Budget Friendly Extended Rifle Handguards

[NorCalFocus]

Hey guys, after the awesome advice and fixed rifle stocks I thought I'd ask opinions on this as well. I'm changing out my current handguard to a extended rifle length. I'm running a 20" barrel with a rifle length gas and low profile gas block already.

I strongly considering the UTG Super Slim FF tube. My son put one on his build and I was really impressed. However in my attempts to find other handguards in this price range I've been unsuccessful. I'm going OD green, either by purchase or paint, so even if you know of a blem I'd be fine with that. My only other need is a small bottom rail for bi-pod to attach too.

[dtrump]

I think you should look at the ALG emr handguards. They sre mlok pattern. Also the midwest industries gen 2 super slim handguards are excellent. I have a 12 inch but like 8 months ago i was looking at getting a 15 inch fde version before i kryptek camod my ar. I found a site where they were like 160$

There are a few 15 inch slim rails under 200 i would definitely take a look at for just a little more than the utg..
heres the alg...https://www.primaryarms.com/ALG_13_E..._p/05-305b.htm

https://www.primaryarms.com/Odin_Works_KMod_Forend_15_5_p/f-15-km.htm

https://www.primaryarms.com/Strike_Industries_MegaFins_Gen_2_15_KeyMod_Handgu_p/si-megafins-15.htm

Midwest ind. MLOK- https://www.primaryarms.com/Midwest_.../mi-ssm-15.htm
midwest ind standard slim rail (should come with 2 or 3 short rail attachments)- https://www.primaryarms.com/Midwest_.../mi-ss15g2.htm

[hammerhands32]

Nordic has the best prices that I've seen. I've also used JP, Midwest industries and Troy without problems

[hammerhands32]

https://nordiccomp.com/product/nordic-components-nc-2-free-float-hand-guard-xl-length/

[cgates]

Nordic NC1

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Nordic_Components_AR15_Handguard_Slotted_XL_Length_p/nc-fft-nc1-xl.htm

[calaveras]

Parallax Tactical sometimes posts some pretty great sale prices on facebook for blem rails. About a week ago they were selling 13.5" MLOK blems for $135 (normally $199). As of 3 hours ago they are still in stock. Jump on it if you want one.

facebook post

Try emailing joe@parallaxtactical.com.

[NorCalFocus]

I've seen the Nordic, and honestly it was on my want list for my original build. The only thing that turns me off about them is having to spend another $20 on a 3" rail. Still even with adding that it's about the same price as the UTG.

Do those Paralax Tactical's use the same barrel nut as their square handguard? If so I'll pass on it. My buddy has a few of those and I'm not fond of it. We messed with his for an hour to get it lined up and tight. Also not sure a 13.5" would cover my gas block.

Thanks for the suggestions so far though, keep em coming.

[ratled]

+ on the ALG, Not very impressed with my Nordic. Most light weight metal ones are just as light.

Please no UTG

ratled

[scotty99]

I love my Samson handguard. Very light, strong and reasonably priced.


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[SMarquez]

I'm running a Nordic 15" on my 18" barrel. I like it. It has stayed tight and easily covers the low-pro gas block. I got mine through Joe Bob Outfitters with the gas block and tube and got free shipping.

[Jimi Jah]

I have the UTG superslim on a 20" rifle. It's straight, tight and thin. The finish is excellent. Fitting it with their patented nut is super easy. It's top notch stuff for less $.

The owner of Parallax Tactical said he had the same idea for a barrel nut/fastener but UTG beat him to the patent office. I also have a 9" and a 7" carbine on other rifles, all are GTG.

[FMJBT]

Some Ebay options:

15" keymod

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Mfg-15-KeyMod-Free-Float-Slim-Handguard-Full-Length-Aluminum-Quad-Rail-/271802946414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f48b7d36e

16.5" slim modular

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Modular-Pro-16-5-Inch-Length-Free-Float-Handguard-Quad-Rail-Steel-Nut-/271677329981?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f413b123d

15" USA made keymod with triangle profile (I kinda like this one)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-MADE-Trinity-Force-ULTRA-SLIM-15-KEYMOD-Free-Float-Handguard-Rail-System-/400884738150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d5697a866

15" carbon fiber

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Generation-223-Carbon-Fiber-Extra-Long-15-Free-Float-Quad-Rail-Hand-Guard-/171574201062?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f29e8ae6

[NorCalFocus]

+ on the ALG, Not very impressed with my Nordic. Most light weight metal ones are just as light.

Please no UTG

ratled

Why no UTG? Then what was wrong with your Nordic?

I love my Samson handguard. Very light, strong and reasonably priced.

At about $200 its a little more than I want to spend at this time.

I'm running a Nordic 15" on my 18" barrel. I like it. It has stayed tight and easily covers the low-pro gas block. I got mine through Joe Bob Outfitters with the gas block and tube and got free shipping.

I like the Nordic, and painting it OD green would be easier as its just round. Have you added a rail to it?

I have the UTG superslim on a 20" rifle. It's straight, tight and thin. The finish is excellent. Fitting it with their patented nut is super easy. It's top notch stuff for less $.

The owner of Parallax Tactical said he had the same idea for a barrel nut/fastener but UTG beat him to the patent office. I also have a 9" and a 7" carbine on other rifles, all are GTG.

So far I'm still leaning this way. I like the slim profile on it as well, much easier to grip.

Some Ebay options:

15" keymod

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Mfg-15-KeyMod-Free-Float-Slim-Handguard-Full-Length-Aluminum-Quad-Rail-/271802946414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f48b7d36e

16.5" slim modular

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Modular-Pro-16-5-Inch-Length-Free-Float-Handguard-Quad-Rail-Steel-Nut-/271677329981?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f413b123d

15" USA made keymod with triangle profile (I kinda like this one)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-MADE-Trinity-Force-ULTRA-SLIM-15-KEYMOD-Free-Float-Handguard-Rail-System-/400884738150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d5697a866

15" carbon fiber
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Generati...item27f29e8ae6

Ok has anyone tried an Ebay one? The prices make em tempting, but I'm scared to be a test monkey.

[NorCalFocus]

Damn Ebay....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-Inch-Xtra-Length-Free-Float-Quad-Rail-Handguard-w-Removable-Picatinny-Rails-/171391918199?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27e7c12077

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gen-2-15-KeyMod-Free-Float-Super-Slim-Handguard-Rifle-Full-Length-quad-rail/331394963013?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28797%26meid%3D1303be0ff54f4a6ab7d096a4ff5ee3f8%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D391058228493

Man for the price this is looking hard to beat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-Super-Slim-Free-Floating-Handguard-w-6-REMOVABLE-RAIL-Quad-Rail-Barrel-nut/311314749806?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29381%26meid%3D817a570571f14fc99bbfdeac4f9e2b10%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D311315339050&rt=nc

[FMJBT]

Ok has anyone tried an Ebay one? The prices make em tempting, but I'm scared to be a test monkey.

I used a 12.5" version of the carbon fiber handguard on a recent build and was pretty impressed with the quality of the handguard and barrel nut design. The rail sections are kind of low quality, but are functional. I drilled a small hole on the underside and bolted on a short sling swivel for mounting a bipod.

I ended up using the aluminum endcap on the forend mostly for the structural support. I noticed that the carbon fiber is thin enough that the forend will actually yield a bit if you grip it really tight near the end. Installing the endcap fixed that issue.

Build thread here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1039183