Knight's Armament Company M16A4 M5 Rifle-Length RAS Forend Assembly Quad Rail - 98065
Product Description
Upgrading a classic 20-inch rifle-length AR-15 or cloning a military-issue M16A4 service rifle introduces an immediate structural and tactical bottleneck: standard two-piece plastic A2 handguards. Standard polymer handguards lack the mechanical rigidity required to maintain a repeatable zero for top-mounted infrared laser designators, tactical lights, or forward optics. Over intensive live-fire training schedules, plastic handguards warp from barrel heat, shift under hand leverage, and provide zero modular mounting area. The Knight's Armament Company (KAC) M5 Rifle RAS (Rail Adapter System) completely eliminates these operational limitations, swapping out legacy polymers for an unyielding, combat-proven quad-rail platform issued to hundreds of thousands of frontline US military troops.
Precision CNC-machined from premium structural-grade aluminum alloy, the M5 RAS is engineered to endure the harsh field conditions of active deployment and tactical operations. The entire aluminum substrate is treated with a uniform, non-reflective Mil-Spec black hardcoat anodized jacket that repels chemical solvents, carbon fouling, and abrasive field wear. What sets the M5 RAS apart from generic two-piece quad rails is its proprietary mechanical layout: it drops natively into place but utilizes an internal clamp and retention screw assembly that hooks directly over the factory barrel nut. This creates an incredibly solid structural lockup that isolates the handguard from shifting, giving marksmen a dependable foundation for precision aiming lasers like the AN/PEQ-15 or DBAL indicators.
In real-world live-fire tracking, this rifle-length handguard provides full-length MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, drastically expanding your tactical real estate. The non-free-float layout allows for rapid, drop-in deployment without requiring the removal of the barrel nut or front sight tower assembly. To shield the shooter's hands from rapid barrel thermal transfer and enhance manual traction, the assembly arrives factory-packaged with three authentic KAC 11-rib glass-reinforced rail panels that snap cleanly over the Picatinny slots. Secure a true piece of American small-arms military lineage built to maximize forward accessory tracking stability and combat durability.
*Armorer Bench Notes & Technical Maintenance Guidance: The KAC M5 RAS (PN: 98065) is engineered explicitly as a drop-in replacement part for standard, two-piece rifle-length polymer A2-type handguards. It requires a true 20-inch rifle-length gas system, standard delta ring assembly, a fixed front sight base/gas block, and a standard handguard end cap (works with both round and triangular end caps, though triangular is standard on M16A4 barrels). The interior geometry is optimized for standard Government or lightweight barrel profiles; heavier bull-barrel contours may conflict with the internal heat shields and require custom modification to sit level. When seating the top rail assembly, ensure the rear retaining claw engages the barrel nut correctly before pivoting the front down into the handguard cap. Snug the front tensioning screw down firmly to eliminate physical wiggle, but do not over-torque it to avoid stripping the locking threads or canting the front sight tower array.
Key Features
- Battle-Proven M16A4 Pedigree: Genuine US military-issue rail configuration with a dedicated National Stock Number (NSN: 1005-01-452-6771), providing legendary structural heritage.
- Secure Barrel Nut Interlocking: Utilizes a specialized rear clamp-and-screw mechanism that locks directly to the factory barrel nut to eliminate handguard rotational movement.
- Full-Length Quad Picatinny Rails: Outfitted with 11.5 inches of continuous MIL-STD 1913 tracks along four axes to support lasers, vertical grips, bipods, and weapon lights.
- Premium K2 11-Rib Panels Included: Ships fully furnished with three authentic Knight's Armament 11-rib heavy polymer rail covers to enhance palm retention and insulate against heat.
- No-Gunsmithing Drop-In Setup: Installs quickly without stripping down the barrel nut, gas tube, or front sight assembly, serving as a clean upgrade for factory A2 configurations.
Product Specifications
- Brand: Knight's Armament Company (KAC)
- Model Line: Rail Adapter System (RAS) Series Handguards
- MPN/SKU: 98065
- UPC: 819064012368
- National Stock Number (NSN): 1005-01-452-6771
- Handguard Length: 11.5 Inches
- Handguard Profile Type: Two-Piece Non-Free-Float Quad Rail
- Rail Configuration: MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny (4-Sided)
- Material Construction: CNC-Machined Structural Aluminum
- Finish Treatment: Mil-Spec Type III Hardcoat Anodized (Matte Black)
- Platform Fitment: AR-15 / M16A4 Pattern Small-Frame Rifles (Rifle GAS Only)
- Barrel Profile Suitability: Government Contour / Pencil Profiles (Not SR-25 Cross-Compatible)
- Country of Manufacture: United States
