Ar-15 bipod adapter question... what would you want

[brian923]

Hello guys n gals! I just got back from the county administration office after filling out the paperwork for starting my new personal business! I am going to start offering custom Ar-15 uppers that will be available in a wide array of anodized colors, but I'm turning to my fellow THR shooters for your advice on a free float handguard. This is in reguards to mounting a bipod onto the handguard. Would you rather have.... a milled slot with a 4" picitinny rail at the 12 oclock position at the front for a bipod adapter, or a conventional bipod sling swivel stud instead? Here's a pic of the handguard in the white. Let me know what you think!

 

[brian923]

Here's a picture of my first prototype that has a magpul polymer picitinny rail installed on the front for a bipod attachment, flashlight or even a front forgrip.

 

[desidog]

Definitely the 4" rail, so you can use a flashlight/laser, or even attach a sling swivel. It's a lot more versatile.

 

[Outlaw Man]

I would also be more apt to go for the rail.

Nice looking handguard.

 

[brian923]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I figured the picitinny rail would be better suit because of the wide variety of accessories that could be attached to the rail. Any other suggestions would be awesome! I want to provide great looking, accurate uppers for great prices, and I believe that its the customer/user input that provides for great equipment and products! Thanks again! Brian

 

[cfullgraf]

My ARs that I use a bipod on, I use a Harris or Sinclair bipod with a sling swivel stud mounted to the hand guard.

But, my ARs with bipods are long, heavy barrel varmint rifles.

 

[gpjoe]

I would offer both as an option to the customer, if possible.

I know you probably want to keep your manufacturing process simple, and have fewer parts, but maybe the mounting hole for the rail could double as a mounting hole for a simple stud

Not everyone wants to hang a bunch of stuff on their rifle. I would definitely be interested in a swivel stud to mount a bi-pod, but have no interest in a flashlight, laser, or any other doo-hickey mounted to my AR.

Just a thought.

 

[brian923]

I, for one, have always been one who liked the simle slim smooth forends. I have no need for 36" of picitinny rail space. I like the idea of the sling swivel for simplicity and aesthetics. But I do see the advantages if the rail...

 

[gpjoe]

Agreed, but you're not buying it...you're selling it. And standard ARs have no rail on the hand guard. Again, just on man's opinion and maybe not popular.

Best of luck - your hand guard does look nice (and clean).

 

[brian923]

Thanks again guys. I want to offer as much as I can for all different types of shooters. I have been making some different CAD designs that I think should work out very well. I just got a new mill and a ton of tooling for it and the lathe! Stay tuned!

 

[B!ngo]

What is the difference in weight between the swivel stud and the rail? Since torque=force x lever arm, significant weight out there is a drag. That is, I like the adjustability but don't like the extra weight. I tend to use rails, but that is one part that I wish I could purchase in a lightweight metal. Even if I had to pay more.
B

 

[brian923]

On my prototype, I used a 4" piece of magpul polymer picitnny rail. It is ultra lightweight, and if it is not wanted, it is screwed on with 2 torx screws so it can be removed, If not being used. I'm thinking about changing the size of the hold down screws to the same size of a sling swivel. So either or can be used.

So, this brings me to my next question..... I am currently making these in 12" free floats right now, which covers the gas block (this will require the installation of a low profile gas block). What size would you guys like to see offered? The thing I would like to offer custom lengths and designs.

 

[Centurian22]

Very nice work. I like the thinking of the swivel sized mounting holes / screws if it works out. Possibly offer a hex head plug that would sit flush or recessed if neither rail or swivel stud is desired to protect the hole/threads? As for length, I would do some research into what's popular; but I would say 12", 15", and 18" sounds good. What is the price point range on these?

 

[brian923]

The baseline price I'm still working on. I'm thinking I can hit the $100-$150 dollar mark or roundabouts, for handguard and mounting nut no problem to stay competitive with other, much larger manufacturers. And customising shouldn't raise the price to much... my father has been in the hospital for the past few weeks so production got pushed back just a little. But we should be up and going very soon!

 

[brian923]

Here is some engraving we did. This is the smooth 12" that was is the earlier complete rifle pic. It is a snake skin pattern with my company's logo on it. Just some of the customizing I want to offer for anyone to make "their own" handguard personally theirs!