AR15 hand guard help

[horsemen61]

Hey everyone ok I am building a target/varmint ar 15 in 6MM ARC


Here is the problem I am looking for a smooth free float hand guard 15 inches or longer all I need is a sling stud so I can mount a bipod


Any ideas guys



this is what I am looking at building

 

[entropy]

When you get the handguard on, if it is drilled for one, just be sure you index it so it is at the bottom. If not, test fit it, pull it off and drill one where you want it. I would think most free-float handguards are already drilled.

 

[Varminterror]

Do you insist on a tube-type handguard, or are you rather looking for a handguard without many bells and whistles?

The large diameter, smooth tube-types are still around, but much less common than they used to be. Largely because most folks prefer the option of adaptability now, which simply wasn’t available when the idea of free-floating handguards first came about many years ago.

For long rail, high stability, no bells or whistles builds, I’ve used the Geissele Mk18 16” rail which includes an integral arca rail, the Lancer carbon fiber tubes, 18” Midwest G3 ultralight and Suppressor Compatible rails, and the Aero Atlas S-One and R-One rails, all of which I find to be simple, smooth, and exceptionally solid rails.

Lancer Carbon Fiber


Geissele Mk18


Midwest Suppressor Compatible


Midwest G3 Ultralight

 

[WestKentucky]

I would not recommend actually purchasing a product from justrails.com for use on a high end build like what the 6arc will most likely be. I will however say that there are some shameful Chinese closes of high end products there that are dirt cheap so if you are unsure about what you want then you could possibly buy the $40 knockoff version and play with it before buying the $400 version to really use

 

[wild willy]

Don't know how heavy of barrel you're using but one thing to be aware of is clearance with a heavier barrel with some adjustable gas blocks.Especailly with a round handguard.

 

[taliv]

if you want the look in the picture, go look at yankee hill machine's old rails. they're cheap and pretty much just tubes. but there's a reason (lack of anti-rotation) people don't use them much anymore, and it's not just looks.

if you want something a bit nicer, jp rifles makes a solid, good for precision, but very plain tube style, and the barrel nut from varmint's lancer pic is either a JP nut or a knockoff

 

[CapnMac]

And, we're all hoping that Walther's .22lr version is, in fact, an OEM-spec AR.
All this is pretty moot if the thing is more like a GSG clone.

I'm trying to see if Walther makes a .223 version of this, to suggest 'full' compatibility.

 

[md7]

Varminterror’s suggestions are excellent. All those he mentioned are good options.

If those are unavailable, you may check out BCM and Centurion. They have some rails that appear similar to those he mentioned.

I am not sure what availability is like these days so I figured a couple more options may be helpful in your search.

 

[Demi-human]

I’d get a Caldwell XLA M-Lok bipod and skip the sling mount. Then if it hits the bench and doesn’t need it, there is total smoothness. It is of good quality for the price and found many places.

Those Giessele MK18s look like my cup of tea, until I see the price!
They totally look worth it though...

There are also M-Lok sling mounts/studs if necessary.

 

[Zerodefect]

Troy:

 

[Orcon]

PRI makes a pretty nifty handguard in 15".

 

[MistWolf]

I strongly endorse VT's recommendation of the Lancer carbon fiber free float tube. The one I have works great and will be getting another.

Second choice is PRI. The one I have works great.

Install the sling mount on the side like you would for an M4 carbine. Check out the sling QD cup Mount N Slot sells.

 

[greyling22]

Hogue makes some tubes. https://www.hogueinc.com/tactical/ar-15-m16/free-float-forends-forend-extensions/rifle-length

It's not a smooth tube, but since everybody else is recommending "other" let me say that I have been super impressed with utg's made in america pro line. Every edge is chamfered, the finish is nice, they are well designed, and a lot cheaper than many other brands. Here is a 17" long mlok version https://www.primaryarms.com/leapers-utg-pro-m-lok-ar-15-super-slim-free-float-handguard-17in

 

[Varminterror]

I did forget about the Nordic tubular handguards. They’re cheap, but they’re solid. Doesn’t get much more basic than that, but still has option to Mount sling stud and bipod. It’s been a long time since I have used one, since they are their own proprietary slot dimensions, and because the fat round tube style has largely lost favor.

 

[horsemen61]

I did forget about the Nordic tubular handguards. They’re cheap, but they’re solid. Doesn’t get much more basic than that, but still has option to Mount sling stud and bipod. It’s been a long time since I have used one, since they are their own proprietary slot dimensions, and because the fat round tube style has largely lost favor.

View attachment 981764

Thank you for mentioning them that’s what I went with so thank you!