What length handguards and why?

[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.

toc

[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