The 9 Best Picatinny Rail Covers [2024]
Are you looking for a way to protect your hand from your AR-15 Quad Rail handguard, aka the “Cheese Grater?”
This moniker is a cheeky nod to the pattern and design of the rails on AR-15 handguards, which, while excellent for attaching various accessories, have a tendency to grate against the user’s hand. It isn’t just a funny nickname; it points to a real issue that operators face when handling these firearms.
What can you do to protect your hand from looking like shredded colby-jack?
Picatinny Rail covers, also known as ladders, are the solution to this problem, and they offer a remedy that combines protection, comfort, and aesthetics.
There are a plethora of options to review, so let’s take a look at some of the best options available on the market!
BEST QUAD RAIL COVERS: LaRue Tactical Index Clips
Larue Tactical Index Clips, 72 Piece Set (Black)
- Glass-reinforced polymer
- Low profile
- 60 Regular clips
- Enough pieces to cover a carbine’s, railed-handguard if desired
- Available in different colors
Optics Planet (See Price)
Amazon (See Price)
There’s a lot to love about this product. They’re low profile, they fit tight, and they look awesome.
One of the things we love about them is that they come in a pack of 72. Unlike some of the ladder options on the market, where you have to order to size, or cut the ladder down to size, you can just slap on as many as you need and you’re good to go. No wasted bits left over.
There’s a couple of drawbacks to these clips. The first is that they have a slight sheen. Not a big deal for most folks, but they might not be ideal for some tactical situations.
The other major drawback is that they can be quite difficult to get on/off, so using a LaRue dillo tool will help to get the job done.
BEST PICATINNY RAIL COVER: Magpul 1913 Picatinny Ladder Rail Protector
Magpul 1913 Picatinny Ladder Rail Protector
- Santoprene polymer material
- Easily cut for customization
- Each panel fits a carbine length mil-spec 1913 picatinny rail (18 slots)
- Improves weapon retention
- Rail protection from the elements
Primary Arms (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
The Magpul rail ladders are considered the industry standard by many. They come in a ladder style that provides protection but also offer some cushioning for your hands.
These can easily be cut down to fit any carbine length quad rail, and go on/off very easily, without coming off by accident.
What really wows us is the color accuracy. Magpul nailed it, ensuring the shades match your rifle handguard perfectly, so no odd contrasts.
The only snag is if you need to trim them then the cut-off piece is wasted, but that’s a minor gripe considering how well they perform overall.
More for AR-15 Owners: Best AR-15 Barrels, Best AR-15 Upper Receivers, Best AR-15 Triggers, Best AR-15’s for 2024
MOST BADASS OPTION: Daniel Defense Picatinny Rail Panel Set
Daniel Defense Picatinny Rail Panel Set
- Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300 degrees
- Feature Daniel Defense’s signature pattern
- Provide a rubbery grip surface for a reliable hold in all weather conditions
- Each panel is 7 inches long and can be cut to desired length
- Includes three panels to a package
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
We love this one because it features the signature Daniel Defense pattern and looks badass. It’s on the pricier side, but will give your handguard a unique look and is made by Daniel Defense, so you know its top notch.
Like most panel covers, these can be cut to size depending on what you need. Plus, the rubbery grip works in all weather conditions.
With this set, you’ll get three panels to help cover all of the sides of our quad rail. We love it, and think you will too.
BEST FOR ENHANCED GRIP: Magpul XTM Enhanced Rail Panel Cover
Magpul XTM Enhanced Rail Panel Cover
- An ergonomic and highly modular solution to getting a better grip
- Improved weapon control
- Works on any mil-spec 1913 picatinny rail.
- Aggressive anti-slip texture
- Protects rails from damage
Optics Planet (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Bravo Company (See Price)
AR15 Discounts (See Price)
Magpul really outdid itself with this one. The XTM Enhanced Rail Panel Cover is an upgrade over the classic ladder panels, as they offer superior grip and protection.
These are easy to snap on, and can be easily removed with the tip of an ammo round.
The biggest benefit to these quad rail covers is the wire clips on the bottom side of the cover, which is a nice add for keeping your wires organized. The roughness isn’t too abrasive either.
BEST HEAT SHIELD: Rail Wrap Heat Shield Protective Hand Cover
Rail Wrap Heat Shield Protective Hand Cover
- The “Rail-rap” is designed to mitigate heat exposure from the gas block area during normal range and training use.
- Soft contact surface, high-quality and comfortable nylon webbing increases friction
- Inner Material Rated to 1800 F, the rail wrap takes the heat away from your hand while holding your rail.
- No more burning gloves or scalding hands after running a few mags through the gun.
- Size (L * W): 6 × 6 inches, easy to install and feel great in the hands. The rail wraps works great for cable management for your pressure switch.
This is a great alternative if you’re looking for more than just the regular ladder/clips to work as a quad rail cover. This adds a nice padding and some additional heat shielding.
We’ve found you can shoot through more mags before your hand starts getting warm, so this eliminates some of the need for gloves when shooting.
One of the great things about this cover is that it’ll work on just about any handguard, whether your using a quad rail, M-LOK or KeyMod system. Additionally, it’ll work on both wider rails and slim rails.
BEST TEXTURE COVER: Magpul XT Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rail Guard Texture Panel
Magpul XT Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rail Guard Texture Panel
- Provide improved control of your weapon
- Semi-rubbery material provides ample protection of your rail
- Low-profile, won’t interfere with storing, transporting or using your firearm
- Easily cut to conform to customized lengths
- Each panel fits one side of a carbine-length rail
Primary Arms (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Bravo Company (See Price)
This is another great option for enhancing the texture and grip. They’re very heat resistant, and they’re easy to install, fit perfectly, and can be cut down to fit to size.
Like some of the other options on this list, these panels provide a great protection for the portion of your rails not being used. With these, you won’t need gloves as much.
BEST LOW PROFILE OPTION: Ergo Grip LowPro 18-Slot Ladder Rail Covers
Ergo Grip LowPro 18-Slot Ladder Rail Covers
- Covers 18 Picatinny rail slots and protects them from damage
- Made of highly tactile Santoprene
- Low profile, high-grip surface improves hand comfort and weapon control
- Prevents injuries to shooter’s skin and damage to snag-prone gear and clothing that contacts sharp or rough rail edges
- Easily trimmed for custom fitting
AR15 Discounts (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
If you’re worried about snag, this is your best option, as its one of the best “low-profile” covers on the market.
You can typically buy them in a 3-pack as well, which offers some additional savings on cost.
Ergo Grip is known for making products that, well…grip really well.
MOST BUDGET FRIENDLY: POWECEAM Polymer Picatinny Rail Cover Black
POWECEAM Polymer Picatinny Rail Cover Black
- Single Picatinny Rail Section Polymer
- Easy to install
- Slight grip
- Unique aesthetic compared to regular ladders
These a decent budget friendly options that offer a unique aesthetic, as they don’t have the “ladder” look of most quad rail covers. They’re made in China, but can be a decent option if you’re looking for the most affordable.
BEST VALUE QUAD RAIL COVERS: Troy Industries Battle Rail Covers
Troy Industries Battle Rail Covers
- Locks in place with built-in retaining clip
- Reduces abrasions and heat transfer to operator’s hand
- Reduces snags for smooth operation
- Made of durable, heat and chemical resistant synthetic polymer resin
- Easy installation with no tools required
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
These rails go on very easily. They are snug and have zero play when installed.
They have a low profile and do a great job of protecting your rail when it isn’t being used. The texture and shape are very nice, giving your rail a more comfortable and ergonomic feel.
The biggest plus to these rail covers is that they look cool.
BONUS — BEST M-LOK OPTION: Griffin Armament Rail Shield 4 Piece M-LOK Furniture Set
Griffin Armament Rail Shield 4 Piece M-LOK Set
- Includes 2 Contour Side Panels, 1 Handstop Bottom Panel, 1 Alternate Flat Bottom Panel
- Handstop panel provides ergonomic enhancement and recoil control
- Textured surfaces are comfortable, snag-free, and promote positive control of firearm
- Grade 5 mounting hardware
- Protects shooter’s hand from hot rails
While we’re mainly writing about picatinny rails here, we decided to throw in one of our favorite M-LOK options as well.
The Griffin Armament rail set gives you protection on all four sides. The grip is perfect, its not too aggressive but still gives great purchase on the weapon if you’re a super sweater.
The biggest bonus is that it comes with the optional hand-stop. That’ll save you a few bucks if you were looking to pick one of those up.
More from CAT Outdoors
Final Thoughts on Best Picatinny Rail Covers
There you have it. Some of our favorite picatinny rail covers. Any of these options would be great. They’ll not only get the job done, but improve the grip of your rifle and protection of your handguard.
As with everything, we recommend you find one that works best for you. Try a few of them out, decide which you like the most, and deck out all of your rifles with those covers.
Stay safe, happy shooting.
Did we miss anything? Let us know your favorite pic rail cover in the comments.
Justin Trump is the managing editor and owner of CAT Outdoors. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two firearm patents for the CAT M4 and Talon tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.
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