AVAILABLE NOW!

Production model of the 14" and 12" Wedge Lock rails:



Looks like in just a few weeks Mega Arms and Hodge Defense will have their wedge lock rails shipping to dealers, such as ourselves

Designed in conjunction between Mega Arms and Hodge Defense, both companies are releasing their variants of the Wedge Lock Rail System.

This rail system uses a very slim and simple design which is strong and sleek.  Machined from a 7075-T6 aluminum extrusion for superior strength, the slim rail system slides over a large titanium nut which ensures proper alignment and rigidity.  A very mechanically simple but strong wedge mechanism locks the rail into place, with two extra screws acting as additional security.  The rail uses an optional, internal pin for anti-rotational purposes, though it will require an upper with the provisions for its use if one chooses to use it.

The rail itself is also exceptionally thing, at just 1.450" wide, as based on measurements on our production prototype.  



Despite it's lightweight and thin profile, this rail system is strong thanks to its use of 7075 aluminum and a simple, extruded design with no welds or vulnerable areas where stress can accumulate and result in cracking or fracturing.  This rail is definitely a big step forward on the AR's evolution towards being both lighter and stronger.

Mega Arms Wedge Lock Variant

The Mega Arms Wedge Lock rail for the AR-15 will be available in a number of lengths, from SBR up to ultra long precision rifle length.  We'll be carrying at 12", 14", and 16" rails initially, though shorter lengths will also be available at launch from other dealers

The Mega Arms Wedge Lock rail will come in 7075-T6, with a titanium barrel nut.  The main visual distinguisher is the use of horizontal rectangles for cooling slots on the Mega rail system.

Pricing for the 12", 14", and 16" will be $295, $326, and $357 respectively





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Hodge Defense Wedge Lock Variant

These will be available in 7075-T6 Aluminum, as well as exotic 3rd Generation Aluminum Lithium Alloy.  Given the rarity and expense of 3rd Gen Al-Li, Hodge will primarily focus on the 7075 variant for individual resale.

Designed specifically for the 14.5" barrel and use with modern military suppresor, the Hodge Defense carbine rail has an actual length of 13.625" which will be available at $299.  This design will eventually be available in lighter, strong, and more corrosion resistant Aluminum Lithium from ALCOA Defense.  It is worth nothing that 7075-T6 already offers a huge increase in tensile strength and rigidty over the 6061 aluminum used in most other handguards on the market today.  

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Given Mega's history with the AR-10 style rifle, i'm sure that's a high possibility!

Will be able to get better pics of the barrel nut when I get new models it:  this one is stuck on this barrel for the time being thank to the muzzle device being pinned/welded

I'll go ahead and ask Mega to provide me with final, final weights for the production models.

Unfortunately, my wedge lock rail is a production prototype in Aluminum Lithium, AND my my Titanium barrel nut is married to an upper for now.  Will report back with factory reported weights and my own measured weights once I have the final production models in

The main hallmarks of good design are

1.  Makes you go:  "why didn't I think of that"?

2.  The design is so good you don't even notice it... you think... oh, things have always been this awesome.

The Wedge Lock rails are definitely, very, very well designed.  The rail itself is both lightweight and strong, normally two attributes which are mutually exclusive.  I like the fact that they've also decided to break from the back in terms of materials.  Not a material science engineer, but what my engineer friends tell me is that 7075 is a lot more strong in terms of tensile strength and rigidity over 6061.  Perhaps, a little overkill for a handguard, but the different material definitely compliments the slicker design.

Internal Diamter on the Hodge Prototype is 1.225" left to right.  As for clearance for gas blocks, not sure what to measure... currently, I've got a Ballistic Advantage Hanson barrel with BA gas block on there and it clear.  The BA gas block is fairly beefy... and while it works with the rail, it does make MLOK mounting of an accessory where it sits impossible.  Hodge is releasing their own gas blocks and i've got em en route


Talked to Mega:

The rails are in final production stages.  All of the first run 7075 rails you've seen in photos have been from an overrun from Hodge Rails... so the actual length 7", 9", 12", 14", and 16" rails have not yet been produced and weighed.  As soon as they come off the machines they'll get me the specs.

Yes, the Hodge and Mega rails are compatible with NSR anti-rotation pins!

Got the 12" and 14"  Mega rails in, waiting on Hodge and other lengths now!

Actual length is 12.625", and the the Wedge Lock 14 is "14.625"

Will add this info to the website.

The reason for this is because the "12" is known as being a rifle length, and it needs to be that length in order to work with rifle barrels with FSBs

The "9" will be the midlength rail, and yes, they are coming from Mega Arms

Currently, the Hodge will only be produced in two lengths relevant to their clientelle:  can't wait to get my hands on their production model variants designed specifically for use withe 14.5" and suppressors.  

I'll keep that in mind, and thank you for the kind words.  

Totally forgot to weigh the production model 12" and 14" rails.

Will take pics with the scale and ruler tomorrow

The the lockup is truly fantastic:  the anti-rotation set screws and anti rotation pin (similar to the NSR system) is completely unneeded.

The rail to barrel nut fit is tight, and with a large, rigid titanium barrel nut there is a lot of bearing surface: the amount of tension required to lock the rail in place is therefore, minimized.

The wedge lock mechanism (melonited in production rails such as those beings old now) is two steel wedges combined with a shallow thread pitch screw.  The mechanism uses maximum efficiency of the rail space assigned to it on the barel nut, with the wedge that contacts the barrel nut machined for a perfect fit.

It's a mechanically simple, durable, and elegant system

YES.

I want one really bad, for myself.  The Mod 2 barrels are still in prototyping phase IIRC.  Last reports on accuracy and durability was drool worthy.  Specs are, CHF, chrome lined, proprietary steel blend and that's all I'm allowed to say (I asked).