O.D. Handguard Question, Evolution vs CASV

[XCaligulaX]

I've been shopping around for hanguards on my new AR build. I'm mostly looking for a modular FF because I don't like the look and additional weight of quad rails, I like just being able to add rails just for the attachments I run.

I really like the look of the Magpul MOE guard, however I noticed that it cannot have an upper rail for BUIS which I plan to include so unfortunately that one is out. So now I'm looking at the Vltor CASV-EL and the Samson Evolution. Unfortunately I have yet to see either of these in person, and I'm not sure if it's the pictures or not, but although there is only about 1/3" different in diameter(1.8" Evo vs 2.12" CASV), the Evolution looks substantially slimmer than the CASV. Almost to the point of discomfort. Does anyone have experience with either of these? Is it just the pictures that are throwing me off or is the Evolution really that slim?

[REDPATCHUSMC]

I just bought these... I love them!

https://www.abarms.com/AB_ARMS_MOD1_p/abam1b.htm

Not sure if they are considered FF however!

[XCaligulaX]

Wow that's quite a unique handguard! I like the idea behind it, but I don't like that it forces you to place your hand in the exact location. If they figured out a way to make multiple options on the placement of that lower half I would be all over this. I love to see unique designs like that, it must look awesome in person, any pictures?

[BobbyZ]

May not help but I like the JD Machine Tech hand guards cause you can add rails anywhere on the top and on the sides and bottom at the front of the guard. Plenty of guards like it since I bought mine a few years back. It's metal so it's heavier and more expensive but it's light compared to many quad rails. That's why I bought it. Plus it's way more rugged than the polymer guards.

http://www.jdmachinetech.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JD&Screen=PROD&Category_Code=223RL&Product_Code=223CHG

[floorance]

I have the Casv-el, its much slimmer to the feel vs a regular set of carbine handguards, and the whole setup can come off within seconds. The only hard part is finding a rear BUIS that fits, I use a Midwest Industries. If you get the full kit you have multiple rails to place all over the CASV-el. As for optics the additonal height on the rail on top would require you to run low mounts for most RDS or Med Rings for any riflescopes (which may sit pretty flush and not look so great)

[XCaligulaX]

Yea I've heard about the problem with sights on the CASV, I want to run the Eotech HHS 2 and co-witness is not really that big of a deal for me. Thanks for the tip on the BUIS, I'm leaning towards the CASV for my build, just wish it was available in 12"

[cundiff5535]

XCal, I have Casv-El on two of my AR's. I personally like them alot. I run an Eotech on one and have not mounted an optic to the other as of yet (just finishing it up). The weight is awesome and I have no complaints about them. The co-witness thing doesn't bother me at all either... I do not like my front sight up when I have an optic on my rifle... let me know if you want me to post a few pics and I can show you!

[scotty99]

I just got my Samson rail yesterday for a lightweight upper I'm building. I have not mounted it yet, but test fit it to the upper last night, and I know I'm going to be very happy. It's slim, but not significantly more so than other FF rails I have used. The quality and fit are very impressive. The "S" shaped vent holes really set this rail apart and look great. I would not hesitate to recommend it based on my (at this point) limited experience with it.

[XCaligulaX]

XCal, I have Casv-El on two of my AR's. I personally like them alot. I run an Eotech on one and have not mounted an optic to the other as of yet (just finishing it up). The weight is awesome and I have no complaints about them. The co-witness thing doesn't bother me at all either... I do not like my front sight up when I have an optic on my rifle... let me know if you want me to post a few pics and I can show you!

I would be very interested in seeing a few pictures of your Eotech mounted AR. I want to run the HHS2 on mine. I'll be getting BUIS to use while I wait for the optic to arrive, and also just in case it fails or if I just want to change things up a bit.

[Paul053]

I own a 12.75" Evolution handguard and love it. I normally wear XL or XXL gloves and find that it fits my hand perfect and is neither to slim or fat.