Part of the beauty of the AR-15 platform, aka the modern sporting rifle, is just how many aftermarket products are available on the market. In the past few years literally hundreds of manufacturers offering thousands of parts have popped up all over the country; one of which is Fortis Manufacturing. In this article I'll show you my Fortis REV review of the 14’’ free float rail system. At first look, the Fortis REV is one of the sexiest free float rail systems I have ever seen. It’s minimal yet aggressive in appearance and has certainly been eye-catcher from the get go. The twelve and six o’clock positions are standard picatinny rails while three and nine o’clock use the keymod system. This makes the Fortis REV extremely versatile. Additionally, by using the keymod system at three and nine o’clock, the horizontal diameter has been trimmed down tremendously compared to standard quad rails. The supports connecting the rails are machined to look sharp, literally. The design concept is basically this: no unnecessary material, no unnecessary weight. That concept definitely holds true - I am reviewing the 14’’ rail system which weighs in at a mere 11 ounces.

Fortis REV with Noveske NSR covers review

Out of all of the rails I researched, one thing really stands out to me when it comes to the Fortis REV, besides the weight and free float design, and that is the grip capabilities. With the REV’s diameter being slimmer horizontally than it is vertically (similar to some Daniel Defense rails), the six o’clock position of the rail fits right into the palm of my hand. This allows me to have the most commanding grip I’ve ever been able to achieve with any other rail system, free float or not. The rail locks into my hand as if it has been duct taped together.

From a durability perspective, I’ve been extremely impressed with the Fortis REV. The fit and finish are top notch and the rail locks up tight on a standard barrel nut with a little bit of Loctite per manufacturer instructions. I used this rail in a couple of tactical AR training classes over the summer and did not experience any issues.

Other features of the rail are (4) built-in anti-rotation quick detach slots. Additionally, even though the three and nine o’clock positions of the rail are keymod system, the end of each keymod sports a small picatinny rail section for mounting a flashlight or other picatinny accessory at the end of the rail. Below is a side by side photo of the Fortis REV 14'' with a Spike's BAR 12''.

Now that I’ve talked this rail up to be the best thing since sliced bread, let’s move onto some concerns. Like others amongst the AR community who have researched this rail, heat seems to be one of the largely discussed topics. If you take a look at this rail when installed, it appears that there would be little protection between the barrel and the hand that is gripping the rail. Personally, I’ve not had any issues, and I do consider myself to be heavy on the trigger, but I did want to mention it as I have heard this concern from other owners. Most of which purchased either a set of shooting gloves, or picked up the Noveske NSR keymod rail covers. I actually have the Noveske NSR keymod rail covers installed on my Fortis REV, but not because of heat issues. My reasoning is much less exciting: I just like the way they look.

Another concern I came across was in regards to locking system failures. The locking system of the rail is made up of (2) pieces that clamp together over a standard AR-15 barrel nut. Once lined up, there are (4) hex bolts to tighten down that will lock the rail down tight to the barrel nut. Fortis also recommends using blue Loctite on these hex bolts. The issues I heard in this regard are that the hex bolts would strip out. After a root cause analysis, it sounded like the issue came from the user using an extreme amount of torque which caused this issue. Bottom line: if the bolts are squeaking, aka screaming, it’s probably tight enough. Fortunately for the user that was impacted, Fortis’ superb customer service took care of him and sent him a new rail without fuss.

In summary, the Fortis REV is everything I had hoped for in a new rail. The size of the rail allows me to take a commanding grip down the muzzle which is great for rapid succession of shots. I don’t know of any other rail on the market that offers the versatility, durability, and ridiculously light weight solution of the Fortis REV. It’s great to see an American company build top notch products like the Fortis REV.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame Slim profile free-float rail that is extremely durable light weight and locks up tight. Includes picatinny rails at 12 and 6 o’clock and keymod system at 3 and 9 o’clock – this allows the user to gain a strong grip on the rail for complete control of your rifle and compatibility with even more accessories than a standard quad rail.

Target Market This rail will be very attractive to many competition and 3 gun shooters due to its slim profile and extreme light weight but will also attract casual shooters due to its price, flexibility, and visual appeal.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

Extremely light weight
Versatile accessory options by using keymod and standard picatinny rail systems
Locks up tight on a standard AR-15 barrel nut
Backed by an American company who stands behind their products

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Available in 7’’, 9’’, 12’’, and 14’’ lengths in a variety of colors including black, flat dark earth, olive drab green, and coyote tan.

What others are saying? Check out the Fortis REV discussion on AR15.com

Price point

MSRP = $229.95 (14’’ length) at Fortis Mfg
Retail = $218.45 (14’’ length) at Rainier Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Our Rating

+ Picatinny and keymod rails making the REV compatible with a wide variety of accessories + Very light weight. 14’’ model weighs in at a mere 11 ounces + Compatible with a standard AR15 barrel nut + Slim horizontal profile allows for a complete grip on the rail for outstanding muzzle control + Anti-rotation tabs ensure the rail will not rotate during hard use + 4 built in anti-rotation quick detach sockets + Great customer service and warranty from Fortis

- Hex screws can be over-tightened causing them to strip during installation if not careful - Machining design exposes gas tube and barrel leaving fingers close to them

Score: 9.0

By Brad West

Magpul is best known for making high quality products at an affordable price. Their wide variety of collapsible stocks, magazines, and back up sights, typically made of polymer, are regarded as some of the best and most widely used in the industry. However, polymer isn't the thing in Magpul's bag of tricks. Introducing the Magpul AR15 Multi-Mission Sling System, or simply the MS3. There are many sling offerings on the market from a variety of manufacturers - from one-point to traditional two-point as well as quick-detach, but the Magpul MS3 design captures all three features into a single high-quality offering.

The MS3 feels hefty in the hand and sports 1.25 inch nylon webbing which Magpul boasts as anti-chaff. On each end are Magpul's patented Symmetrical Paraclip shackles to provide quick release when putting your rifle away or transitioning from single-point to two-point configurations. An additional and useful feature included in the paraclip shackles are cross-bolt lock bars which allow the user to lock the clips into place - preventing any accidental or unwanted detaches. The paraclip levers are made of steel and are case hardened to provide resistance to wear and corrosion and are housed by Magpul's own infamous blend of hardened polymer.

A convenience feature of the MS3 that I have found to be most welcome is the adjustment loop which allows for easy tightening and loosening of tension with a single hand while wearing your rifle in the traditional two-point configuration. However, Magpul isn't the only game in town when it comes to single handed tension adjustments. VTAC amongst others offer their own products with single handed tension adjustments.

What separates the MS3 from similar products on the market is its ability to function as either a one or two point sling. I've found this flexibility to be very convenient during training classes, as you can switch configurations in a matter of seconds with no additional hardware required. To convert to one-point configuration, you simply attach the paraclip on one end of the sling to the polymer hoop located roughly 3/4 of the way down the opposite end of the sling, leaving a single paraclip to attach to your existing quick detach point on your butt stock or behind your castle nut. Though I highly recommend purchasing some D-Ring style quick detach swivels to use with the sling, as the paraclip shackles are a bit too large and do not move as freely as needed when used with standard-size quick detach rings. The larger D-Rings will allow the paraclip shackles to move more freely - preventing unwanted tangling and is really my only complaint with the MS3.

I have owned the MS3 for a couple of months now and have used it in a couple of tactical AR training classes. Overall, the MS3 is no exception when it comes to the quality that I've come to expect from Magpul. It is extremely durable and I have not experienced any accidental detaches to date. Additionally, having worn this sling during a training class in 110 degree Texas summer heat, I can say that the nylon webbing does remain comfortable even when wearing a t-shirt and covered in sweat, dirt, and sunburn. That kind of flexibility and comfort puts this sling on the top of my list for must have items for any AR training class.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Versatility. Easily switch from one-point to two-point configuration with no additional hardware while sporting one-handed tension adjustments in two-point configuration.

Target Market: Tactical AR15 crowd. Anyone looking for a one or two-point sling for their modern sporting rifle.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

One and Two-point sling configuration.
1.25 nylon webbing that is treated for comfort and durability.
Magpul's patented Symmetrical Paraclip Shackle technology leaving extremely durable attachment points.
One-handed tension adjustments when using two-point configuration.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Available in Black and Coyote Tan

What others are saying? Lock and Load Review

Price point