AR-15 Handguard Conundrum

[ugaarguy]

I've posted in other threads about the M&P-15 Sport I recently acquired. As noted else where, the handguards are the only thing that needs upgrading.

I also currently have a Daniel Defense M4 V1, which shipped with their Omega-X 12 FSP free float, railed handguard. My two favorite features of the O-X 12 FSP are the length to put my hand way out toward the muzzle (which is more comfortable for me), and the anti-rotation QD swivel mount at the rear of the handguard.

Since I'm going to upgrade the handguards on the Sport anyway, I may as go ahead and get something I want. The DD O-X 12 FSP is very nice, but at $350 + the wrench it's quite a bit of money to add to the Sport.

Here are the options I'm considering:

Troy MRF CX. This is my leading candidate. It essentially does what the DD O-X 12 FSP does, and at $230 it's over $100 less than the DD. The simple installation of cutting of the delta ring, and clamping the handguard halves to the bbl. nut is also quite nice. My only reservation is that the QD studs on the MRF are 360 - not rotation limited. I hate having my sling get twisted up. If the QD studs were rotation limited I'd have already ordered a set from Troy.

Midwest Industries MCTAR-17G2 Gen 2 drop in handguards. At $130 these are inexpensive, but decent quality. They do have the anti-rotation QD swivel studs as well. They are not free float, and they do not offer the additional length that the previously mentioned DD & Troy handguards offer.

The ideal handguard would be the Troy, or something similarly priced, with anti-rotation QD studs at the back of the handguard.

What else should I be looking at that meets that criteria or comes close?

 

[Dr.Rob]

Let me know if you get rid of your SW handguards, I have a gal that wants to try a slimmer set than the std M-4 double heat shielded ones on my Colt.

 

[ugaarguy]

Rob, as soon as I decide on the new handguard & get it installed I'll let you know. The stock ones are yours.

 

[ugaarguy]

Bump. Any ideas?

 

[ugaarguy]

Bit the bullet, and got the Troy MRF-CX. Despite what Troy's customer service had told, the QD studs ARE rotation limited on the MRF-CX. I'll put more info over in the M&P Sport thread shortly - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=597230

 

[b7tac]

Spike Tactical BAR around $190. Good looking and everything you need/want.

 

[ugaarguy]

b7tac,

I've already received and installed the Troy MRF-CX. I just looked at the Spikes Tactical railed handguards. They're nice, but they don't offer a rifle length model that mounts around the fixed FSB of a carbine length gas system.

The DD Omega-x 12 FSP is super nice, but not drop in.

Midwest does a half-a$$ed version that has a has a carbine length bottom rail, and top & side rails that extend slightly beyond the FSB.

The MRF-CX is a full 12" long model that drops in (after cutting off the delta ring), and goes around the FSB.

UTG makes an even heavier knock off of the Troy MRF-CX. The price is low, but so is the build quality.

So, the MRF-CX from Troy was / is the only drop in option that does what I want.