Makasi Mk15 questions

[u/cdn_sentry117]

I've seen lots of posts from the NS booth at TACCOM with the the special order FDE Makasi and the regular black one. I heard the FDE one was coming with an exclusive 15 inch handguard, but clearly the black one on display has that too. Did anyone have the opportunity to view or ask any questions regarding it?

I'm wondering if with all the reported QC issues, are the handguards being swapped out with ones that don't have the issues and that's the delay to them hitting retailers?

Any insight would be appreciated.

[u/VMC-Eh]

I spoke with the guy at NS at taccom overseeing the distribution. He said 2-3 weeks for first batch to be distributed to retailers, but would be 500 ish each, ie spread around. Something like 3-4k pre ordered. I asked about someone who did not have a pre-order, what kind of timeline they were looking at - he said best estimate to see on a retail shelf for sale: January.   Also longer handguards look much better in person.  FDE looks really good in person. Unfortunately both hand guards have pic rail not flush with upper with display models: still the gap/mis alignment seen earlier.