Bootleg, Inc was formed as a sister company of Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) in 2015, with a sole focus on Direct Impingement or DI accessories and builder education. Their goal is to provide quality products and information for anyone that would like to build an AR and their products truly represent that quality!
We reached out to Bootleg, Inc, and requested one of their 15″ Handguards for us to review, Bootleg, Inc was also willing to send us one of their Adjustable Bolt Carrier to try out as well. One of the main reasons we reached out to Bootleg for their 15″ Handguard, was for the weight. Most handguards out on the market today are quite heavy, and we were wanting something different. Another reason we reached out to Bootleg, Inc, is the Lifetime Warranty they offer on their products. If you are dissatisfied with any of their products they offer a 30 day return or exchange policy.
15″ Handguard Specs:
- Extruded 6061 Aluminum
- Mil Spec Hard Anodizing
- BCM KMR Mounting System allows for easy installation for new builds or replacement of existing BCM KMR handguard.
- Full Length Mil Spec Picatinny Top Rail
- Exclusive integrated PicMod Technology allows most picatinny accessories to mount without adapters while preserving a seamless flat KeyMod mounting surface
- Extended PicMod Feature on the bottom section for increased bi-pod mounting options
- Lightweight skeletonized design
- Weight: 9.6 oz w/o mounting hardware
- Dimensions: 1.675″ Wide x 2.05″ Tall x 15″ in Length
- Designed to work with any barrel 16in or longer
13″ Handguard
- Extruded 6061 Aluminum
- Mil Spec Hard Anodizing
- BCM KMR Mounting System allows for easy installation for new builds or replacement of existing BCM KMR handguard.
- Full Length Mil Spec Picatinny Top Rail
- Exclusive integrated PicMod Technology allows most picatinny accessories to mount without adapters while preserving a seamless flat KeyMod mounting surface
- Extended PicMod Feature on the bottom section for increased bi-pod mounting options
- Lightweight skeletonized design
- Weight: 8.6 oz w/o mounting hardware
- Dimensions: 1.675 in Wide x 2.05 Tall x 13.4 in Long
- Designed to work with any barrel 14.5in or longer
9″ Handguard
- Extruded 6061 Aluminum
- Mil Spec Hard Anodizing
- BCM KMR Mounting System allows for easy installation for new builds or replacement of existing BCM KMR handguard.
- Full Length Mil Spec Picatinny Top Rail
- Exclusive integrated PicMod Technology allows most picatinny accessories to mount without adapters while preserving a seamless flat KeyMod mounting surface
- Extended PicMod Feature on the bottom section for increased bi-pod mounting options
- Lightweight skeletonized design
- Weight: 7 oz w/o mounting hardware
- Dimensions: 1.675 in Wide x 2.05 Tall x 9.2 in Long
- Designed to work with any barrel 10.5in or longer
Adjustable Bolt Carrier Specs:
- Machined from S7 Tool Steel
- Lithium Isonite Coating
- 4 Setting Adjustable Vent System (Relieves excess gas pressure created from suppressor use creating longer dwell time and less blow-back to the shooter)
- Gas Adjustment can be turned while installed in the rifle
- Unique Lightweight Design
- Uses all standard mil spec components
- Staked Mil Spec Gas Key
- Adjustment Pin is easily removed for cleaning
- Not FULL Auto Rated
Adjustable Bolt Carrier offers 4 different settings:
- Position #1 (U) (No Venting) Un-suppressed with standard ammunition
- Position #2 (First Dot) Un-suppressed with heavy military ammunition
- Position #3 (Second Dot) Suppressed with low back pressure suppressor or light commercial ammunition
- Position #4 (S) (Full Vent) High back pressure suppressor
I decided to place the 15″ Handguard and the Adjustable Bolt Carrier on my M&P Sport with a heavy bull barrel. I have been shooting suppressed with this rifle for about 2 years now and although I currently run a PRI Gas Buster Charging Handle, I still get blow-back of gas in my face. So this rifle is going to make a great candidate for us to try out the Adjustable Bolt Carrier. The install is quite easy. The Adjustable Bolt Carrier does not include a complete bolt, cam pin, firing pin and firing pin retaining pin, so I just reused the ones out of the bolt I took out.
We’re going to go over how to install the handguard. The handguard did include an instruction booklet. The illustrations could be better, but it’s pretty easy to follow and if you are use to installing BCM Keymod Rails, then it’ll be a breeze.
Step 1: Place upper on vise block and secure in vise.
Step 2: Remove Flash Hider.
Step 3: Remove Old Handguard.
Step 4: Remove Gas Block/Tube and then remove old Barrel Nut.
Step 5: Layout the contents in the Bootleg, Inc Rail Box and go over the instructions.
Step 6: Install new barrel nut and torque barrel nut to proper specifications.
Step 7: Reinstall gas tube and gas block and torque gas block to proper specifications.
Step 8: Install key onto new handguard.
Step 9: Install Handguard per the instructions.
Step 10: Secure handguard with screws. Install the starred bolt first and make sure the “star” is in between the opening.
Then install the other screw on the opposite side.
Step 11: Re-install the flash hider and torque to proper specifications. Also, don’t forget to add the thread-locker.
All in all, the install took about 30min. The adjustable bolt carrier fit perfectly. Like I said, I currently use a PRI Gas Buster Charging Handle and was still getting a face full of gas. I took this rifle out to the range to test it out, and I must say, shooting suppressed is 10x better! Now with the price tag of $250, this adjustable bolt carrier is a little on the pricey side, but well worth the money if you are shooting suppressed. I’ll take using a little screw driver to adjust the gas system over using a long allen key on a gas block any day! Just remember when installing the new adjustable bolt carrier to not forget to lube up the bolt carrier.
My overall impression of the Handguard was, “Wow…this thing is really light-weight!” After removing a Yankee Hill Machine Diamond Series Quad-rail with end cap, this Handguard is like night and day! This rifle has a bull barrel, so this light-weight handguard is a godsend. With a price tag coming in at $209.95, it’s right in-line with most of their competition. This is my first Key-mod rail system, and I must say, I love it. I really like how they incorporated a Key-mod and Picatinny style rail system towards the end to mount up my flashlight, or any other readily available accessories that you guys are using these days. When shooting suppressed and un-suppressed the rail did not heat up all that much, it was warm, but could still touch the rail without gloves.
If you are looking for an outstanding handguard, that is light-weight and if you are shooting suppressed, then look into Bootleg, Inc Key-mod Handguards and their Adjustable Bolt Carrier! You honestly and truly will not be disappointed!
As always, ya’ll be good and be safe!
