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Handguard questions
In the world of the AR I am finding there are dozens (maybe hundreds?) of different handguards...Can anyone tell me what the best grip fore end would be? C.A.R. vs. M4 style? The difference between R.I.S. and R.A.S.? How are the Magpul's in comparison? All advice, information, and suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
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Depends on what you are looking for. M4 style handguards have double heat shields to help protect the users hands from excessive heat, whereas CAR or AR style usually only have a single heat shield. In practice, I found that unless you were firing full-auto or absolutely burning through mags at a prodigious rate, there is little difference between the two, and I don't use either style on any of my AR's anyways. Some companies produce quality after-market handguards, with different profiles from traditional military designs. If you were looking for a rail system, which is useful for mounting flashlights, vertical grips (VG) or other accessories, there are many good companies producing quality rail systems. You can use a free-float style system, which necessitates removing the d-ring, spring and snap ring, but insures a modicum of better accuracy. You could also use a "drop-in" rail system, which are cheaper and easier to install, but are non-free floating, which can have some affect on accuracy, although very little affect on practical ability to hit man-sized targets at short-to-intermediate ranges. If weight is an issue, some prefer free-float tubes with bolt on rail sections, so it cuts down on unnecessary rail "real estate".
Whatever system you use, make sure to spend a little money and buy quality.
http://www.norcalblackriflegear.com/...l_MOEHGBlk.jpg
Magpul MOE handguards are a relative cheap, but still high quality non-free float handguard.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/v/vsp...-%20FDE-2T.jpg
Troy Industries also makes an excellent, drop in non-free float 4 rail system. This is, in fact, what my department uses and it is both a rock solid mount and durable.
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/w...d_o-tfb-tm.jpg
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/w...4-carbine1.jpg
Daniel Defense (DD)and Knights Armament (KAC) are both highly regarded rail systems.
http://estore.websitepros.com/stores...eme_11_Gun.jpg
I prefer the Troy TRX rail, I have two on my rifles.
Good luck!
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First of all there is no " Best" of anything. What I feel is the best you may think is junk. We all have different likes and dislikes we also use our rifles in different ways. What is the best TV, best Microwave? see what I mean? In the end try as many as you can, either in gun shops, on friends rifle, etc... then buy what you feel is the Best for you and your needs.
Good Luck
NCH
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While what is the "best" might be debatable, certainly what is not good is certainly a lot more clear cut. BCM vs. Daniel Defense is a jump ball, but LMT vs. Tapco isn't.
http://www.tapco.com/products/images...09301BLACK.jpg
I don't think too many would argue that the Tapco "intrafuse" is a quality handguard/rail system!
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I think I am going to go with a Magpul MOE handguard. My only hesitation is that I want a vertical foregrip. I have seen bolt on rails on a MOE handguard, but they look a little hinky...do you think these bolt on rails are strong/sturdy enough for a vertical grip?
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They aren't going to be as sturdy as an aluminum rail. There might be some wiggle in the fore end also. But it won't break. If it does, Magpul will probably return it for a full refund/replacement.
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MOE handguards work fine with VFGs.
VFGs have a role to play, but the actual trend is moving the reaction hand as far forward as possible, and VFGs often do not provide the best solution for that technique.
There are several threads about the current grip styles and techniques. So, if you want to learn and be really confused ;) check them out. Many prescribe to the hand forward with thumbover grip.
You will notice more hard users placing their hand further forward for muzzle control, and a trend or resurgence of stubbies, handstops and AFGs (coupled with longer handguards) to accommodate the ergonomics of such control.
Of course, it all depends on what you actually expect or want to do with your rifle in the first place!
Good luck!
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to be honest, I don't really know what alot of that means.
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if you want a non FF rail, get a KAC RAS, if you want a FF rail get a DD or LaRue.