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Best AR-15 Handguards [Hands-On]: Free-Float & Drop-In

Best AR-15 Handguards
Looking for the best AR-15 handguard for your purpose and budget? We cover free-floating and drop-in versions...and even some cutting-edge carbon fiber variants.
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    Ready to upgrade your AR-15 with a new handguard? Or maybe you are looking for the perfect hanguard for a fresh build.

    But with so many different types of handguards from so many manufacturers, it can be tough to pick the right one.

    Lots of AR-15 Uppers
    Lots of AR-15 Uppers and Handguards

    Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We will go over the difference between M-LOK, KeyMod, and quad rails.

    We will also lay out some of our favorite picks to help you find the right handguard, whether it’s for a first build, a purpose-built lightweight run-and-gun, or mounting IR laser devices.

    THE QUICK LIST

    1. Most Affordable Drop-In Handguard

      Magpul MOE Handguards

    Table of Contents

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    Best AR-15 Handguard Comparison Chart

    PriceRail TypeFree FloatAvailable LengthsHandguard WeightBarrel Nut Weight
    Geissele
    MK16 Super
    Modular Rail
    $279M-LOKYes9.3″, 10.5″,
    13.5″, 15″
    10.1 oz. –
    15.6 oz.
    1.5 oz.
    STNGR
    VYPR
    $108M-LOKYes7″, 10″,
    13.5″, 15″
    5.6 oz. –
    10.15 oz.
    3.49 oz.
    Aero
    Precision
    ATLAS
    S-ONE
    $164M-LOKYes7.3″, 9.3″,
    10.3″, 12″,
    15″
    4.86 oz. –
    7.95 oz.
    4.72 oz.
    Midwest
    Industries
    Combat
    Handguard
    $146M-LOKYes4.5″, 6″,
    7″, 8″,
    9.25″, 9.5″,
    10.5″, 11.5″,
    12.625″,
    13.375″, 14″,
    15″, 17″
    5.3 oz. –
    18 oz.
    1.7 oz.
    AT3
    Tactical
    Quad Rail
    $92Quad RailYes7″, 9″, 12.5″,
    15″
    9 oz. –
    18 oz.
    Not Listed
    Brigand
    Arms Edge
    $235Carbon
    Fiber Mesh
    Yes7″, 9″, 12″,
    15″
    2.3 oz. –
    3.7 oz.
    1.4 oz.
    Midwest
    Industries
    Night
    Fighter
    $219M-LOKYes9.25″, 10.5″,
    13.5″
    11.4 oz. –
    14.1 oz.
    Not Listed
    Magpul
    MOE
    $27Drop-In,
    M-LOK
    No7.1″, 9.2″,
    12.6″
    6.8 oz. –
    12.1 oz.
    N/A
    (Uses Existing
    Delta Ring)
    Midwest
    Industries
    Gen2
    Drop-In

    Picatinny
    Handguard
    $144Drop-In,
    Quad Rail
    No7″, 8.5″,
    12.5″
    7.5 oz. –
    12.9 oz.
    N/A
    (Uses Existing
    Delta Ring)

    How We Tested the Best AR-15 Handguards

    For this article, we gathered a bunch of AR-15 handguards we’ve personally installed on rifles and used at Pew Pew Tactical. We tested each hanguard on the list using the criteria below.

    Testing Protocol

    • Must stay secure and straight once installed
    • Accessories must stay attached with no play
    • Ergonomics must work for most shooters
    • Must have reasonable heat dissipation
    • Tested each handguard for weight distribution and mounting real estate

    Meet the Experts

    Eric, Wolverine 5K
    Pew Pew Tactical Founder Eric Hung at the Wolverine 5K

    The lead writer for this article is Pew Pew Tactical CEO and Founder Eric Hung. As founder of PPT, he has researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear and fired tens of thousands of rounds through a variety of AR-15s (including a bunch from his personal collection). Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor and uses his knowledge of the AR platform in competition.

    M-LOK vs KeyMod vs Quad Rail

    One of the first decisions you need to make when selecting a handguard is deciding which accessory attachment system to go with.

    The three main attachment systems are Picatinny (commonly referred to as quad rails), M-LOK, and KeyMod.

    Picatinny MLOK KeyMod
    (Source: AT3 Tactical)

    By far and away the most popular choice is M-LOK due to how lightweight and slim they are, as well as how secure accessories are when mounted.

    KeyMod has seen a drastic decline due to the popularity of M-LOK. It is an effective mounting system that is easier to mount accessories on than M-LOK, but it is weaker than M-LOK when it comes to impact testing.

    Quad rails feature integrated Picatinny rails on all four sides of the handguard. Picatinny offers the most secure and easy mounting solutions, but the downside is that they are notably heavier and less comfortable in the hand.

    Daniel Defense MK18
    Daniel Defense MK18 with a quad rail.

    USSOCOM (US Special Operations Command) released the results of their testing a few years back. M-LOK was the clear winner due to much better impact test results. However, the military has since reverted to quad rails on some guns for even greater impact resistance.

    Best Free-Float Handguards

    Free-floating handguards are your best bet if you are building your own AR-15 upper.

    The big advantage of free-float handguards is that they don’t contact the barrel at all. This means that any pressure on the handguard, whether from your grip, a rifle rest, or extra gadgets like bipods, won’t affect accuracy because nothing is touching the barrel.

    BCM-15-MLOK-Rail
    BCM Free-Float MLOK Rail

    Plus, if you have the right low-profile gas block, most free-float handguards can fit over them, allowing you to choose any handguard length you want.

    1. Geissele MK16 Super Modular Rail – Editor’s Pick

    $279
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: M-LOK
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 9.3″, 10.5″, 13.5″, 15″
    • Handguard Weight: 10.1 oz. – 15.6 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: 1.5 oz.

    If you want one of the best M-LOK handguards on the market, look no further than the Geissele MK16 Super Modular rail.

    Geissele opted for 7000-series aluminum over the more commonly seen 6000-series, as well as Type-3 Hardcoat anodizing. This gives these rails considerable strength and rigidity.

    Geissele Super Duty rail
    Geissele MK16 Rail

    Each rail has anti-rotation tabs equipped with set-screws for extra security — this rail will absolutely not rotate under any realistic conditions.

    One of the best things about this handguard is that it not only has a full Picatinny rail on top but also M-LOK on both the cardinal and diagonal sides. This allows for maximum customization for accessory mounting.

    Geissele Super Duty dial

    There are raised QD sling sockets at the rear of the rail on each side, and the rail itself is attached using Geissele’s excellent, but proprietary, barrel nut.

    These rails are rock-solid, as evidenced by the fact that the US Military (USASOC) selected the MK16 rails for their URG-I rifles.

    2. STNGR VYPR – Best Bang-For-The-Buck

    Best Bang-For-The-Buck
    $108
    at STNGR

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: M-LOK
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 7″, 10″, 13.5″, 15″
    • Handguard Weight: 5.6 oz. – 10.15 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: 3.49 oz.

    The STNGR VYPR is the handguard that recently bumped Aero out of the top spot as the Best Bang-for-the-Buck handguard for me.

    I opted for the 13.5-inch M-LOK variant. Installation was pretty standard, and there are some strong-feeling anti-rotation tabs built into the handguard.

    STNGR VYPR and HWK
    13.5″ STNGR VYPR (bottom) and the STNGR HWK (top)

    The Fit, finish, and color were top-notch. It also features integrated QD sling attachment points at the front and rear of the rail, with the rear attachment being raised for extra barrel nut clearance.

    My only initial worry was that the top cuts might be large enough that a finger could slip through. However, after a bunch of mags, I found that it was fine using a standard grip (unless you have really thin fingers).

    Check out the video:

    The logo at the rear isn’t too pronounced either, which I like. Plus, there are sometimes some blemished versions, so you can save even more if you don’t care about having a “perfect” rail.

    Overall, this rail feels great and is reasonably priced.

    3. Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE – Runner-Up Value Pick

    Runner-Up Value Pick
    $164
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: M-LOK
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 7.3″, 9.3″, 10.3″, 12″, 15″
    • Handguard Weight: 4.86 oz. – 7.95 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: 4.72 oz.

    As I mentioned above, Aero Precision was previously my top pick for best bang-for-the-buck free-float handguards. Although they have moved into second place, they still have some great rails.

    My favorite they make is the ATLAS S-ONE series.

    Aero Precision M4E1 with ATLAS Handguards
    Aero Precision M4E1 with ATLAS Handguards, 12″ Handguard on 16″ Barrel

    I love the S-ONE because it saves weight by not having a full Picatinny rail on top. Plus, the taper at the front fits my thumbs perfectly. The S-ONE also comes with an integrated QD sling mount at the rear and anti-rotation tabs.

    It is worth noting that the top where the rail would have been is rounded, so if you’re thinking of mounting a pressure pad for a weapon light on the top of the rail, you’re out of luck.

    But if you aren’t planning on tossing any accessories on top, then the fitment is great, the feel is perfect (for me), and the price is good.

    Aero ATLAS R-One vs S-One
    Aero ATLAS S-ONE (Top) vs ATLAS R-ONE (Bottom)

    However, if you want the option for top-mounted accessories, Aero offers the R-ONE, which features a full Picatinny rail on top.

    Best AR-15 Handguard
    $159
    at AT3 Tactical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    The only negative about the Aero handguards is that they are frequently out of stock, and it can take a while before they are available again.

    What’s your take on the Aero Precision ATLAS Handguard? Rate it below.

    Readers’ Ratings

    4.99/5 (2284)

    Your Rating?

    4. Midwest Industries Combat Handguards

    Best Full Pic Rail
    $146
    at MidwayUSA

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: M-LOK
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 4.5″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 9.25″, 9.5″, 10.5″, 11.5″, 12.625″, 13.375″, 14″, 15″, 17″
    • Handguard Weight: 5.3 oz. – 18 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: 1.7 oz.

    Midwest Industries is primarily known for their high-quality, durable rails. It is hard to go wrong here. I’ve been using the Midwest Industries Combat Hanguard for years on my primary competition rifle. 

    In addition to the full Picatinny rail on top, it also has M-LOK on all quadrants of the handguard for maximum accessorization space.

    Best AR-15 Handguards
    The left two uppers both have older MWI Combat Handguards.

    This gives you seven sides of M-LOK attachment capability, which is great for people who want to mount pressure pads or lights in those in-between spots.

    You also get a QD sling mount at the rear as well as anti-rotation tabs.

    They offer the Combat Handguard in a metric ton of different lengths. You are almost assuredly going to find the exact length you want.

    5. AT3 Tactical Quad Rail – Best Quad Rail

    Best Quad Rail
    $92
    at AT3 Tactical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: Quad Rail
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 7″, 9″, 12.5″, 15″
    • Handguard Weight: 9 oz. – 18 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: Not Listed

    If you want lots of Picatinny real estate or want a quad rail with a little bit of modern flair, check out AT3 Tactical’s Pro Quad Rail.

    AT3 Tactical Pro Quad-Rail
    AT3 Tactical Pro Quad Rail

    This rail uses lightening cuts to reduce weight compared to a standard quad rail while also giving it a faux-M-LOK look.

    You get QD sling attachments at the front and rear of the rail on both sides, and anti-rotation tabs come standard.

    AT3 Quad-Rail Anti-Rotation
    AT3 Quad-Rail Anti-Rotation

    6. Brigand Arms Edge – Lightest Handguard

    Lightest Handguard
    $235
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: Carbon Fiber
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 7″, 9″, 12″, 15″
    • Handguard Weight: 2.3 oz. – 3.7 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: 1.4 oz.

    If you absolutely positively have got to have the lightest handguard, I recommend the Brigand Arms Edge. 

    It was the best performing by far in our Lightest Handguard roundup.

    Lightweight Build Brigand Arms and Faxon Pencil 14.5 Pinned
    Lightweight build with a Brigand Arms Edge and Faxon 14.5″ pencil barrel. This AR was nearing the 5 lb territory.

    Even with the barrel nut, the total weight of the longest handguard they offer is still just over 5 ounces. Talk about crazy light!

    But keep in mind that with no attachment system, you won’t be able to mount anything to it. And since it is completely cylindrical, you’re going to have a harder time bracing against barriers.

    7. Midwest Industries Night Fighter – Best for IR Lasers

    Best for IR Lasers
    $219
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: M-LOK
    • Free Float: Yes
    • Length: 9.25″, 10.5″, 13.5″
    • Handguard Weight: 11.4 oz. – 14.1 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: Not Listed

    The Night Figher from Midwest Industries is great for those who want to mount an IR laser or aiming device on their handguard.

    11.5 Rosco, Midwest Night Fighter, EOTech
    My Steiner DBAL-A3 mounted on a Midwest Industries Night Fighter Handguard.

    This handguard was designed from the ground up to be ultra-rigid, minimizing impact shift and deviation when used with some of the most popular IR lasers on the market.

    I’ve been running this rail on my primary night vision rig for a few years, through courses and many night shoots.

    Eric Night Vision Shooting
    Hanging out at a night vision shoot with my Night Fighter and DBAL combo.

    I’ve had multiple drops and countless dings, and my DBAL-A3 is still zeroed to the same exact spot as it was when I first set it up.

    Like the MWI Combat Handguard, the Night Fighter has M-LOK slots on 7 sides with a full Picatinny rail up top. Anti-rotation tabs are standard, and each handguard has QD sling slots at the rear.

    Best Drop-In Handguards

    If your AR-15 has a front sight base (FSB), this can seriously limit your handguard options. FSBs are too tall for a handguard to slip over, so unless you want to remove the front sight and replace it with a different gas block, you only have one real option for upgrading — drop-in handguards.

    M16A4 FSB
    M16A4 FSB

    Most drop-in handguards come in two pieces that are installed on the gun and screwed together. This can be done without removing the FSB or barrel.

    The biggest advantage of drop-in handguards is their simplicity and ease of installation.

    8. Magpul MOE – Most Affordable Drop-In Handguard

    Most Affordable Drop-In Handguard
    $27
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: Drop-In, M-LOK
    • Free Float: No
    • Length: 7.1″, 9.2″, 12.6″
    • Handguard Weight: 6.8 oz. – 12.1 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: N/A (Uses Existing Delta Ring)

    If you want to upgrade from the standard M4 handguard, but aren’t looking for a fancy handguard with extra frills, the Magpul MOE M-LOK  might be for you.

    This handguard is pretty simplistic, and the affordable price tag reflects that.

    MOE M-LOK
    Magpul MOE M-LOK with a Magpul angled grip.

    What you get with the MOE is a heat-resistant polymer handguard that’s sturdy enough to handle all the clanging and banging while still providing a comfortable area to grip.

    Despite its basic design, it has M-LOK slots at the 2, 6, and 10 o’clock positions for mounting optional Picatinny rail sections.

    They are available in standard carbine, mid-length, and rifle-length sizes. At around $30 to $40, these are tough to beat for a quick upgrade.

    9. Midwest Industries Gen2 Drop-In Picatinny Handguard – Best Overall Drop-In

    Best Overall Drop-In
    $141
    at Midway USA

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Specs

    • Rail Type: Drop-In, Quad Rail
    • Free Float: No
    • Length: 7″, 8.5″, 12.5″
    • Handguard Weight: 7.5 oz. – 12.9 oz.
    • Barrel Nut Weight: N/A (Uses Existing Delta Ring)

    If you want to upgrade your FSB AR-15 with a more modern handguard, Midwest Industries has another winner with their Gen2 drop-in Picatinny handguard.

    These two-piece handguards have a solid feel and offer all the benefits of a standard quad rail. Each rail has four anti-rotation QD sling sockets and a continuous-type top rail.

    MWI Gen2 Drop-In Picatinny Handguard
    Midwest Industries carbine-length Gen2 drop-in quad rail. (Photo: TFBTV)

    You can install these in just a few minutes with only basic tools, and they are reasonably priced.

    Final Thoughts

    There you have it. That’s my list of the best AR-15 handguards for your AR-15.

    Aero AR-15 10.5" Pistol
    Aero AR-15 10.5″ Pistol

    Do you have any experience with the ones we listed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re in the beginning stages of learning about the AR-15, be sure to check out our Comprehensive AR-15 guide!

    Latest Updates

    March 2025: Removed Tyrant CNC NexGen, Troy Industries Drop-In Quad Rail, and UTG PRO Super Slim M-LOK handguards. Added Geissele MK16 Super Modular Rail. Replaced MWI Drop-In M-LOK rail with the Quad Rail version. Added comparison chart and additional specs for each model.

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    64 Leave a Reply

    • Brother Grimm

      Lot's of Copyists...no Originals which are TROY Industries rails. First slimline, first integral front sight, first at everything...then copied by virtually everyone on your list.

      March 31, 2026 10:07 am
    • Matt

      Daniel Defense Omega and Ris Rails, BCM quad and MCMR rails. Atlas R One I agree is a good one.

      March 27, 2026 4:00 am
    • Bee

      Just buy a shorter barrel. Easy change out!

      March 27, 2026 12:24 am
    • Mitchell W Baldwin

      I have an issue that hopefully you or someone else here might be able to help. I’m in a bind and I need to fix it. I have an AR-15 with a 15” COMBAT RAIL ONE PIECE FREE FLOAT HANDGUARD, FDE M-LOK, on my rifle at the moment. I’m getting ready to suppress it, and I’ve honestly just noticed that I was told the barrel was one length….and it’s actually longer; lmfao…first build from years ago and never measured but I’m making it my SHTF gun now. So, I plan on adding a suppressor, but I don’t want it to look like a lollipop once I get it on there. I can’t seem to find any decent 17” handguards in FDE that are somewhat similar in design; as I already have several accessories to be mounted via MLOK on the sides as well as some to be mounted on the Picatinny up top.
      Do you have any ideas of where I can get started to find one for me to get and replace my 15” one?

      Thanks so much

      February 21, 2026 12:20 am
    • tirod3

      Handguards have been a focus on AR's since the first issued quad rail on an M4, and it's purpose was to mount dozens of optional sights, lights, and grips the DOD was authorizing for a wide variety of MOS's. Point being, on a 14.5" barrel, long distance accuracy from a short range combat weapon was way down the list of improvements. Being a universal mount was the first intent.

      We don't use them for that anymore, civilian weapons are comparatively stripped down. Maybe a grip, sling attachment point, or a light, done. Maxed out combat internet rifles have come and gone, all the gear is heavy and most of it relatively uneeded for defense. Hunting, a light/laser can be illegal - I don't keep my pic rail for a light mounted on any hunting rifle, it's on the home defense AR pistol, where it can be used.

      Things have changed over the last 15 years and the Apex I mounted on the 6.8 has resulted in discovering some issues. In fall/early winter, an aluminum handguard requires a glove on the off hand - it can soak up heat quickly, even turn frosty out of the vehicle while acclimatizing to 20F temps. They also ring like a bear bell in brush. My next deer rifle build, Im moving back to GI clip in polymer guards to cut down noise and make them comfortable to handle. As for accuracy, shooting within 250m, and largely under 125, with NO SLING an AR will be effective. Scope/red dot is the better improver than a $125 accessory mount, and that kind of money can and will buy an LPVO now. When you have to prioritize your expenses, compare which delivers more bang for the buck. Fancy handguards aren't all that - they are more a snapshot of the current merchandising of accessories than a guarantee of hitting the target. Some skill is required . . .

      August 6, 2024 7:46 am
    • James Padilla

      I don’t understand why so many people report that the Troy hand guard doesn’t line up properly with the upper receiver. I’ve had the Troy Enhanced Battle Rail for probably 13 years and it not only locks up as solid as you could imagine but it lines up perfectly with zero issues.

      September 9, 2023 10:13 pm
    • Eric S.

      Hey Eric, Great review as always. If I could throw another one, it would be the Odin Works R2 or their standard forend. Cheers

      May 3, 2023 5:53 am
    • John

      FYI Brownells' website lists a 2.5" section of Picatinny rail and mounting hardware available from the manufacturer which is available for mounting things to this hand guard.

      May 2, 2023 10:12 pm
    • Stephen

      Good reviews! I have more than a few brands from BCM, SLR, Daniel Defense, Midwest, and STNGR. The STNGR VLCN is very nice. Parallax Tactical has a good rail with rails on all sides (5 slots) at the front for lights, bipods etc. Each brand serves it's purpose well with no complaints.

      May 2, 2023 6:03 pm
    • John

      I been using the Midwest Industries G4 m-lok on my builds lately.

      May 2, 2023 5:53 pm
      • Stephen

        I have a 12.5" on a patrol and like the weight and added QDs at the front. nice and light for the length and Mloks all around d minus 12oclock.

        May 2, 2023 6:19 pm
    • Qwik

      Drop in- B5 lightest cheapest needs some attention cleaning up edges and such but it literally weighs near nothing. And on a sub 5 pound build it's the only value way to do it.

      February 19, 2022 5:37 pm
    • Oliver Wolff

      I like the Aero rails too, but the inside diameter only allows for using the Aero gas block

      February 17, 2022 7:44 am
      • Matthew L

        That's not accurate. I built a 6.5 grendel using an Atlas handguard and SA adjustable gas block.

        February 11, 2023 8:56 am
    • William

      yikes. If JuStAsGuD could write an article, it would be this one.

      May 16, 2021 11:13 am
    • Clark

      Please add Knights Armament RAS to the drop in section.

      March 30, 2021 2:09 pm
    • Jack Smith

      I have the UTG Pro "13" free float on a custom build with Vltor upper and Daniel Defense pencil barrel with Vltor low profile gas block. I can vouch for the quality it's solid and never given me a problem. I like good stuff but I can't pay hundreds of dollars for a damn hand guard. I just found out that they now sell a titanium barrel nut and hardware for mounting it which I think I may get. It's about $60.

      February 13, 2021 10:39 am
    • Keb

      I'm not sure the weights on the STNGR handguards are accurate. I got excited because this review lists the weight of the STNGR VYPR 15" at 11.5oz. That beats the Atlas S-One 15" by about 1oz, at about $20 less. Except, something doesn't add up.
      STNGR lists the weight as 10.15ounces + 3.49ounces nut, for 13.64 ounces total https://www.stngrusa.com/vypr-m-lok-free-float-handguard-15-ar15-m4/
      That matches the weight shown here without nut as 10.15 ounces.
      https://stngr.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019834573-Precise-Handguard-Lengths-and-Weights-
      That would make it 1 ounce more than the Atlas S-One 15" at 12.67ounces. In this range of handguards, I think I'd still pay more for the lighter, more proven Atlas. Even more so if you can manage to find a blem.

      February 9, 2021 1:52 pm
    • zakk

      to hell with Troy Industries, they hired that Ruby Ridge sniper, the son of a

      November 18, 2020 8:23 am
    • Thomas A Hudson

      What about the Odin rune or O2
      Or the Noveske AR-15 N4 NSR-SD KeyMod Handguard - 15" - Black - Chainsaw
      I'm building a Adams P1

      July 23, 2020 12:00 am
    • Victor

      Have you ever tested the VISM M LOK drop in handguard? Looks like a nice option at around 65 Bucks. I'm looking for a inexpensive drop in mlok handguard and it would be nice to hear your opinion about it, if you have any.

      May 19, 2020 6:05 pm
    • Iggy

      Can I install Magpul MBUS flip up front sight on Atlas S-on MLOK Handguard

      May 7, 2020 11:26 am
      • Eric

        Yes, I have a magpul MBUS on an Atlas S-One rail

        January 30, 2021 8:44 pm
    • Phil

      I’ve been running UTG Super Slim free float for about 3 years, reasonably priced and solid.

      February 16, 2020 7:00 pm
    • Tom Smith

      Glad to STNGR in the running and winning BEST BANG for the BUCK!! BUT..... How you can you NOT mention the RPTR???? HOLY SH*T BATMAN!!!.. Between the RPTR and the HWK, I'm not sure which I like better!! I too put the 15" HWK over a 14.5" barrel....so...sweet... Got the 8.25" RPTR on a 7.5" 9mm.. muzzle device just peaks out past the RPTR.. They are my favorite hands down...

      February 9, 2020 8:16 pm
    • Ted

      Great site brother. Excellent resource.

      January 11, 2020 7:59 pm
      • David, PPT Editor

        Thanks! Glad we can help!

        January 11, 2020 8:11 pm
    • Nathan Lang

      I was considering a BCM Upper, interested to know your reasoning for excluding their MLock rail? I have not had time to touch one yet and would be interested in some feedback to keep in mind when I start touching them.

      August 5, 2019 1:06 am
      • Tom Smith

        Check out STNGR...seriously.. They make great rails at a great price. Nothing wrong with BCM, if you want to pay for them..

        February 9, 2020 8:22 pm
    • Samuel steinmetz

      I own several AR platform rifles and I enjoy the light weight Brigand arms hand guard. Very light and strong.

      July 22, 2019 11:28 pm
      • Tom Smith

        WIsh I could afford one!! Good to hear!

        February 9, 2020 8:17 pm
    • Jack

      Love the hand guard but I wished it would have matched the rest of my fde, it looks more grey than fde!!

      May 23, 2019 7:54 am
    • Aria Mcgramary

      This is one of the best sites i have come across when it comes to inhaling knowledge about guns and handguards, thank you for helping out a newbie like myself!

      May 8, 2019 9:48 pm
      • David, PPT Editor

        Glad we could help!

        May 9, 2019 7:32 am
    • Steve

      It would be interesting to see how the super cheap M-Lok handguards on ebay stack up to the much more expensive competition.

      April 13, 2019 8:38 pm
    • BigDeep

      Eric and team PewPew, I have been enjoying your up-to-date articles and reviews for a couple of years now. Thank you! My first question is an easy one. I am looking for a drop-in and wonder why you specified the Leapers-UTG model 4 (mtu015ss) and no mention of the M-Lok version (mtu015ssm). The M-Lok version seems to have more versatility but wonder if you tested and concluded it didn’t have the same durability as the Pro model 4?

      January 28, 2019 6:53 pm
      • Eric Hung

        Hey! That M-Lok version seems to be the upgrade to the regular model. It should be good to go! We'll be updating the article shortly.

        January 29, 2019 9:58 pm
    • Elliot Stabler

      I understand you wanted to only list M-lock due to the study you mentioned. But a lot of people are set on key mod due to some gear they already have, or what they can pick up used from a buddy since everyone is jumping to M-lock. I would have appreciated like a "JV team" listing of good key-mod options. For example: Bootleg Pic-mod.

      December 8, 2018 6:58 am
    • Jose

      Thank you for creating this site! I'm a noob and this is exactly what I've been looking for to learn.

      November 6, 2018 7:04 am
      • John

        Our pleasure, Jose! That's exactly why we're here.

        November 6, 2018 10:39 am
    • Bob McNamara

      My favorite does not seem to get much love on the interwebs: the ALG Defense EMRv2 M-Lok. Relatively cheap at ~$150, light at 9 oz. for the 13" model, no rails to add weight or cut my fingers (except for the front BUIS), 1.75" diameter, and M-Lok slots EVERYWHERE. You can hang anything you want on this rail with the M-Lok slots without the weight penalty of quad rails. Designed by Bill Geissele and sold through his wife's company ("ALG" stands for Amy Lynn Geissele), it is simply an excellent piece of kit that does not get the publicity it deserves.

      September 16, 2018 10:25 am
    • Rob

      Is it possible to use a low profile adjustable gas block with the magpul drop-in hand guard?

      April 12, 2018 1:47 am
      • Matthew Collins

        Unfortunately no, as the magpul drop-in MOE handguard is designed to attach to an A2 front sight post.

        April 12, 2018 7:12 am
      • jason

        Yes. it can be done. It may look odd sitting in front of the handguard. But all that is required it the use of the standard handguard front end cap installed behing the low profile gas block

        April 30, 2018 9:49 am
    • MuhammedS

      I only wish that the author had taken more time to evaluate the handguards for heat transfer especially with high throughput and handling in a cold environment, If I had to guess, the $30 Magpul might prove an overall better choice than some of the milled metal options.

      November 19, 2017 1:10 pm
      • Eric Hung

        Good point, next time! I don't multiple mag dump to really heat it up...but 60 round rifle competition stages are all fine through these handguards.

        November 19, 2017 2:10 pm
    • Yourdaddy

      You said that you can't add attachments to the Brigand Carbon handguard but they make 2.5" picatinny sections you can put on it.

      Here is what it says on the link you provided:

      "Want to add some accessories? No worries, check out the Brigand Arms 2.5" Picatinny Rail Segment, sold separately. Allows you to add as few or as many accessories as you'd like while maintaining a lightweight rail. It comes with a special backing plate to make sure any accessories you add remain secure at all times."

      October 26, 2017 11:59 pm
      • Eric Hung

        You're right!

        November 7, 2017 5:13 pm
        • Big Mike

          But you can't use it up front for a BUIS. But they do make them now with attached rails just for that.

          October 13, 2018 6:39 am
    • SteveMc

      WOW! You have listed some expensive gear, Eric. Name brand, but expensive.
      I bought two hand guards from Mentium-USA with steel nuts for less than $125. They are located in Houston TX. I just checked out their website and they are growing! Check them out. I'm not affiliated with them - just a satisfied customer.

      October 26, 2017 7:30 am
      • Eric Hung

        Thanks Steve, I haven't heard of Mentium but maybe I'll check them out.

        I've had bad experiences with cheaper rails from gun shows and Ebay. They sit in a box in the back of the shed now.

        October 26, 2017 2:39 pm
    • Wealker

      Please do not refer to the AR as an assault weapon it’s not an assault weapon by Definition. You lose credibility when you do this

      October 25, 2017 10:02 am
      • Eric Hung

        Thanks, fixed!

        October 25, 2017 3:22 pm
    • Brian H

      I love all your post, but I feel you played a few favorites in this one. Maybe like you said it's just the Handguards that you are familiar with. That's fine you always write a good blog.
      I wish you would try a Fortis, also an Odin. I just put an Odin on an F1 308 skelonitized build and the mounting system was one of the best I have ever used. Thanks and keep up the good work.

      Brian H

      October 25, 2017 5:03 am
      • Eric Hung

        Hi Brian, I've tried out a Fortis Night Rail before...but the attachment system was really difficult and I bent one of the front rails the first time I brought it out.

        October 26, 2017 2:35 pm
    • Sparky

      I’ve purchased 2 from Unique ARs out of Idaho. One of their stock models and one I designed. I think they are worth a look. Good article btw

      October 25, 2017 3:25 am
      • Eric Hung

        Thanks Sparky!

        October 26, 2017 2:35 pm
    • Jim M.

      I've been curious about that Brigand Arms carbon fiber. Thanks. Great article.

      October 25, 2017 2:56 am
    • Wzrd

      Love my Geissele & SLRs. Not cheap though.

      October 24, 2017 4:06 pm
      • Eric Hung

        That's for sure! My handguards get all beat up so I try to balance best-bang-for-the-buck.

        October 26, 2017 2:34 pm
    • Paul R Shaffer

      Have you looked at the STNGR rail systems? Would be interested to see how they stack up to the competition in your opinion. Love mine, as I have purchased 2 so far and will be using them as my go to rails in the future. Very similar design to Spike's and the Aero Atlas.

      October 24, 2017 3:33 pm
      • Wzrd

        Never heard of them but I just looked at their site. Style remind me of Fortis. Will keep in mind for future builds.

        October 24, 2017 4:08 pm
      • Eric Hung

        Hey Paul, thanks...I haven't heard of them but may try them out in the future.

        October 26, 2017 2:34 pm
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