The Parts and Accessories Encyclopedia
LOWER FRAME RAIL
The MK23, like some of the other models produced by the manufacturer Heckler & Koch, uses a proprietary attachment rail on it's lower frame. This frame rail requires that specific weapon lights be produced for the MK23 and it's other family members. ​One such example of these specific weapon lights is the LAM unit that is supplied with the Tokyo Marui model.
The LAM Unit is not always a prefered choice by many of the MK23's users, due to its size and lacking modern features; which usually brings it's users to pursue other weapon light's on the market. This is where the need for a Lower Frame Rail adapter becomes apparent. Luckily for airsoft MK23 users, there are a fair few options on the market to consider without needing to purchase real steel adapters.
Please find below a list of the communities most recommended lower frame rail adapters. Items listed here on this list have been tried and tested in Airsoft skirmishes over periods of many months to years and have proven to be durable and reliable.
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3 BB RATING
| DTD Lower Frame Rail Adapter |
Friction Lock
Limited Rail Space
Differs from Real Steel Version
Widely available
Compatible w/ DTD Holsters
COMMUNITY OPINION
CONS
PROS
WHERE TO BUY?
The DTD Lower Frame Rail is available from the following retailer:
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socomtactical.net
Lower Rail Adapter - Link
Lightweight
Affordable
Accurate Rail Size
Low Profile
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Allows for all standard weaver / picatinny accessories to be mounted, including:
- Bipod
- Foregrip
- Tactical Laser
- Tactical light
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Friction Fit as standard
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Includes an M5 grub screw for secure fitting (specific print versions only)
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Allows for mounting in the DTD Holster range.
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Thematic design
FEATURES:
DTD are a couple of professional engineers based in Hampshire. After discovering Airsoft they realized the potential for creating custom and hard-to-source parts with a 3D printer. They first entered the MK23 community offering adapters for optics and tactical lights, later providing holsters and other accessories.
Whilst one of their original designs, the fit, form and function of the DTD Rail Adapter remains as relevant as it was when initially brought to the market. The DTD Rail Adapter simply slides on over the proprietary MK23 rail and provides the user with the industry standard picatinny / weaver rail that most accessories use.
The adapter provides a firm friction grip on the gun’s lower rail to allow fitting without any fasteners, although some print versions do include a screw hole for additional accessory retention and come in 4 slot and 7 slot versions.
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2 BB RATING
| Foundry Airsoft Lower Frame Rail Adapter |
FEATURES:
Friction Lock
Differs from Real Steel Version
Facebook Order Only
Limited to Facebook purchase
Compatible w/ DTD Holsters
Affordable
COMMUNITY OPINION
CONS
PROS
WHERE TO BUY?
The Foundry Airsoft Lower Frame Rail is available from the following retailer:
Facebook Page
Lower Rail Adapter - Link
Foundry Airsoft first appeared in the MK23 community in 2015 with their early versions of their famous MK23 carbine kit, but have developed 3D printed parts for a variety of weapon platforms since 2014. Their products have a reputation for being innovative, reliable and attractively designed. One of their earliest designs for the MK23 was of course their Low Frame Rail Adapter.
The Foundry Airsoft Rail Adapter simply slides on over the proprietary MK23 rail and provides the user with the industry standard picatinny / weaver rail that most accessories use. It features a basic appearance, with 6 rail slots.
The adapter provides a firm grip on the gun’s lower rail due to it's friction fit design, to allow fitting without any fasteners despite its low profile. Due to direct purchase and forgoing the need of a retail distributor, the price point is especially attractive over competitors.
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Allows for all standard weaver / picatinny accessories to be mounted, including:
- Bipod
- Foregrip
- Tactical Laser
- Tactical light
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Friction Fit as standard
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Allows for mounting in the DTD Holster range.
Lightweight
Affordable
Accurate Rail Size
Low Profile
1 BB RATING
| LayLax / Nineball Lower Frame Rail Adapter |
FEATURES:
Cost
Availability
Differs from real steel
Hard to obtain
Expensive
"Official" choice
COMMUNITY OPINION
CONS
PROS
WHERE TO BUY?
The LayLax Under Mount Base Version 2 is available from the following retailer:
impulse101.jp
Under Mount Base Version 2- Link
Lightweight
CNC construction
Accurate Rail Size
Secure fit
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Allows for all standard weaver / picatinny accessories to be mounted, including:
- Bipod
- Foregrip
- Tactical Laser
- Tactical light
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Supplied with 2 fixing grub screws 1.5mm.
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Minimalist design.
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CNC machined aluminium.
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Allows for mounting in the DTD Holster range.
The LayLax brand focuses on the planning, designing and developing of custom parts of Airsoft Guns (Electric Gun, Gas Gun, Air Cocking Gun), with the aim of bringing enjoyment to all the Airsoft fans worldwide including survival games and shooting matches, from which they as manufacturers were born.
The Laylax Under Mount Base Version 2 easily slides on over the proprietary MK23 rail and provides the user with the industry standard picatinny / weaver rail that most accessories use. It has a slicker and slimmer appearance to other lower rail adapters on the market whilst only having 5 rail slots.
The adapter provides a very secure grip on the gun’s lower rail due the two securing grub screws. The lower rail is CNC constructed aluminum, putting it at the most durable rail adapter on the market, but also one of the more pricier options. Laylax is a very well known and establish brand, making the rail adapter available from many retailers around the world.
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UNRATED
| PART SUBMISSION |
If you know of or have used an aftermarket part that you believe should be listed here, please feel free to submit a recommendation for review.