Strike Industries GRIDLOK® LITE 17" – Quick Rail Detach, M-LOK®, 1.57" OD, Red Anodized Aluminum Handguard for AR-15
Stand out and speed up your setup. The Strike Industries GRIDLOK® LITE 17" (RED) is a long, slim, and lightweight free-float handguard for AR-15 builds that marries head-turning style with mission-ready serviceability. Featuring Strike’s Quick Rail Detach interface, this rail removes without pulling your muzzle device or gas system, giving you fast access for cleaning, tuning, and cable management—then locks back on with a return-to-zero fit for lasers, irons, and lights. At 17 inches long with a comfortable 1.57" outside diameter, abundant M-LOK® slots, and a durable red anodized aluminum finish, the GRIDLOK LITE is built for precision rigs, competition carbines, and feature-packed night setups alike.
Model/MPN: GRIDLOKLITE17RED • UPC: 793811764307
Why builders choose GRIDLOK® LITE
Quick Rail Detach system: Tool-assisted, rapid removal/reinstall of the handguard for gas block/piston access, wiring changes, or barrel nut checks—no need to disturb your muzzle device.
Return-to-zero lock-up: Reinforced anti-shift geometry and precise index points help maintain zero for lasers, IR modules, and front sights after removal.
17" sight radius & control: Extended length supports long-arm grips, bipod mounts, and far-forward light/laser placement for reduced barrel shadow—ideal for 20" barrels or extended 16–18" builds.
Slim 1.57" OD: Comfortable, glove-friendly circumference supports modern C-clamp technique without hot spots.
M-LOK® everywhere you need it: Clean mounting grids along the 3/6/9 o’clock for handstops, sling cups, cable guides, bipods, and panels—no extra rails required.
Featherweight strength: Precision-machined aluminum construction keeps weight low while preserving rigidity for accuracy and accessory stability.
Red anodized statement: The red finish adds a custom look while resisting wear, sweat, and solvents.
Key features at a glance
Platform: AR-15 (standard 5.56/223 and compatible builds)
Length: 17 inches
Outside diameter: 1.57 inches (low-profile)
System: GRIDLOK® LITE with Quick Rail Detach
Mounting: M-LOK® accessory slots (3/6/9 o’clock)
Profile: Free-float to enhance barrel harmonics and consistency
Material: Lightweight aluminum, precision machined
Finish: Red anodized (durable, low-glare)
Model / MPN: GRIDLOKLITE17RED
UPC: 793811764307
Built for performance—and serviceability
The GRIDLOK LITE architecture keeps your rifle accurate and easy to maintain. Free-floating removes external pressure from the barrel for tighter groups, while the Quick Rail Detach interface makes it simple to pull the rail for gas block work, muzzle device swaps, or wiring clean-up. Reinstall the handguard, torque to spec, and hit the line—your accessories stay right where you set them.
Ideal use cases
Precision & SPR builds: Long sight radius, stable bipod mounting, and free-float precision for distance work.
Competition carbines: Fast maintenance between stages with dependable return-to-zero for irons/lasers.
Night-fighting/defense rigs: Ample M-LOK for switch placement and clean cable routing to lights and IR devices.
Hunting & varmint rifles: Lightweight control surface with far-forward accessory options for balance and handling.
Compatibility & fitment notes
Designed for AR-15 pattern uppers and compatible barrel nuts as specified by Strike Industries.
Verify gas system length, barrel diameter, and muzzle device clearance—especially on pinned/welded barrels or over-the-barrel suppressors.
Not intended for HK416/MR556/M27 or other non-AR-15 interfaces (use the GRIDLOK 416 series for those).
If your upper uses oversized gas blocks or unique tolerances, test fit before hard use.
Installation tips
Have a qualified armorer/gunsmith install per Strike Industries torque specs and thread prep guidance.
After installation, hand-cycle to confirm unobstructed gas system and accessory clearance.
Re-confirm zero on all aiming devices after the first install and after any subsequent rail removal/reinstall.
Use thread locker where recommended; verify fastener torque periodically.
What you’ll notice on the rifle
Rock-solid feel with a locked-in interface that resists twist and shift.
Improved balance on long barrels thanks to the LITE cut-outs and slim OD.
Cleaner accessory layout with plenty of M-LOK real estate for modern controls and cable management.
Specifications (summary)
Length: 17"
Outside Diameter: 1.57"
Material: Aluminum (precision machined)
Finish: Red anodized
Mounting: M-LOK® (3/6/9 o’clock)
System: Quick Rail Detach, GRIDLOK® LITE
Platform: AR-15
MPN: GRIDLOKLITE17RED • UPC: 793811764307
SEO-friendly summary
Strike Industries GRIDLOK LITE 17" (RED)—a free-float AR-15 handguard with Quick Rail Detach, 1.57" slim OD, and full M-LOK coverage—delivers lightweight rigidity, rapid serviceability, and custom red anodized style for precision, competition, and duty-ready builds. Model GRIDLOKLITE17RED, UPC 793811764307.
Natural keyword variations
Strike Industries GRIDLOK LITE 17 red; AR-15 17" M-LOK handguard; quick detach AR-15 rail; slim 1.57" OD handguard; red anodized AR-15 rail; GRIDLOKLITE17RED 793811764307; free-float AR-15 M-LOK rail; SPR competition handguard.
What’s in the box*
GRIDLOK® LITE 17" Red Handguard
Mounting hardware/barrel nut (as supplied by manufacturer)
Basic installation instructions
*Contents can vary by batch—confirm included parts and barrel-nut spec with your retailer or Strike Industries.
Compliance: Follow all federal, state, and local regulations. Confirm platform compatibility prior to installation, and always re-verify zero after any rail removal.
The End