Did you know that there are over 393 million guns in America? This equates to roughly 120.5 guns for every 100 people.
You’ve decided you want to buy an AR-15 handguard, but now you need to figure out which handguard is best for you.
There are a lot of different handguards on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Do you want a quad rail? A Keymod rail? What about M-LOK?
But don’t worry. Keep reading because we wrote this guide to help make your decision easier. In it, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each type of handguard, as well as provide some tips on how to choose the right one for you.
What Is an AR-15 Handguard?
The AR-15 handguard is an integral part of the rifle, and it serves several purposes. First, it provides a place for the shooter to grip the front of the gun, which helps to improve accuracy.
Second, it protects the shooter’s hand from getting burned by the hot barrel. And third, it helps to deflect debris and other objects that could damage the barrel.
Handguards come in different lengths, depending on the length of the barrel, and they can be made from different materials, such as aluminum, polymer, or carbon fiber.
The right handguard can help to improve the performance of your AR-15, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs.
Why You Need an AR-15 Handguard
If you’re planning on adding any accessories to your AR-15 rifles, such as a flashlight or a red dot sight, then you’ll need a handguard that has Picatinny rails or M-LOK slots. These provide a mounting platform for these accessories.
Some handguards also come with built-in sights or other features, such as a forward grip.
Things to Consider When Choosing an AR-15 Handguard
When choosing an AR-15 handguard, there are several things you need to take into accounts, such as the length of the handguard, the material it’s made from, and whether or not it has Picatinny rails or M-LOK slots.
Let’s look at this in more detail:
The Length
The length of the handguard is important for several reasons. First, it determines how much of the barrel is covered. If the handguard is too short, it could leave part of the barrel exposed, which could result in burns.
Second, the length of the handguard affects balance. A longer handguard will tend to be more front-heavy, while a shorter handguard will be more rear-heavy. This can affect how the gun feels when you shoot it and how accurate you are.
Finally, the length of the handguard can affect how easy it is to attach other accessories, such as lights or lasers. If you want to add a lot of accessories to your gun, you’ll need a longer handguard so that they can all fit.
The Material
The second thing you need to consider is the material that the handguard is made from. The most common materials are aluminum, polymer, and carbon fiber. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum is lightweight and strong but it can be damaged more easily than other materials. Polymer is lightweight and resistant to damage but it’s not as strong as aluminum.
Carbon fiber is lightweight, strong, and resistant to damage, but it’s also the most expensive option.
Picatinny Rails or M-LOK slots
Accessorizing your AR-15 can be a lot of fun. There are so many different types of accessories available, from flashlights and laser sights to bipods and scopes.
And the best way to mount these accessories is on a handguard with Picatinny rails or M-LOK slots. These provide a stable platform for mounting the accessories, and they’re also easy to install and remove.
So if you’re planning on adding any accessories to your AR-15, make sure you choose a handguard with Picatinny rails or M-LOK slots.
Other Features
Some handguards also come with built-in sights or other features, such as a forward grip. These are all things that you need to take into account when choosing an AR-15 handguard.
Free Float Or Drop-In?
You need to consider whether you want a free-float handguard or a drop-in handguard. Free float handguards are more accurate but they’re also more expensive. Drop-in handguards are less accurate but they’re easier to install.
AR-15 Free Floating Handguard Advantages:
There are many advantages to free float handguards. These advantages include:
- Increased accuracy
- Reduced weight
- Enhanced cooling
- Better airflow
- Easier to clean
Drop-In Advantages:
There are also many advantages to dropping in handguards. These advantages include:
- Easy to install
- More affordable
- Some models come with Picatinny rails or M-LOK slots
A free float suppressor compatible handguard is the way to go if you’re looking for the best performance. But, if you’re on a budget or you’re not concerned with absolute accuracy, then a drop-in handguard will do just fine.
How to Choose Free Float Rail?
With such a big market, it’s easy to get lost trying to choose a floating rail. Check out these five factors you need to consider.
Ease of Installation
You don’t want to choose a rail that will be a pain to install. Some rails come with everything you need for installation, while others require you to purchase additional parts.
Weight
The weight of the rail is an important factor to consider for several reasons. First, a heavier rail will be more difficult to install. Second, a heavier rail may require extra support to keep it from sagging or drooping over time.
Third, a heavier rail will be more expensive than a lighter rail. fourth, a heavier rail may be more difficult to remove if you ever need to replace it. fifth, a heavier rail may rust more easily than a lighter rail.
Sixth, a heavier rail may be more likely to damage the decking material beneath it. For these reasons, it’s important to think carefully about the weight of the rail before making a final decision.
Length
The length of the rail is also an important factor to consider. Some rails are very short, while others are quite long. You need to make sure that the rail you choose is long enough to cover the entire length of the barrel.
The reason for this is that if the rail is too short, the will not be able to properly attach to the gun and may come loose during firing.
On the other hand, if the rail is too long, it will protrude from the end of the barrel and can potentially snag on clothing or equipment. Therefore, it is important to select a rail that is the appropriate length for your needs.
Material
The material that the rail is made from is also an important factor to consider. The most common materials are aluminum, polymer, and carbon fiber. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum is lightweight and strong but it can be damaged more easily than other materials. Polymer is lightweight and resistant to damage but it’s not as strong as aluminum.
Carbon fiber is lightweight, strong, and resistant to damage, but it’s also the most expensive option.
Price
When choosing a stair rail, one of the most important factors to consider is price. Rails can range widely in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You will want to choose a rail that is within your budget.
However, it is also important to remember that the price is not always an indicator of quality. Some expensive rails are no more durable or well-made than their less expensive counterparts.
Likewise, some cheap rails are quite flimsy and poorly made. Therefore, it is important to do your research before making a purchase. With a little effort, you should be able to find a stair rail that is both affordable and high-quality.
Where to Buy an AR-15 Handguard?
When it comes to buying an AR-15 handguard, the best place to buy one is from a reputable online retailer. There are many benefits to purchasing from an online retailer. First, you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.
Second, the retailer should offer a money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the handguard. Third, the online retailer will likely have a wider selection of handguards to choose from than a brick-and-mortar store.
Fourth, you’ll save time and money by shopping online. fifth, you can often find coupon codes or other discounts that can save you even more money.
If you’re looking for the best place to buy the best handguard, make sure to check out a reputable online retailer.
Ready to Get an AR-15 Handguard?
Handguards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with many different features. It can be difficult to know which gun handguard is right for you, but we’ve created this guide to help make the process a little easier. We hope you found it helpful!
If you want more information on an AR-15 handguard or any other firearms-related topic, check out our blog. We have tons of articles just like this one that will help equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the perfect firearm and firearm safety.
Thanks for reading!