BCM KMR 15 handguard

[Nemesis Lead]

Does anyone have the BCM KMR 15 handguard?

I am interested in this for multi-gun competition. It looks awesome, but I am wondering about the durability of the aluminum-magnesiusm alloy and general fit and finish. It also looks VERY light and I am hoping this is fact and not fiction.

Anyone have any insight on this?

 

[wareagle700]

Not an owner but the only negative I have heard about them is the heat. Being a slick and thin handguard, they will get hotter faster than a larger diameter handguard. Other than that they are supposed to be fantastic.

 

[james_85]

I don't have the 15" version but I picked up a 13" for a build and I gotta say it's light! Haven't really run it hard yet so I can't speak to durability but fit and finish is great very tight lock up to the barrel nut.

 

[GH41]

Not an owner but the only negative I have heard about them is the heat. Being a slick and thin handguard, they will get hotter faster than a larger diameter handguard. Other than that they are supposed to be fantastic.

In my opinion your response means nothing if you don't own on. I do own a KMR 13. I have NOT had heat issues but I don't do stupid repeated mag dumps either! The barrel nut to tube interface is extremely tight and the tube is very rigid. If your not trying to save weight there are other options but there is nothing in the KMR's weight class that compares.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I'm running a KMR-13 and being that it is coming from BCM and was designed by an aerospace engineer I think we're ok on the durability side of things. I don't do repeated mag dumps either so I haven't run into any heat issues but if guys like Mike Pannone and Pat Rogers are running them on class rifles that speaks volumes in my opinion.

 

[Nemesis Lead]

This is great news--thanks guys. Now if only BCM could get them in stock......

 

[USACS]

I have a KMR13 and have done some pretty extensive shooting with it using a DD low-profile 16" barrel. No heat issues. It actually stayed cooler than the DD MFR12.0 that was previously on that rifle. The handguard is very rigid, and yes it's insanely light.

I was in an EAG Tactical course last year with the first T&E rail that Pat Rogers was using. He had it on a gun that was a loaner being used by someone in every class. That rifle got a lot of abuse and that rail still looked pristine (minus the spray paint).

 

[TwoNiner]

I have a KMR13 and have done some pretty extensive shooting with it using a DD low-profile 16" barrel. No heat issues. It actually stayed cooler than the DD MFR12.0 that was previously on that rifle. The handguard is very rigid, and yes it's insanely light.

I was in an EAG Tactical course last year with the first T&E rail that Pat Rogers was using. He had it on a gun that was a loaner being used by someone in every class. That rifle got a lot of abuse and that rail still looked pristine (minus the spray paint).

Whoa, totally different experience here. I was shooting out in the Mojave in 90F heat a couple weeks ago and after ~100 quick rounds my 13" BCM KMR handguard was too hot to touch without gloves on. I didn't shoot 100 rapid fire, but at a steady pace. Luckily I was using gloves so I could keep shooting, but I had a couple buddies feel the handguard after I noticed the heat through my gloves and they couldn't handle the weapon it was so hot. Keep in mind I have the BCM lightweight 16" barrel (pencil profile) which probably contributes to a lot of the heat transfer.

I do agree the hand guard is ridiculously lightweight though.

If you only shoot the average 50-60 slow-fire rounds at the range then you won't run into heat issues. But if you shoot 400-500 rounds, with some rapid fire drills mixed in you better pack some gloves. There's no way you're going to throw mag after mag down range with this hand guard without them, the material is just too thin. Personally I'm going to try adding some rail covers and see how much that helps.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Funny I see this thread. I was just looking at a bcm upper last night they have in stock with the 9 inch version on a 14.5 government barrel. Anyone else have any experiences with these rails?

 

[Donr13]

I just got the 13" for my 3 gun build. Barrel just came in last night so I put the nut hand tight just to get a feel. I will be putting it together and shooting this Sunday so more to come!

 

[LRRPF52]

There aren't many guns you are going to hold onto after shooting 400-500rds without gloves, no matter the handguard material and dimensions, especially on a 90F day in the sun in the high desert where the atmosphere is very thin compared to sea level.

The BCM KMR feels like the weight of one of the really thin carbon fiber handguards, only it's metal.

 

[-Claybuster-]

I have a 10" on my 11.5" SBR and I beat the ever loving shit out of that gun, zero issues so far.

 

[123Nick]

what about this MI handguard?

In my opinion your response means nothing if you don't own on. I do own a KMR 13. I have NOT had heat issues but I don't do stupid repeated mag dumps either! The barrel nut to tube interface is extremely tight and the tube is very rigid. If your not trying to save weight there are other options but there is nothing in the KMR's weight class that compares.
View attachment 44662

 

[GH41]

what about this MI handguard?

The MI offering weighs 1.8 ounces more, has KM slots on only three flats and is more time consuming to install.

 

[wareagle700]

I wouldn't put MI in the same category as BCM or other high end manufacturers. They seem to be more in line with YHM, Model 1, etc... I have not been impressed by any of their stuff.

FWIW, I do own a BCM KMR now and have owned MI rails so I qualify to have an opinion now.

 

[GH41]

I wouldn't put MI in the same category as BCM or other high end manufacturers. They seem to be more in line with YHM, Model 1, etc... I have not been impressed by any of their stuff.

FWIW, I do own a BCM KMR now and have owned MI rails so I qualify to have an opinion now.

Have you had a chance to shoot it yet? Please report back your honest opinion on how much hotter it gets than anything else. Thanks in advance.

 

[wareagle700]

Yes. No hotter than my Noveske NSR or anything else I have shot that's similar in size. It's a very nice rail. I love the design.