AR Handguard

[Truitt45]

Trying to decide what to get. What do you have and why did you choose it?? What do you hate? What do you love?

 

[Captain_Morgan]

I have a rifle length MOE on mine. I'd say that cost drove that decision the most, but it fits my hands well, is pretty light, and I like it.

Pic for reference. One of these days, I'll take better pics with my wife's DSLR.

 

[Ben Segrest]

I use the MI SS freefloat tube, rifle length over low profile gas blocks. I shoot with the "gamer grip", so the rifle length tube lets me get my hand out there a good ways. There is no unnecessary rail taking up space and weight (or hurting my girly hands). They're also fairly cheap. I'd say you can't go wrong with any of the modular rails on the market.

 

[Bearco]

Weight matters; I would not get a quad rail unless you have a need to attach something at every inch on the rail. You can add a small rail to most aftermarket hand-guards wherever you need to attach something. I have a Troy extreme (round on three sides with rail on top) on one of mine that I really like; it is light and easy on the hands.

 

[Truitt45]

Alright. Good deal. I really would rather stay away from quad rails. I really do not want a lot of wasted space. What is the grouping difference on a free-float to a regular handguard?

 

[Sin-ster]

If I had it to do all over again, I'd have this-- or something like it from a reputable manufacturer.

http://www.vikingtactics.com/rifleacc_jphandguard.html

Minimalist approach, extends the flat top, slim and light, mounting options galore-- with no rail space that you don't need.

 

[Tulse Luper]

The lightest tube you can find that fits your full reach.

 

[SGT_Kramer]

I like rifle length. Friends say my rifle is heavy but it seems pretty light to me. I like to be able to stretch down the gun. in fact toss a AFG on gun above and would do me just fine.

 

[Truitt45]

I do like that Viking rail. I really didn't want to go down the path of a flip-up front BUIS but I guess it's gotta be done.

 

[Sin-ster]

Some of those rails are short enough to allow you to keep the front post, IIRC.

I know Troy makes similar versions, and I'm sure other companies do as well. Look around and see what you can find-- shop weights, diameters, lengths... even colors, if it suits you! There's so many options in the AR world (including this style of handguard), you do yourself a disservice by not exhausting all of the options.

 

[Truitt45]

Some of those rails are short enough to allow you to keep the front post, IIRC.

I know Troy makes similar versions, and I'm sure other companies do as well. Look around and see what you can find-- shop weights, diameters, lengths... even colors, if it suits you! There's so many options in the AR world (including this style of handguard), you do yourself a disservice by not exhausting all of the options.

Thanks for that. I see what you mean.

 

[SpeedRacer]

Quad rails are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Forends like the Troy Alpha, Daniel Defense MFR, or Samson Evolution are the way to go. You can buy a tube that retains the FSB, or shave it and run the tube over it. If you go that route you don't have to use a folding front sight, several companies make rail-mounted fixed front sights. Daniel
Defense tends to be the favorite.

Example (random internet pic not mine)

 

[NOLASHOOTER]

I have a Magpul MOE on mine. Take it from me, I became obsessed with the "look" of the quadrail but the reality of it disappointed me. If I had the money I would definitely go with one of those above but price drove me to the Magpul. Now, if you do plan on adding 20 pounds of accessories then you have no choice but to go with a quadrail. I just keep going back to wanting a lighter setup so I had a Magpul, sold to buy a quad, then went back to a Magpul.

 

[SGT_Kramer]

I also run a 20 inch barrel Gov Prof with A5 buffer because I like it.. I know I know a goose gun but it's what I like and yes it does shoot different. Feels silky smooth . What I'm getting at is try to get somewhere that you can feel up some different ones first before you part with money.

 

[Truitt45]

I really like that set-up that speed found. I really do like the Troy alpha rail. Now I'm wondering what to do about BUIS. Because I like the fixed front with flip-up rear.

 

[Captain_Morgan]

I have a Troy BUIS on mine, and I really like it.

 

[Truitt45]

I have a Troy BUIS on mine, and I really like it.

What kind is it? Any special model?

 

[SpeedRacer]

I have the Troy rear flipup (called the BattleSight) as well, they are very well made. I had a YHM rear on a previos rifle and was not impressed at all. I've also played around with the Magpul poly rear, and considering the cost and weight it will get the job done. If you buy a quality optic, the back up irons, and which you decide on become much less important IMO. Other than zeroing I don't think I have ever, or will ever flip up the rear sight.

 

[Captain_Morgan]

What Speed said. It's the Troy Battle sight. I don't have an optic at the moment, so I tell myself I'm just getting proficient with irons, lol.

 

[Truitt45]

What Speed said. It's the Troy Battle sight. I don't have an optic at the moment, so I tell myself I'm just getting proficient with irons, lol.

That's what I plan on doing.