Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 27

Thread: AR Factory Handguards vs. MOE

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    304
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)

    AR Factory Handguards vs. MOE

    In an effort help my carbine shed a few pounds I've decided to sell my Knights RAS and either run MOE or factory handguards.
    Leaning towards factory guards right now due to the fact that I wouldn't have to purchase them. I'm wanting to keep my M3X attached as well as my AFG but I'm fairly unfamiliar with mounting solutions when it comes to factory handguards.
    Can someone clue me in on mounting solutions?
    Also wondering if it would actually be smarter to purchase some MOE handguards rather than running factory handguards?
    Thanks in advance.
    Its only until we have nothing that we're free to do anything

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    juneau, ak
    Posts
    114
    Feedback Score
    0
    it probably would be a smarter buy for MOE. They offer more options of adding rails. Its just a different feel to them also. I wouldnt have spent the money on them, but thats how this upper came, with the MOE handguards. Id save up and put a FF rail. Well thats IOM, and thats what i plan to do. Spend a good couple hundred dollar on a nice rail system.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    BigCity NC
    Posts
    43
    Feedback Score
    5 (86%)
    The MOE is less than $30 and the rails are another $20ish plus covers.... a standard HG can have rails added to it.... several manufacturers make them in lengths from 1-12" or more. The MOE is a better option in my opinion but the factory HG can work.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    70
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Brownells sells the rail sections for the MOE handguards. They're listed on the same page. They also work with standard handguards.

    I use a 2" piece mounted at 12 o'clock right behind the fsb for an offset VTAC light mount. Putting the rail at 2:30/9:30 would take 30 seconds with a drill.

    I tried the MOE handguards and didn't care for them. They're easy to find used for @$25.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    75
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    so get an MI front sight base mount for the light and a GG&G under foregrip rail and you will be good to go

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    304
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by hazmat25 View Post
    so get an MI front sight base mount for the light and a GG&G under foregrip rail and you will be good to go
    I gave thought to the MI FSB mount but it wouldnt allow for proper manipulation of the light I have. Where could I find the GG&G rail?
    Its only until we have nothing that we're free to do anything

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    75
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by wes007 View Post
    I gave thought to the MI FSB mount but it wouldnt allow for proper manipulation of the light I have. Where could I find the GG&G rail?
    http://www.gggaz.com/index.php?cat=44&parents=38

    they also have other options for mounting your light. just make sure you locktite the under foregrip rail
    Last edited by hazmat25; 04-11-10 at 22:53.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    14
    Feedback Score
    0
    I just felt the carbine moe rail on a smith and wesson magpul edition, it feels much better than a standard m4 handguard in my opinion....it feels natural.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    SE FL
    Posts
    14,148
    Feedback Score
    5 (100%)
    I assume we're talking about a carbine-length gas system and fixed front sight here?

    My #1 gun is a colt 6933 which is a carbine-length gas, fixed front sight, 11.5" barrel. I originally used the standard M4 handguards on it until the MOE came out and I made the switch. I use an MI FSB mount and attach a Surefire X300 to that mount on the support side. This setup works great for me.

    Given a 7.0 handguard length I am not a fan of attaching anything to it save perhaps a strategically located sling swivel if using the MOE. I don't find the plastic handguards, whether MOE or M4, to be sturdy/stable enough for mounting a VFG, and I find the overall length to be too cramped to mount a light (even with the X300, forget it with a longer light like a G2). The length issue applies, IMHO, even on railed 7.0 handguards.

    Something else you may consider...

    Believe it or not, a Daniel Defense M4 rail or Lite rail 9.0 over a shaved-down FSB as gas block and with a Troy flipup or DD fixed front sight attached weighs almost the EXACT same thing as a set of M4 handguards and a stock FSB. I, of course, can't find the photos right this second but I even have pictures showing this. I have a second 6933 that has the DD M4 rails. If you use something like the new Troy Extreme FF tube you could actually wind up SAVING weight over the stock setup! and a FF tube or rail system is a much better attachment point for a VFG.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    SE FL
    Posts
    14,148
    Feedback Score
    5 (100%)
    to address your original question though, I find the MOE to be worth the <$30 they cost. I like the extra heat protection at the FSB, I like the little hook at the front end (no need for a FAG with that hook IMHO), and I think they lock up tighter and more securely than the stock handguards, and they are almost exactly a 1:1 in weight to a set of double-shield M4 handguards (the M4s get the weight edge if you ditch one layer of shielding).

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •