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At Shot Show 2024, we had the pleasure of catching up with Leapers, and what they have in store this year is genuinely cool! The spotlight was on their new MP5 Monolithic M-LOK Handguard!
Kio gave us a detailed walkthrough of the monolithic MP5 handguard, a design that seamlessly blends a handguard with an optic mount. This innovative concept results in an extended top rail that provides ample space for eye relief for optics, a feature that traditional MP5 mounts lack.
Attention to detail is evident in the handguard’s design. It includes a unique geometry cut at the back, ensuring compatibility with various stock types, including fixed and collapsible options. Leapers has also thoughtfully included a cutout for the serial number at the top of the receiver, allowing easy identification without removing the handguard.
Installation is straightforward and quick, taking approximately five minutes. The patented locking system interfaces perfectly with the HK receiver’s locking lugs. The handguard’s internal design prevents tilting, ensuring a solid and stable setup after installation.
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The handguard itself is a testament to quality and robustness. Made in the USA, it boasts a monolithic design that integrates M-LOK slots and a flat-top Picatinny rail. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction, complete with dehorned corners and melted contours, is finished in a sleek H-146 Graphite Black Cerakote. Weighing in at just 9.8 ounces when installed, it offers a balance of lightweight and durability.
The handguard also features integral anti-rotational QD sockets on both sides and is designed to fit 9mm receiver MP5s and clones. It’s compatible with most stocks, making it a versatile choice for MP5 owners.
Kio assured us that this handguard is a rock-solid build. There’s no wiggle, ensuring that any optics mounted will remain zeroed. The overall impression is that this could well have been the original design for the MP5.
For those eager to upgrade their MP5s, the monolithic handguard is priced around the mid-200s MSRP. It’s available for purchase on leapers.com, and a shorter version, the MPK model, is set to launch in February.