Rifle length handguard recommendation

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10-19-16, 10:15
jrcii

Rifle length handguard recommendation

Hello everyone,

I'm researching and gathering parts for my first 'precision' build, all I've done up until now are carbines and SBRs. When I was building those rifles, my main concerns when it came to handuards was durability and something that would let me attach everything that I needed.

With this build, all I should need to attach is a bipod, so my main concern now is that it be light weight and rigid. This thing is going to be heavy enough as it is, so the weight of the handguard is pretty important.

I've done a bit of reading and people seem to like guards from Midwest Industries and Seekins. But, I have always gotten excellent advice from this forum so I would appreciate any advice that you all have.

Thanks!

JRC
10-19-16, 10:45
Vegasshooter

Depending on whether you want M-Lok or Key Mod, I don't think you can beat the KMR for weight. It is a Key Mod system, and the aluminum version- KMR-A, is super lightweight. If all you're attaching is a bipod, assuming a 5.56 build, I'd look into that. If you want insane rigidity and still relatively light, the Geisselle MK8 is where it's at. It's going to run around 12 ounces with the barrel nut. The Geisselle is definitely known to be strong and rigid though.
10-19-16, 12:37
jrcii

I have the 7" MK8 on an SBR. I didn't consider that the 15" one would be that light. That's very much the front runner right now :) But, I'll also checkout the KMR.

Thanks for your help.

JRC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasshooter

Depending on whether you want M-Lok or Key Mod, I don't think you can beat the KMR for weight. It is a Key Mod system, and the aluminum version- KMR-A, is super lightweight. If all you're attaching is a bipod, assuming a 5.56 build, I'd look into that. If you want insane rigidity and still relatively light, the Geisselle MK8 is where it's at. It's going to run around 12 ounces with the barrel nut. The Geisselle is definitely known to be strong and rigid though.
10-19-16, 22:07
Kansaswoodguy

I have a Diamondhead VRS-T I like a lot very comfortable. I have a Nordic Components that is a good handguard also. I have some Hogue FF that I'm conflicted over they aren't horrible but you have to use a strap wrench to assemble them and you would have to drill it for a bipod. I have a AP Custom Carbon fiber that I like a lot but I've had a great deal of difficulty finding any more of them in stock and it's a shame because their great very lite and temp neutral.
10-20-16, 22:50
Smokin338

Been running nothing but Seekins and Aero Precision without any issues... APs new Quantum is even lighter as it takes away the top picatinny rail as well.
11-03-16, 18:16
labeef

The geissele mk8 or mk4. Mk4 has an integrated 6 o'clock rail at the muzzle end for bipod and weighs the same as the mk8. The elongated type of barrel nut geissele and some others use is superior in my opinion. No timing the nut, simple handguard attachment to the nut and its elongated for increased rigidity. 15" mk4 comes in at 12.9oz with barrel nut. Plus you get a 'free' gas block that makes pinning easy. Geissele was an easy choice for my precision build.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
11-03-16, 20:47
chonathin

I would second the vote for the KMR. Lightweight and strong. Add a Noveske TRX/NSR Bi-pod mount and you have your bipod attached directly to the hand guard. I use this set up on my precision rifle and its a great combo in my opinion.
11-06-16, 02:17
Iraqgunz

If my goal was bomb proof and precision, I would go with a 15" Geissele MK4 or MK8 rail.
11-06-16, 03:49
C-grunt

I had a KMR on my Mk12/Recce build at first. The rigidity was not where I wanted it to be. Now it sports at 15 inch Geissele Mk1 that feels like it's made out of granite.
11-06-16, 03:49
Vegas

Quote:

Originally Posted by chonathin

I would second the vote for the KMR. Lightweight and strong. Add a Noveske TRX/NSR Bi-pod mount and you have your bipod attached directly to the hand guard. I use this set up on my precision rifle and its a great combo in my opinion.

This is my current setup. Works well, never had any issues and is light enough considering its paired with an SS410 barrel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

If my goal was bomb proof and precision, I would go with a 15" Geissele MK4 or MK8 rail.

If I was doing it over, this would be the route I would take. I don't mind a bit of extra weight for the bomb proof factor. (I'm kinda clumsy)
11-06-16, 03:50
C-grunt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas

This is my current setup. Works well, never had any issues and is light enough considering its paired with an SS410 barrel.

If I was doing it over, this would be the route I would take. I don't mind a bit of extra weight for the bomb proof factor. (I'm kinda clumsy)

I made the switch. No regrets what so ever.
11-06-16, 04:43
Vegas

Im sure it will happen eventually, I just have other stuff on the list first. Always the way eh?
11-06-16, 17:31
jrcii

Of course, left to my own devices, I made a different decision. I was concerned about torque on the barrel nut impacting the POI, and I thought the only way to eliminate that would be with a monolithic upper or (second best) a rail that interfaces with the upper instead of a barrel nut.

So, I went with the Aero M4E1.

I have a 7" MK8 on my (waiting to be) SBR and it is extremely solid. But, as I said I was concerned. Now I'm concerned that I've got an upper/rail that is going to fail under hard use. Anyone have any personal experience with the M4E1? I read good reviews but who knows?

Thanks,

JRC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

If my goal was bomb proof and precision, I would go with a 15" Geissele MK4 or MK8 rail.
12-22-16, 17:28
fubar1217

I just finished an SPR build using an Aero M4E1 builders set. Haven't been out to the range yet but I'm itching to go (once it warms back up a little here in TX). So far it feels pretty rigid but I haven't thrown this thing around yet. I'll report back once I get a couple hundred rounds through her.
02-09-17, 20:12
StevethePirate

For Regidity, go Geissele. For weight, you can't beat BCM KMR or ALG
04-16-17, 11:29
LMT/556

My current plan is a 15" BCM KMR around a 20" Noveske Varmint. We'll see...
04-19-17, 08:00
LMT/556

1 Attachment(s)

Attachment 45116
04-20-17, 15:34
scottryan

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMT/556

My current plan is a 15" BCM KMR around a 20" Noveske Varmint. We'll see...

I'd rather use an 15" NSR.

KMR is not stiff enough at all for a precision rifle.
04-21-17, 06:58
LMT/556

The 15" KMR was purchased with another build in mind, a 16" Noveske Recon barrel, Geissele Sopmod mount, Vortex HD 1x6, etc. That barrel is 60 days out so I went another direction in the interim and the KMR got tossed on. The reason I liked the KMR was the way the clamping force doesn't spread the top rail, but can understand why a longer barrel nut might be advantageous for rigidity.
04-21-17, 08:57
scottryan

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMT/556

The 15" KMR was purchased with another build in mind, a 16" Noveske Recon barrel, Geissele Sopmod mount, Vortex HD 1x6, etc. That barrel is 60 days out so I went another direction in the interim and the KMR got tossed on. The reason I liked the KMR was the way the clamping force doesn't spread the top rail, but can understand why a longer barrel nut might be advantageous for rigidity.

I have this exact set up built from a LE6920 with a 16" Recon barrel, 15" NSR, Vortex 1-6 Razor, in a SOPMOD Mount.

It will hold a .5" group at 100 yards with Black Hills MK262. I use this as a spotters carbine and all around general open terrain western hunting AR-15. See picture.

I would never use the KMR on this gun.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/IMG_19295.JPG
04-21-17, 11:26
RobertTheTexan

I didn't catch any requirements in terms of rail or attachment preference. It's interesting Scotty, because I was in this exact same spot a couple of weeks ago. I got some pretty good advice also. . I went with SLR, and I could not be happier. However, had I been aware that Centurion would magically show up with some rails available. I would MAY would have waited. So here are some options that were shared with me from WEVO when I was asking the same questions:

This is the rail I bought. It is lightweight, it seem rugged enough. I've heard nothing but good things regarding their parts.
http://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?r...product_id=959

Centurion CMR handguard (A likely replacement had I not gone with SLR)
https://www.centurionarms.com/product-p/701114.htm

Cross Machine & Tool: CMT, Good stuff, highly recommended.
https://www.cmttac.com/AR10-RAIL

SMOS Rail
https://www.smosarms.com/collections...nt=10422357063

Good luck, let me know if you have questions about my SLR. I posted pics in the custom build and in the precision semi-auto thread, if you want to see it on an AR. I'm with you, I only have rail covers and a bipod.

RTT
04-21-17, 12:13
LMT/556

What specific issues were experienced with the KMR, and did they in your opinion affect accuracy potential or was it a rough use/durability thing? I can explore deflection of various systems, Centurion C4 and PRI vs this KMR. The PRI 16 is likely my most accurate upper but I don't have much time with the newest build.
04-21-17, 13:01
scottryan

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMT/556

What specific issues were experienced with the KMR, and did they in your opinion affect accuracy potential or was it a rough use/durability thing? I can explore deflection of various systems, Centurion C4 and PRI vs this KMR. The PRI 16 is likely my most accurate upper but I don't have much time with the newest build.

With the KMR, I would move the end of the barrel one direction and move the end of the rail in the opposite direction. The rail would not pop back to concentric with the barrel.

I could do this with pressure just from squeezing my hand on these two parts.

I can do this with most brands of rails that pinch a short barrel nut.
04-21-17, 20:42
nightchief

I use a 15" Geissele Mk4 on my 18" precision AR, and it seems to be very rugged. Bumped it around a few times in a vehicle and while in the wilderness shooting, and it has maintained its zero the entire time. It's not particularly light weight though.

I sure like the Mega/Hodge Defense Wedgelock design hand guard. Has a long, titanium barrel nut and very rigid lock up system.

NC
04-27-17, 12:00
LMT/556

Compared to the KMR, the PRI is much more rigid. I'll probably switch to something else from my current KMR. Geissele has a MK13 coming out but with a different barrel nut. I just may get a railless 15" PRI with a bottom swivel stud for bipod and call it a day. Pretty grumpy about this...
05-11-17, 09:11
Russell0331

I'm a huge fan of the older Daniel Defense Lite rails.
05-11-17, 15:31
LMT/556

I went PRI 14" without rails. The 15" first ordered wasn't straight and they allowed an exchange down to 14" as my 20" medium varmint is a target crown no muzzle device.