Best AR Quad Rail Handguard
- Thread starter kennyboy
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LoadedDrum
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- Dec 7, 2004
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Depending on who you ask it is either the Larue or the DD LITE models. For a more value priced alternative I like Midwest Industries.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Troy is good too, and it doesn't require that you take the barrel off.
RockyMtnTactical
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- Oct 21, 2006
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LaRue
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Best? I think it really just depends on what you need.
The Daniel Defense is popular because with its aluminium barrel nut, it is actually lighter than the total installed weight of the M4 handguards.
The Larue is popular because it has the anti-roll plate that aligns it and the QD sling swivel sockets. Plus it is just generally well-made.
Those two are probably my two favorites; but if you need different features (like an uninterrupted top rail for example), then you may want a different system.
YHM makes or has made about 20 different handguards. Which ones are you comparing? I haven't dealt with any of the newer YHM products which are supposedly much better; but on the older ones, the YHM rails were not to Picatinny spec, didn't cool as well and were heavier to boot. I haven't even looked at the specs on their newer products though.
The Daniel Defense is popular because with its aluminium barrel nut, it is actually lighter than the total installed weight of the M4 handguards.
The Larue is popular because it has the anti-roll plate that aligns it and the QD sling swivel sockets. Plus it is just generally well-made.
Those two are probably my two favorites; but if you need different features (like an uninterrupted top rail for example), then you may want a different system.
YHM makes or has made about 20 different handguards. Which ones are you comparing? I haven't dealt with any of the newer YHM products which are supposedly much better; but on the older ones, the YHM rails were not to Picatinny spec, didn't cool as well and were heavier to boot. I haven't even looked at the specs on their newer products though.
I would pick Larue. If I needed an uninterupted top rail for whatever reason and HAD to use a conventional reciever, I would get a VLTOR CASV-EL but it will limit the types of optics/mounts you can use.
If price is an issue I'd go MI or go with plastic handguards. Just remember "buy once cry once". Don't go buy the cheapest red dot, flashlight, rail system, iron sights, bolts, etc. just so that you can have that stuff on your rifle RIGHT NOW, that money would be much better spent on training, ammo, and practice. When you take classes to become more proficient, try other's equipment out yourself before you decide if you really need it. Don't get caught up in spending all your money blinging out your rifle to the point that you can't afford ammo for it.YMMV.
If price is an issue I'd go MI or go with plastic handguards. Just remember "buy once cry once". Don't go buy the cheapest red dot, flashlight, rail system, iron sights, bolts, etc. just so that you can have that stuff on your rifle RIGHT NOW, that money would be much better spent on training, ammo, and practice. When you take classes to become more proficient, try other's equipment out yourself before you decide if you really need it. Don't get caught up in spending all your money blinging out your rifle to the point that you can't afford ammo for it.YMMV.
that's interesting, bart. i've been using the YHM on my last several ARs and have liked them so much, i couldn't figure out what people saw in the others, which are so much more expensive.
i'm not sure about the milspec part, but all the stuff i've ever attached to the forearms has fit just fine. anecdotes i know.
i'm not sure about the milspec part, but all the stuff i've ever attached to the forearms has fit just fine. anecdotes i know.
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Taliv, there are actually lots of rails out there that aren't to Picatinny spec, including the first gen Daniel Defense rails (just on the sides) and ARMS SIR. Often they reduce the depth of the slot (which isn't critical for most accessories) in order to make the rail less bulky. Another popular deviation is to cut a cross slot though the middle (Weaver style).
Both of those will still let you attach most optics mounts; but they may get a little goofy with some accessories. To use one example, the Tangodown vertical grip will not work on rails that do not have the Picatinny-spec depth in the slot.
Checking out the YHM webpage, it looks like they still have the big slot cut down the middle of each of the rails for all but one product, which isn't Picatinny spec despite their marketing comments. Now that isn't a big deal to me personally, and I think the YHM tubes are a great value, especially their lightweight tube. I haven't had a chance to check it out; but it looks very promising - better circulation for cooling, small anti-roll barrel nut, and only 2oz heavier than the DD at half the price.
Both of those will still let you attach most optics mounts; but they may get a little goofy with some accessories. To use one example, the Tangodown vertical grip will not work on rails that do not have the Picatinny-spec depth in the slot.
Checking out the YHM webpage, it looks like they still have the big slot cut down the middle of each of the rails for all but one product, which isn't Picatinny spec despite their marketing comments. Now that isn't a big deal to me personally, and I think the YHM tubes are a great value, especially their lightweight tube. I haven't had a chance to check it out; but it looks very promising - better circulation for cooling, small anti-roll barrel nut, and only 2oz heavier than the DD at half the price.
10-Ring
Member
I have been very satisfired w/ my YHM FF lightweight rail system I have on my RRA. I was looking at the LaRue & the DD but went w/ YHM and put what I saved into ammo 
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