an aero upper. They are made to work with the Aero enhanced uppers, so if you’ve got that, you’re set. If you’ve got regular M5, you should just need the barrel nut.
The Sgt of Arms handguard has a very large inner diameter. No problem using it with a heavy barrel and whatever gas block you prefer.
My Sgt of Arms works well with RRS arca clamps.

 

[camocorvette]

I think cheaper, faster, easier on that.

I had a spare mini foundation rail for a Anschutz rail. Ground down the tab to fit M-Lock, works great I can still add a normal common grip.
I also don't think I need a full arca rail on a ar. That's just my opinion for what I'm doing with them. I don't really move my bipod back and forth on my AR guns. Positional guns yes.

So I've got no good advice on a full rail.

 

[fanninland]

I like my SoA rail, pictured here on .224V build with Aero upper/lower. The Arca rail has worked fine with both RRS Anvil30 and bipod clamp - no compatibility issues encountered yet. No experience with the other options listed so can’t really offer much comparative analysis but will say I don’t regret buying the SoA.

 

[AFGWS]

Odinworks makes some little Mlok Arca rail sections. You can tab them together to make longer continued runs as well. I usually use these for my gas guns.

 

[olive drab]

Thank you all. for the feedback.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I bought ARCA Mlok rail sections on Amazon for $25. I don't think this warrants a lot of complexity or cost.

Compatible with MLok Arca-Swiss Rail Adapter, RRS Tripod Dovetail Adapter (MLok) https://a.co/d/4N3TxTZ

 

[Bigtrucknut]

I've got the 12" 419 ARCA M-Lok rail mounted to a AP M5

handguard - fits great and spans completely from the front to the rear-most M-Lok slots.