Free float handguards

[1986s4]

SO my question has to do with the way they are mounted mostly.. Some use a proprietary barrel nut and some use the standard nut and clamp to outside of it. So, which is better? Is one mounting method inherently stiffer, stronger, more resistant to damage or deflection than another?

I am considering a new freefloat handguard for a new upper. The barrel is a lightweight Noveske mid-length so I want to get the accuracy that I can out of it. I have a heavier BA barrel that does well with a Magpull plastic handguard but it is thicker stuff.

Right now I am thinking a BCM handguard is the way to go which uses BCM's proprietary barrel nut but I am considering a MI Industries product that uses the standard barrel nut. What is the word on the MI line? My uses are primarily 2 gun, training and self defense. During matches my rifles do get banged around based on the nicks and scratches I find later. Roughly laid on the ground or used around stage props is normal so I want something that can take a beating.

Thanks

[markm]

If stiffness is priority, I'd look at options from Geissele (proprietary nut) or Centurion (Standard AR nut).

I love my BCM rails, and wouldn't swap them out. But the two above are crazy solid.

The BCM QRF has the best profile. Geiselle doesn't make a full pic rail, so I'm stuck with some worthless Mlok slots. Centurion would be perfect IF the bottom rail wasn't so tall. (I like the KAC and DD mk rail heights best by far)

[1986s4]

I should add that this barrel uses a FSB which I want to retain so any handguard must fit with the front sight block. I do have a Centurion and a Geissele both of which have been good. I could go back to the Centurion and be happy but I was wondering about some options. The Geissele will not fit with a FSB.

[titsonritz]

Geiselle doesn't make a full pic rail, so I'm stuck with some worthless Mlok slots.

Sure they do, you just have to plan and time it right.

https://geissele.com/12-7-super-modular-rail-mk7-black.html

[gunnerblue]

I should add that this barrel uses a FSB which I want to retain so any handguard must fit with the front sight block. I do have a Centurion and a Geissele both of which have been good. I could go back to the Centurion and be happy but I was wondering about some options. The Geissele will not fit with a FSB.

Short of modifying a different rail, I’d stick with a C4 with cutout if I wanted free float and the intact FSB.

[titsonritz]

Short of modifying a different rail, I’d stick with a C4 with cutout if I wanted free float and the intact FSB.

Same here. I dig my C4 MLOK FSP mid-length. It is the only handguard I'll use with a standard GI barrel nut.

https://i.imgur.com/cwJbS4g.jpg

[markm]

Sure they do, you just have to plan and time it right.

https://geissele.com/12-7-super-modular-rail-mk7-black.html

WOW! Only in Rifle though.

[titsonritz]

WOW! Only in Rifle though.

There's always a chop saw

[markm]

There's always a chop saw

I was thinking that with the BCM QRF, but It's hard for me to cut on a new item. Damn sure can't cut on a $550 rail!! :eek:

[sinister]

You want a dedicated, long barrel nut and ideally a "Beefy," non-flexing rail.

Older All-Picatinny quad rails generally have linear strength from the bigger/heavier cross-section to minimize external flexing - deflection. The barrel's still going to point true, coaxially toward the target, and if the rail doesn't flex you'll be a little more consistent (why accessories like aiming lasers don't flex off axial line with the barrel bore).

The Geiselle Mark 7 is fantastic, and I own BCM 12s that do pretty much the same thing, cheaper. SLR also has some good quad-rail options, as well as the tried-and-true Larue 12.0.

Midwest's Night Fighter line uses a long nut and a beefier back end, specifically to minimize deflection when using night aiming lasers.

The GI barrel nut does OK, but isn't optimum -- it's a cheap-quick fix.

[1986s4]

You want a dedicated, long barrel nut and ideally a "Beefy," non-flexing rail.

Older All-Picatinny quad rails generally have linear strength from the bigger/heavier cross-section to minimize external flexing - deflection. The barrel's still going to point true, coaxially toward the target, and if the rail doesn't flex you'll be a little more consistent (why accessories like aiming lasers don't flex off axial line with the barrel bore).

The Geiselle Mark 7 is fantastic, and I own BCM 12s that do pretty much the same thing, cheaper. SLR also has some good quad-rail options, as well as the tried-and-true Larue 12.0.

Midwest's Night Fighter line uses a long nut and a beefier back end, specifically to minimize deflection when using night aiming lasers.

The GI barrel nut does OK, but isn't optimum -- it's a cheap-quick fix.

Thank you Sinister, that is the information I was seeking. I'll look at the MI Night Fighter line but I think the BCM is now front runner.

[rpoL98]

and then there's the Aero Enhanced series uppers, where the rail attaches directly to the upper receiver, instead of the barrel nut. but very limited selection of handguards, MLOK only, FDE or black, just pick the length.

uses a "BAR" mounting system, but not many mfrs build rails to that standard. not very svelte, seems to be mostly for precision use since the rail isn't attached to the barrel nut, but does provide lots of clearance for even clamp-on adjustable gas blocks.

[1986s4]

and then there's the Aero Enhanced series uppers, where the rail attaches directly to the upper receiver, instead of the barrel nut. but very limited selection of handguards, MLOK only, FDE or black, just pick the length.

uses a "BAR" mounting system, but not many mfrs build rails to that standard. not very svelte, seems to be mostly for precision use since the rail isn't attached to the barrel nut, but does provide lots of clearance for even clamp-on adjustable gas blocks.

OK, I'll check those out. What length handguard will fit with a FSB? I know 9" is OK but what about 9.25" I see a lot of those.

[OutofBatt3ry]

and then there's the Aero Enhanced series uppers, where the rail attaches directly to the upper receiver, instead of the barrel nut. but very limited selection of handguards, MLOK only, FDE or black, just pick the length.

uses a "BAR" mounting system, but not many mfrs build rails to that standard. not very svelte, seems to be mostly for precision use since the rail isn't attached to the barrel nut, but does provide lots of clearance for even clamp-on adjustable gas blocks.

Aero is my go-to for mid budget builds, but I really don't like their rail interfaces. I have one that uses a BAR nut, which is a pain to time for some reason and I could not for the life of me find a barrel nut wrench that fit properly. I had to grind the pins on a standard barrel nut wrench to get it to fit, just barely. I also have an Atlas rail that uses these weird little wedges that are a fiddle fest. Once setup, they have been solid.

[JStor]

Does anybody use a Seekins rail?

[titsonritz]

OK, I'll check those out. What length handguard will fit with a FSB? I know 9" is OK but what about 9.25" I see a lot of those.

The BCM QRF-9 (https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-qrf-9-quad-rail-free-float-handguard/) is designed to be used with a mid-length gas system with an FSP, it has an actual length of 9.24"

[1986s4]

The BCM QRF-9 (https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-qrf-9-quad-rail-free-float-handguard/) is designed to be used with a mid-length gas system with an FSP, it has an actual length of 9.24"

Yes, BCM seems to have what I am looking for so that is where I am going. I was just looking at options. Anyone here have experience with the Larue handguards?

I am referring to these:https://www.larue.com/products/larue-lokpicatinny-handguards/

[sinister]

I have four or five Larues, two on my National Match rifles.

Another option (and a bargain) is the White Oak:

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/abb3082b4f2513babe526fb8d9982c6d/t/r/tr-both-v1-resized.png
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/abb3082b4f2513babe526fb8d9982c6d/b/a/barrelnutcompare_magentopic.png

[1986s4]

I have four or five Larues, two on my National Match rifles.

Another option (and a bargain) is the White Oak:

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/abb3082b4f2513babe526fb8d9982c6d/t/r/tr-both-v1-resized.png
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/abb3082b4f2513babe526fb8d9982c6d/b/a/barrelnutcompare_magentopic.png

Thanks, I still need it to fit with a FSB so it looks like LaRue or BCM. From what I have been able to read on the subject both the LaRue and BCM have a strong barrel nut/handguard attachment system. I am interested in that question. Is one better than the other? I'm not Larry Vickers, I don't test my weapons by throwing them out of helicopters or blowing them up. But a inherently strong attachment point is desirable.

[markm]

Is one better than the other?

Has LaRue updated the original design? It was a world class ass ache with the strap wrench and all that shit.

I personally would rather give BCM business over Dick Face LaRue, but to each his own. I only have experience with the Carbine BCM QRF, and I love it.

[sinister]

... both the LaRue and BCM have a strong barrel nut/handguard attachment system. I am interested in that question. Is one better than the other? But a inherently strong attachment point is desirable.
They both work. The Larue can be a pain to install (as noted above), depending on your vice blocks (or reaction rod).

[Patrin]

Sinister, re C4 rails, have you encountered personally or by relation a rail of this type failing?

I have one, and it’s been solid via long Montana hikes, hunting and a steady training schedule on a flat range.

No combat rigors to test albeit...

[sinister]

I've never heard of one failing, i.e. bending, cracking, etc.

The benefit of the Centurion is it uses a standard barrel nut. Not the longest (to help minimize flex at the rail / tube root) mounting contact area, and would tend (in my own analysis) to get pretty warm in any kind of sustained pie fight, I would think it does its job. The quad-rail style keeps it pretty rigid.

[Patrin]

Always enjoy reading your feedback, thank you, Sinister.

[lowprone]

I thought Knight's made a 20" floating hand guard !

[Rabshell]

Will the BCM MCMR handrail work with a Superlative Arms clamp on AGB? I can’t get a reply from SA on what rails are compatible.