MERC Freefloat Handguard

Occam Defense Solutions
UPC:
663250216791
Availability:
AKM,PISTOL and DRACO gas systems IN STOCK! Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipment if you order LYNX or KRINK
$329.99
(20 reviews)
Current Stock:
Minimum Purchase:
1 unit
Maximum Purchase:
5 units
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NEW VERIFIED FITMENTS:

 

CENTURY/ROMARMS/ROMANIAN DRACO, USE PISTOL LENGTH HANDGUARD AND DRACO GAS TUBE. GAS BLOCK MUST BE REMOVED AND REPLACED AFTER HANDGUARD FITMENT.

DPMS/PANTHER ARMS/PALMETTO ANVIL PISTOL, USE PISTOL LENGTH HANDGUARD AND AKM GAS TUBE. GAS BLOCK MUST BE REMOVED AND REPLACED AFTER HANDGUARD FITMENT.

SAIGA 7.62x39 AND 5.45X39 RIFLES, USE RIFLE LENGTH HANDGUARD AND AKM GASTUBE . MAY REQUIRE MINOR GUNSMITHING SEE DRAWING IN ALBUM HERE FOR BARREL SPECS AND MEASURMENTS.  

 

Draco variant gas tube back in stock!! Shipping NOW!

 

MILLED AND US CENTURY GUNS:

18.5mm clamp systems are in stock and shipping NOW!!!

 

The MERC is a revolutionary patented Free Float rail and thermal isolation improvement to handguards for the AK platform. The MERC offers rock solid optics mounting and hand protection. Gloves are usually not required when deploying the MERC. The MERC is easily installed in less than 30 minutes with commonly available tools. Maximum Effectiveness - Reduced Complexity: The MERC is the New Standard for AK Handguards. This system works on stamped receiver AK-47/74s from Russia, Poland, East Germany, Hungary, Romania, Egypt, and China. It DOES NOT work on Yugos (ZASTAVA).

 

Milled receivers, and US made Century rifle fit:

We're now making barrel clamps for 18.5mm RSB journaled barrels!  This covers most milled receivers (except Sharps Bros in many cases), some Arsenal stamped guns, some of the SLR-107 variants, and all US made Century AKs.  To know for sure, watch THIS VIDEO.

See this YouTube video to see if your rifle is a good candidate!

Specifications for rifle length: 6061 Aluminum Black Mil-Spec Anodized Length: 11.75" from front of receiver Overhang over dust cover: 3.5" Height: 2-5/8" Width: 1-9/16" Weight: 16 oz. (effectively much lighter through removal of steel RSB and FST) Weight of demo gun: 7 lbs, 2 oz.

Specifications for pistol length: 6061 Aluminum Black Mil-Spec Anodized Length: 8" from front of receiver Overhang over dust cover: 3.5" Height: 2-5/8" Width: 1-9/16" Length from front of the Front Trunnion: 8"

Installation: Installation is simple on most rifles, but we can also refer you to skilled installers who can perform the job quickly and inexpensively.  Please see the videos HERE for more information. 

Reviews

  • 5
    MERC rail

    Posted by Chris on Aug 6th 2025

    This is my second MERC and while it hasn't been installed yet, my first rail was excellent, rock solid, and easy to install. Has to be the best rail for an AK ever made...

  • 4
    Merc Handguard

    Posted by John Katsafanas on Jun 17th 2025

    I’ve been running a Merc on my 74 for about 2 years. Just purchased another one for my 47. IMO, the Merc elevates the AK from “antiquated” to “modern fighting weapon”. The weapon is lighter and more streamlined. The barrel is as free-floated as an AK can be, and you can remove the dust cover without disturbing optics. Only a few minor shortcomings: one really can’t utilize most prism optics with short eye relief. I am able to run a mini ACOG 1.5X on my 74. The other issue is slight flex in the portion of top rail that extends rearward over the dust cover. It’s only (maybe?) an issue if one mounts an optic at the rearmost position. Not an issue when running a dot in a normal spot or an LPVO with two rings.

  • 5
    Merc Free Float pistol length

    Posted by Joe (redacted) on Feb 3rd 2025

    Straight forward install videos, Thanks Brian. Very easy to do, about an hour if you don't rush. Shifts a bit more of the balance to middle of the pistol/rifle. very slim design with plenty of mounting real estate!! Hope they cover more models in the future!

  • 5
    Merc

    Posted by Mike on Nov 29th 2024

    This is my second merc installment is not to difficult don't get in a hurry take a few test fits but we'll worth it this one went on arsenal 107 , recommend you get one

  • 5
    Occam Defense pistol rail

    Posted by Christopher Starke on Sep 18th 2024

    The quality of this rail system is outstanding! Glad to see the heat shield riveted in place too. The engineering that went into this is nothing short of exciting. Definitely the best rail for the money for the AK platform.

  • 5
    Merc Freefloat Handguard (Rifle Length)

    Posted by Sam on Jul 11th 2023

    Love the product. It's rock solid, improves options as far as sight mounting, and it looks super clean. Fantastic product, I will recommend it to anyone I can.

  • 4
    Rail

    Posted by N on Dec 5th 2022

    Machining is great ,tolerances are very good. My only complaint is I wish the rear section was an inch longer and the Front section was an inch longer (I’m 6’-5” 320lbs nothing ever fits me)every system I own is set up for 24 hours after23 years in the infantry. I religiously believe Ironsights are a must after all of Uncle Sam‘s world :) redundancy is a good thing.

  • 5
    Merc Handgaurd (both full and pistol length)

    Posted by Joseph Marcal on Sep 22nd 2022

    The Merc Handgaurd is superior to anything on the market, due its construction in the following manner. The rail uses an inner heat shield that is a huge plus for serious end users. The other main plus is the 12 o’clock rail that allows for optics and night vision devises to be mounted. The gas tube rails of other brands was a good idea 20 years ago, but they absorb heat. The ocean Defense products are innovative and well thought out. It should be considered and industry standard. Thank you!

  • 5
    Merc Handgaurd (both full and pistol length)

    Posted by Joseph Marcal on Sep 22nd 2022

    The Merc Handgaurd is superior to anything on the market, due its construction in the following manner. The rail uses an inner heat shield that is a huge plus for serious end users. The other main plus is the 12 o’clock rail that allows for optics and night vision devises to be mounted. The gas tube rails of other brands was a good idea 20 years ago, but they absorb heat. The ocean Defense products are innovative and well thought out. It should be considered and industry standard. Thank you!