Best AR-15 Handguards
The AR-15 modular design makes it easy to change out parts, and customize the rifle to whatever configuration you want. You can set up the gun for plinking, competition, long-range precision, tactical applications – variations are pretty much limited only by your very own imagination. Probably the most changed pieces on the rifle are the AR-15 handguards. Once you know exactly what length gas system your AR has – carbine, mid-length or a rifle – you can choose the corresponding handguard and start earning your gun more straightforward to use, able to take useful accessories, let alone look better immediately.
To select the best AR 15 handguard for your rifle, you will decide what its primary use will be. Will it be your home defense gun, varmint hunting rig, or competition rifle? There are plenty of selections that you do need to narrow the field down a little. Brownells alone lists more than 80 types of handguards for AR style rifles on its website, including for the big 308 versions. I have chosen handguards that could be geared to one purpose, but have sufficient characteristics to make them useful for other purposes, too. For instance, while there are a lot of slick sided free float tubes there, I chose only free float handguards which also have some mounting rail or way of attaching accessories.
Other handguards which are more specialized might suit your particular purpose better.
Here are my Top 5 AR-15 Handguards.
5) Magpul MOE.
Magpul’s MOE handguard is an excellent option for beginners who want to try customizing their very own AR-15 for the very first time. It is designed to quickly and quickly snap into place on any standard AR which has both a delta ring and round or triangular front handguard cap. The Magpul MOE doesn’t require any tools or advanced disassembly to install. You just push down on the delta ring around the barrel near the receiver, pop out the original handguards, and pop in the MOE replacement. More information on the Magpul MOE Handguard. The MOE handguard gives a much more comfortable profile, the capability to accept bolt-on rails, tactical light mounts, vertical fore grips, along with other accessories. Plus it comes in some colors, giving you lots of choices. The things to remember are the MOE handguards don’t free float the barrel and should have a delta ring and around or triangular front cap to work.
4) Midwest Industries Gen II SS Series
A step up in sophistication from snap-in handguards that improve accessorizing and handling are handguards that ask you to disassemble the rifle more and might necessitate adding parts like a low-profile gas block.
Midwest Industries offers a lot of different versions of these more-advanced handguards which also free-float the barrel, helping improve precision possible. You will get them with all sorts of rail options, even the brand new “keymod” version which has key-shaped slots that let you attach accessories everywhere you need, or take them off to leave the fore end of your rifle smooth and snag-free.
3) Bravo Company KMR
The “Keymod Modular Rail” (KMR) system handguard from Bravo Company is another advanced handguard utilizing the keymod attachment system. It also free floats the barrel also has some elegant features. The keymod mounting holes are positioned around the handguard in a way to give you four more & halfway; mounting positions, between the traditional 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions on standard rails. Also, the bottom of the rail is broad with a flat that is generous, enabling you to comfortably rest on a barricade or other item for steady motivated position shooting. It’s also really light-weight, but still firm.
2) Geissele Super Modular Rails SMK MK4
Geissele Automatics Ar-15/M16 Super Modular Rails SMR
Geissele is renowned for their AR-15 that is excellent triggers. But they also make advanced AR-15 handguards, too. The Super Modular Rail (SMR) MK4 combines both traditional Picatinny rail with keymod attachment slots and comes along with its barrel nut. It’s sturdy, yet lightweight, and its versatile options let you configure it almost in whatever way you want. If you’ve got the Geissele trigger, might as well match it with the handguard, right?
1) A.R.M.S. S.I.R.
The S.I.R. handguard out of Atlantic Research Marketing Systems is tops in this listing of AR-15 handguards. It’s currently in use by U.S. Special Forces around the globe. It’s designed to install quickly without removing the barrel. It’s lightweight, but still, gives a lot of space. The rails at the 3, 6 and nine o-clock can all be set up and removed while leaving the top rail in place. It attaches to the standard socket nut and only demands that you remove the delta ring. It is integrated anti-rotation tabs which help you get it aligned without having any tools. It does all this and free-floats the barrel, too.
You may get it for different length gas systems, as well as firearms with a standard A1- or A2 style carry handle at the top of the receiver. But know this. All this battle-tested, uber cool, tacticalicious, Tier One, Operators Operating Operationally goodness & functionality will cost you. However, if your heart is wholly set on something like the S.I.R system handguard, then you are likely fine with the cost.
Just Do It.There are lots of handguards out there, designed to provide all kinds of attributes, mounting options and improvements to your rifle. Do a little research and some thinking, and after that select which one you believe will work best. Not only could you enhance your handling and operation of your AR-15 with a handguard that is brand new, but you might also have the satisfaction of knowing you put in everything by yourself.