AR Handguard Suggestions

[DapperDan]

I'm sure this has been covered before, I did a search and didn't really come up with what I'm looking for. I'm wanting to upgrade my 7.62x39 ar with a new Handguard and optic. I have the basic plastic one now and would like to get a free float system. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot but $150 or so would be ideal. What do you guys recommend? Also any brands to stay away from? I've been looking at the diamondhead vrs series and also the ones Anderson manufacturing makes, which are all currently out of stock. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[seedubs1]

SMOS. They make a 13.75" rail. They either still do or used to manufacture for Noveske. It's basically a Noveske NSR for $157 shipped. Best out there, IMHO, in the $150 range if you like M-Lok.

 

[THE BIG SITT]

Length? Keymod/M-Lok/Quad Rail/Tube? I have used two of the UTG Pro Keymod rails on different builds. UTG gets a bad rep for their crappy optics, but these rails are quite nice. Lightweight, slim, and they have 7 rows of keymod slots as opposed to just 3. $144 for the 15".

UTG PRO AR15 15" Super Slim Free Float Keymod Compatible Rail- MTU019SSK

 

[M67]

ALG defense, Aero Precision, the SMOS stuff has interested me as of late too, at least the receivers have

 

[THE BIG SITT]

For something super budget friendly you could check out the Rousch Sports rail. I've never used one, but they seem to get good reviews.

https://rouschsports.com/shop/ar15-...ree-float-handguard-forend-7-9-10-12-15-inch/

 

[Bfish]

Length? Keymod/M-Lok/Quad Rail/Tube? I have used two of the UTG Pro Keymod rails on different builds. UTG gets a bad rep for their crappy optics, but these rails are quite nice. Lightweight, slim, and they have 7 rows of keymod slots as opposed to just 3. $144 for the 15".

UTG PRO AR15 15" Super Slim Free Float Keymod Compatible Rail- MTU019SSK

I second this, I found mine a bit cheaper somewhere, but they are shockingly nice! Great for a budget too!

 

[DapperDan]

I'm definitely wanting a rail at the 12 o'clock position, and the ability to add one at 6 o'clock for a vertical grip. I have a picatany rail gas block right now, I'm wanting to replace it with a low profile one and just use the rail on the new Handguard.

 

[romad7]

I really like ALG also. Only reason it's not on all my ARs is it's too slim to get a suppressor under it.

 

[SnoopLoggyDog]

I like the ones from UTG Pro and MAS Defense.

HANDGUARDS AND ACCESSORIES

BA GEN2 12.5" FREE FLOAT SLIM HAND GUARD (RIFLE) | MAS Defense

GTLKM 12" KEYMOD FREE FLOAT RAIL (RIFLE) | MAS Defense

 

[DapperDan]

Thanks for all the replies, I went with the smos rail. Looks like great quality and has the features I was wanting. Placed my order earlier this afternoon

 

[seedubs1]

Smart man. Best forearm listed in this thread. Basically a Noveske NSR for $157.

Thanks for all the replies, I went with the smos rail. Looks like great quality and has the features I was wanting. Placed my order earlier this afternoon

 

[Jerryboy]

I would just go national match ff tube. All those rails and slots look cool but only serve to distract. You will end up spending a ton of money thats not going to do you a bit of good. There's a lot of unmentioned negatives to rails. Front heavy is one.Cumbersome and what ever you put on the rail will snag every twig in the woods. Forget sliding it in and out of a gun case (even hard cases). The best I have used in 29 yes of ar15s is the old yhm and the yhm diamond series. I use nm tubes because they are light weight and ff the bbl.

 

[Spyco]

The Troy Alpha rails are pretty good too. Some can be had at $150 or less. It comes with short sections of rail that you can place where ever you want.

 

[DapperDan]

Hand guard arrived today, plan on installing it tomorrow after work. I think the stainless barrel will look good underneath it

 

[seedubs1]

Nice. I'm ordering a second one soon. Love the one I have.