The world of AR-15s on the civilian market is currently crowded with options. For a basic rifle with an M-LOK rail, there are options from PSA and Aero on the lower end to Noveske and JP Enterprises on the high end. In this massive range, FN America makes a rifle that combines high end features with the reputation and build quality of FN, which has produced AR-style rifles for the U.S. military for over thirty years.

FN’s excellent mid range options are the FN Tactical II and FN Tactical Carbine P-LOK. They pair a 16” barrel with a mid-length gas system, which results in a softer shooting rifle than a carbine-length gas system on a 16” barrel. FN is also known for making some of the best AR barrels in the business.

But what distinguishes the FN Tactical II and Tactical Carbine P-LOK is the rails. Most rails on carbines on the market are only suitable for mounting grips and flashlights. They lack the strength or stability to avoid flexing under pressure. While this is fine for just a grip and a flashlight, if a user desires to use clip on sights or an aiming laser, a rigid rail is needed.

Traditionally, the US military has used the Daniel Defense RIS II rail for their M4s and Mk18s to provide a rigid rail for aiming lasers. The RIS II achieves tight lockup with a special barrel nut which interfaces with a “bolt-up” plate that bolts onto the rail and provides a rigid fit. But the RIS II is a full quad rail and the special plate and nut are very heavy. While a great system when introduced, it has since been superseded by more modern designs.

Geiselle’s Mk-series of rails were also considered to be rigid enough for lasers and feature the M-LOK system for decreased weight. A variant of the rail was selected for the URG-I program. However, rumors about the URG-I program suggest that the variant selected for the URG-I program was too light and suffers from some flexion issues. The Mk-series of rails was only sold separately from rifles prior to Geiselle’s Super Duty line of rifles. This would mean that in order for a consumer to get a rifle with a Geiselle rail, one would either have to have one custom built or install it themselves.

Enter the FN Tactical II. In 2016, when the FN Tactical II was announced, Soldier Systems Daily speculated that they were collaborating with Hodge Defense Systems on the rail. Hodge Defense Systems are known for their AU Mod 2 rail which utilized a special aluminum-lithium alloy for decreased weight while still retaining strength. While a small company, Hodge Mod 2 carbines were evaluated by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command in the early days of the URG-I program. But the Hodge Mod 2 Carbines are solidly in the higher-end of the AR spectrum though, costing over $2,000 each.

But Hodge Defense Systems have practically confirmed that they have worked with FN on the Tactical II and Tactical Carbine P-LOK, which use variants on Hodge’s Wedge-Lock and Pinch-Lock designs, respectively. Both Wedge-Lock and Pinch-Lock rails are known for their rigidity and solid lockup with the upper receiver.

The FN Tactical II and FN Tactical Carbine P-LOK as a result bring an excellent rail design at a mid-range AR cost to the regular consumer. While Hodge Carbines are hard to find, the FN Carbines are readily available due to FN’s larger manufacturing capabilities. For a person who wants to buy once for an AR, the FN Carbines are some of the best options on the market. While they may lack the fancy proprietary features of higher end carbines like the KAC SR-15 or the Noveske rifles, they provide a reliable upper and lower paired with an excellent barrel and rail.

Charlie Gao studied Political and Computer Science at Grinnell College and is a frequent commentator on defense and national security issues.

Image: Reuters.