12/19/04 - In response to the increased use of single-point slings in a MOUT environment by our troops overseas, TangoDown LLC has introduced their PR-16, a single point sling mount for fixed-stock M16 variants. It was designed to be a user-installed item (as opposed to an armorer), which requires no alteration nor disassembly of the weapon. It will work with both A1 and A2 stocks. It consists of a upper and lower halves, made out of aluminum with mil-spec anodizing, which clamp to the front portion of an M16 stock via 4 bolts. Note that the first photos shows the current production version, with black bolts. The other photos show a pre-production version which had unfinished stainless bolts. All current hardware is black. The PR-16 provides an attach point for a QD sling swivel (included), allowing a sling to be attached and detached quickly. Its low profile ensures that it does not interfere with the users hand, nor manipulation or access to controls. It comes with everything needed for installation, which can be performed by the soldier himself. No straps, buckles or velcro to contend with. Another well-designed and quality product from the TD guys.

12/19/04 -Magpul Industries (makers of the M93 stock) recently introduced their MIAD (Mission Adaptable) Modular AR-15 grip. I saw a concept model at the SHOT show in January, so it's nice to see the concept hit the market. Actually, as of this writing, only a pre-order batch has been sent out, as there are minor changes to be made, Rich Fitzpatrick says. The MIAD system comprises of the following components:

• Modular grips - one with molded texturing and another with recesses for installing adhesive grip tape panels (not included, but diecut inserts to be available in the near future). Note that production kits may not include both grips, and you might have to choose between the two.
• Interchangeable front straps - F1 (no finger groove), F2 (finger groove), F3 (used when the grip is used as a front grip etc), F4 (finger groove, integral trigger guard)
• Interchangeable back straps - B1 (standard), B2 (beavertail), B3 (beavertail, arched back).
• Modular cores - Different cores that fit in the grip and hold 2 DL123 batteries, 2 AA or 2 AAA batteries, AR bolt and firing pin, and one that holds 3 extra rounds of 5.56mm. Both battery compartments are sealed with rubber caps.

Opinions on grip comfort and preference are as varied as there are hand sizes, and it really boils down to personal preference and physical hand size. The MIAD offers a number of different solutions and it's likely that almost everyone will be able to find a combination of parts that fits their needs. I have small hands and relatively short fingers. Finger grooved front straps never worked for me as the bump would invariably end up under a finger instead of between them. I like the integral trigger guard on the F4 front strap, but I'd like to see a groove-less version. The distance of the trigger to the backstrap on the M16 series of weapons is rather short, and people with large hands or long fingers often feel 'cramped up'. The B2 and B3 backstraps address that issue, and while I found the B2 backstrap to be the most comfortable for trigger finger placement, my short fingers prevented me from reaching the mag and bolt release catches easily, so I switched back to the B1 (standard) backstrap.

There are some slightly sharp edges that could do with some soothing out - like the transition between the textured surfaces and the rest of the grip. Rich said that the texture will be reworked - I'd like to see it a bit more aggressive, which I'd prefer over the 3M grip tape insert version. The modular cores are easy to insert and retrieve, and don't seem to rattle inside.

Magpul also makes a curved trigger guard, that allows the use of bulky gloves. Typically, the standard trigger guard on the M16 is swung down to make room for gloved operation, but it's also sharp and not very comfortable. Magpuls aluminum trigger guard is a direct replacement for the standard guard, and smooths out the sharp edges quite well. It comes with a set screw for the front hole, and a roll pin for the rear. I was able to use my Oberland Arms trigger guard pin (seen on the previous page) and rubber- o-rings instead of the roll pin (Rich designed it with this use in mind). The F4 trigger guard follows the same contour as the aluminum one.

Magpul Ranger plates - These replace the floor plates on M16 30-rnd magazines and are a lower profile version of the original Magpuls. It's a direct replacement for the standard floor plates. A black plastic floor plate insert/lock locks the overmolded steel floorplate in place, which slides onto the base of the magazine. Like the original Magpuls, the Ranger plates enable a good grip on the magazine to be had during reloads, and does a better job than the 550 cord and tie wraps that I currently use. More expensive, yes, but so's everything else of quality and function. They don't add any width to the magazine, which I like, and will fit well in most magazine pouches. Good stuff.