What length handguards and why?

[Chris Bonesteel]

It seems many manufacturers vary on what lengths they produce handguards in. What are the most popular sizes and why (as in what configurations would require certain lengths), also what is everyones favorite length to use on 16" barrels?

[100]

I like my Troy Alpha 13" on a 16" middy. They make a quad rail called the Bravo too. Sorry for the poor pic.

P.S. you get 10% off at troyind.com if you use the promo code: nutnfancy. Picked my rail up for $170.

[Giggles]

This might help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGgGhR7y6No

[MegademiC]

I like as long as will fit on the barrel and still allow a silencer, ussially 1” less than barrel length. Once I get to 12” I dont really notice a difference, longer might be more comfortable but doesnt seem to affect performance for me.

Its going to depend on how you hold your rifle, your body/arm size/length, and what you have mounted on your rail that is in front of your offhands.

[bamashooter]

Nothing more than personal preference. Never seen one shorter but I have seen some that are 1/8" to over 1/2" longer than advertised. Just a heads up if you're looking for a precise fit. Sometimes it will state the actual length in the details and sometimes not. You can always contact the seller / manufacturer or a forum member if you need to be 100% certain.

[markm]

I really only like a lot of length if I'm running a Bipod. 10 inch rails get me everything I need for light/sling mount on most guns. I do have a few long rails, but I could live with shorter.

[TMS951]

I find I use all of a 13.5” rail and it is the length I have most of. I like it’s flexability in that it works with 14.5” barrels too.

Many pic rails only goto 12”, this is enough for me. Typically my weapon light will protrude past the end of the rail though.

You can’t really have too long a rail imo. The only down side it’s added weight.

[B Cart]

I personally prefer a 13.5" rail for a 14.5 or 16" gun because it gives you plenty of room for arm extension and adding accessories without feeling cramped. Especially now that lightweight keymod and mlok rails are so prevalent, you don't add a ton of weight when going longer on the rail. I do think a 15" rail is nice if you are doing a precision build where you will be running a bipod, to give you a little more extension, but i don't feel like i gain much else in going with a 15" rail over 13.5".

[GH41]

15" on 16" barrels for me. Remember the old saying... Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Like the other guy said.. On today's KM/ML rails you don't pay a big weight penalty for going long.

[hile]

for 14.5 or 16" barrels, I prefer the 13" handguards. I actually swapped a 15" rail for a 13" rail because I preferred it.

[Straight Shooter]

I like mine to come up right behind the muzzle brake. To me, looks better, but if youve ever grabbed a smokin hot barrel by accident, you dont want to do it again.

[Sidneyious]

16in middy with 15in vtac mlok.
The second pic is my airsoft liscnced copy of the Griffin Armament m4sd2 on my Griffin Armament muzzle brake.
Third is my airsoft gbbr, it's a 12.5 with a 10.75(?) Liscnced urx 3.1

I was curious if it would fit and I like the look, I think I want to get a 30sd now.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180815/3bda63c48bd5290c1c289f577ac4ef7d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180815/753ba5c49a5ff27de7a884bff235be73.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180815/98b93d946a45ae648060fa1636d1883c.jpg

[slowrx]

I prefer a free float that gets as close to the muzzle device as I can while still being able to mount my cans. I also don't own any non NFA AR's anymore, my last pinned pre stamp 14.5 had a 13 inch handguard.

[Stickman]

I really only like a lot of length if I'm running a Bipod. 10 inch rails get me everything I need for light/sling mount on most guns. I do have a few long rails, but I could live with shorter.



Gone are the days where MarkM used to let people know they were gay if they couldn't get it done with plastic handguards.....

[Sidneyious]

Gone are the days where MarkM used to let people know they were gay if they couldn't get it done with plastic handguards.....Sorry I'm new and would love context.

[Iraqgunz]

Hanes, Commando, Fruit of the Loom, Calvin Klein or Perry Ellis. Take your pick because it's many times personal preference or needs.

[Rifleman_04]

7” on my 14.5” carbines and 12” on my 20” rifles.

[JulyAZ]

Hanes, Commando, Fruit of the Loom, Calvin Klein or Perry Ellis. Take your pick because it's many times personal preference or needs.

IG listed all those, and I’m over hear a Under Armour guy, only goes to show that there is no right answer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Sidneyious]

Hanes long leg, seems to hold up so far
Hanes, Commando, Fruit of the Loom, Calvin Klein or Perry Ellis. Take your pick because it's many times personal preference or needs.

[Rattler5]

I have a 16" barrel and have a 15" hand guard as the barrel is free-floated and the 15" hand guard gave me a longer sight radius for my iron sights. I only use the front end of the rail for attachments.

[theorangecat]

I have a 16" barrel and have a 15" hand guard as the barrel is free-floated and the 15" hand guard gave me a longer sight radius for my iron sights.

My 16" middy wears a 15" handguard for the same reason, and a side benefit is being able to get the weaponlight as far forward as I can still manage to activate it comfortably.

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[Clint]

I find a handguard 12" or longer is sufficient on a 14+ barrel.

[Chris Bonesteel]

Would 7.25, 9.25, 12.5, and 15.125 cover most of the bases, or is there really a need for other lengths