AR handguard length opinions

[VVelox]

Howdy!

Any one have any opinions on AR handguard length?

Just looking to build a new upper in 7.62x39mm and was pondering the idea of using a low profile gas block and getting a midlength or rifle MOE hangguard and using a YHM flip up sight mounted further up.

 

[ZGunner]

I like a longer hand guard. I like the way the Samson Evo feels in my hands, it's thin.

I don't know if the MOE can be free floated to work with a lo pro gas block. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[VVelox]

I'm not free floading the handguard. It is done using second gas block located further up the barrel, which would also get me a longer sight radius with the iron sights as well as a farther forward mount for the sling.

 

[TIMC]

My last build has a 15" Gen II SS hand guard from Midwest industries. I like it because it is very thin and light weight.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I'm not free floading the handguard. It is done using second gas block located further up the barrel, which would also get me a longer sight radius with the iron sights as well as a farther forward mount for the sling.

My favorite AR type is the "mock dissipator". Put the front sight out at rifle length and use rifle handguards. Rifles are supposed to have the front sight out at the muzzle anyways.

I am currently building a 7.62x39 AR with a front sight at rifle length and midlength gas/handguards. Really gives it an AK look that way with the exposed gas block.

 

[otrman]

It is done using second gas block located further up the barrel

Doing this will cause you a host of issues. The barrel in front of the gas block is smaller diameter and the yhm gas block/sight will not mount securely and that unit is a PITA to get to line up correctly, being off 1 or 2 degrees can make zeroing difficult. There is also a washer/mounting plate that goes on behind the gas block which is the front mount for the hand guard. It will also be larger diameter than the barrel which will allow the front of the hand guard to move around. Second the plate is kept from rotating by the gas tube. So going this route will allow the hand guard to wiggle around and rotate.

which would also get me a longer sight radius with the iron sights as well as a farther forward mount for the sling.

15" Gen II SS hand guard from Midwest industries

^^^This will get you what you want with the addition of a flip up sight of your choice.

 

[jmike314]

New guy here. Just putting in my $.02 - the mock dissipator with the MOE handguard will work depending on the barrel.
* A2 clamp on front sight is holding the handguard end cap in place and it has not rotated without gas tube. Using an M4 profile barrel where the end is only slightly smaller but the front sight has held.