Is a 15.5 JP Handguard too long for a 14.5 barrel with a pinned AAC Flash Hider?

[Bobby Hated]

i'm talking about the JP/VTAC modular free float handguard that alot of us use in 3gun.

building a new HD/Zombie gun and im so used to using those slim profile tubular handguards from 3gun competition that i want one on my house rifle. i'm over having 4 feet of rail space on my guns.

the way i figure it, with the flash hider pinned the OAL of the barrel ought to be at 16", so the handguard coming up to 1/2" of the end of the barrel ought not to matter.

what say you?

[Ziggy91]

My 20" match AR has the 15.5" VTAC and it has a perfect amount of barrel exposed. However, if your barrel is 16.5" with the pinned flash hider, you're looking at 1/2" of barrel/flash hider exposed at the end. Basically, It will almost look like the rail is your giant barrel. Get the 12" model. You don't need any more handguard than that. I just wanted the hidden gas block look, which you'll get with that too.

[tomd1584]

I agree, a 15" will be too much. get a 12".

[EvolutionGSR]

Wont that mean that escaping gases/heat from the flash hider directing them up will be hitting the handguard? I dont know what kind of affect it will have on the handguard but it doesnt sound good.

[duc748bip]

It uses a it's own barrel nut and other good stuff. With a pinned fh it's a pain get the old nut off and to put a new one on.