ar handguard suggestions needed

[sksshooter]

Looking to replace a handguard on an older Bushmaster rifle. Currently has 7" free float quad rail. Looking for something minimum 7" longer is ok but it is a 16" barreled upper. Do not want it to be excessively heavy but do want it to have options for mounting a forward grip or sling stud etc. I'm ok with removable pic rail sections if it gives some flexibility for mounting those items. I also want something that is easy on the hands. and finally i don't want to spend a small fortune to get it... Seems like a fairly tall order so lets hear some suggestions please.

 

[John_]

Primary Arms next door in Houston TX has their own line of AR parts under the brand name of Expo Arms. They have several diff lengths of FF handguards/rails, from pistol to rifle lengths. Solid products at a very fair price, I have built uppers with 2 of their handguards so far. PA is solid too, fast shipping, never had an issue with them in many orders. They also sell many other brand handguards too like Geissele, Aero, or BCM to name a few. Link to products below.

AR 15 Handguards & AR-15 Rails For Sale | Primary Arms

We have the best prices on M-LOK rails, KeyMod rails and Picatinny rails. Get fast shipping on AR15 handguards, AR 15 rails, and forends from top brands.

www.primaryarms.com

To add, the Expo Arms have a full length piccatinny rail up top, and are M lok, so you can attach pretty much anything. M lok is smooth to the hand, not like the older quad piccatinny rails. M lok is the way to go today imo.

 

[Girouard]

Midwest Industries is always a good option

 

[southerncanuck]

Midwest Industries, Cross Machine Tool, BCM

 

[sksshooter]

Primary Arms next door in Houston TX has their own line of AR parts under the brand name of Expo Arms. They have several diff lengths of FF handguards/rails, from pistol to rifle lengths. Solid products at a very fair price, I have built uppers with 2 of their handguards so far. PA is solid too, fast shipping, never had an issue with them in many orders. They also sell many other brand handguards too like Geissele, Aero, or BCM to name a few. Link to products below.

AR 15 Handguards & AR-15 Rails For Sale | Primary Arms

We have the best prices on M-LOK rails, KeyMod rails and Picatinny rails. Get fast shipping on AR15 handguards, AR 15 rails, and forends from top brands.

www.primaryarms.com

To add, the Expo Arms have a full length piccatinny rail up top, and are M lok, so you can attach pretty much anything. M lok is smooth to the hand, not like the older quad piccatinny rails. M lok is the way to go today imo.

John, i think the expo arms suggestion nailed what im looking for. Really not interested in spending $250-300 on a handguard. Appreciate the reccomendation.

 

[John_]

John, i think the expo arms suggestion nailed what im looking for. Really not interested in spending $250-300 on a handguard. Appreciate the reccomendation.

You are welcome. I just got another Expo handguard (9.5") in the mail today. I don't think you will be disappointed. You can spend twice the money but not really much better. I have owned/installed Geissele, Noveske, MI, and a few others over the years. Let us know how it all works out for you in the end.

 

[John_]

I will add MI and Aero Precision offer handguards with a larger ID (like 1.7") if you want a fatter, or fit a silencer partially within the handguard. The Expo units are approx 1.3" ID, common ID to many brands of FF handguards offered today.

 

[sksshooter]

Primary Arms next door in Houston TX has their own line of AR parts under the brand name of Expo Arms. They have several diff lengths of FF handguards/rails, from pistol to rifle lengths. Solid products at a very fair price, I have built uppers with 2 of their handguards so far. PA is solid too, fast shipping, never had an issue with them in many orders. They also sell many other brand handguards too like Geissele, Aero, or BCM to name a few. Link to products below.

AR 15 Handguards & AR-15 Rails For Sale | Primary Arms

We have the best prices on M-LOK rails, KeyMod rails and Picatinny rails. Get fast shipping on AR15 handguards, AR 15 rails, and forends from top brands.

www.primaryarms.com

To add, the Expo Arms have a full length piccatinny rail up top, and are M lok, so you can attach pretty much anything. M lok is smooth to the hand, not like the older quad piccatinny rails. M lok is the way to go today imo.

John, ended up going with the 15" combat rail. Completely changed the look and feel of this rifle.

 

[John_]

John, ended up going with the 15" combat rail. Completely changed the look and feel of this rifle.

Looks great. Quality product at a very fair price.

 

[hkennc]

I didn't know Expo was PAs 'brand'. Good to know.
I used to get the UTG Pro 'Made in America' products. Very secure when mounted and feel great but I've heard some negative things about them as a company. Can't recall what they were, exactly, but was very disappointed.
Regardless, Primary Arms is my favorite online store for almost anything AR related.

 

[KDerekT83]

BcM or Dirty Bird... I installed a Dirty Bird handguard from AR15discounts.com last night on my pistol. Appears to be pretty solid. I think I read something about they are in cahoots with Aero Precision. I have a BCM on my carbine, and love it.

 

[TonyAngel]

I'll second dirty bird from ar15discounts.com. I've used plenty of them. I did just pick up a ballistic advantage logic handguard on sale for just over 100. Very nice and the atlas lockup is solid.

 

[Freek589]

I like aero’s atlas R-one or S-one line. You can go pic rail all the way on top or have a spot for BUI. Most everything mounts with mlok or you can add small sections of pic rails where desired.