Free float handguard for M4gery

[M&PVolk]

There seem to be a lot of different options for the quad rail m4 setup with widely diverse prices. It's not that I want to skimp here, but $325 for a Daniel Defense free float quad rail just seems over the top to me, and I am sure you aren't getting a good part at $50. So what is the best value for something like this? Brands and general pricing information would be helpful. I want one, but am not going to pay a 1/3 of my rifle's cost of a handguard

Advice?

 

[DMK]

I like my YHM lightweight rail. I'm not sure what I'm giving up to the other brands, but it fits good and I've never had any trouble with any accessories fitting on it.


http://www.yankeehillmachine.com/store/forearms.html

 

[Justin]

You might look at the Vtac handguards. Cheaper, lighter, and very well made.

 

[winknplink]

JP enterprises Vtac FTW. Light, smallish, handy, versatile, doesn't cost $300

 

[BsChoy]

You can find Yankee Hill cheaper than the factory prices online. I have the specter version of their customizable forend and its comfortable and you can put the rails anywhere you'd like.

 

[Welding Rod]

I have been happy with YHM.

 

[shibby]

What about hogue?

 

[HOLY DIVER]

+1 on Yankee Hill Machine +1 ON Vtac both will serve you well i have a YHM on my target AR and my only complaint is if you look very very close you can see some machining marks/does it affect its performance NO i'm very happy with my $140 FREE FLOAT RAIL. now if you by a Daniel Defense,Larue,Troy you not going to see any machining marks what so ever but your going to cough up another $200 for it

 

[Shung]

Larue, KAC, DD... these are the top notch..

If you don't want to spend much, and a FF isnt really needed, go KAC RAS.. you can find new ones, second hand for 150$ or less.. very good stuff..

I have one YHM on my 22lr upper, but these are heavy..

other than that, I have AR's with KAC RAS (M4 and M5), DD RIS II and M4 7.0, and PRI GEN III

 

[Zerodefect]

Larue, Troy, DD are my favorites. The Larue is the best IMO.

The new Troy TRX Extreme top rail is really sharp looking. One top rail with small add on rails, so it's mostly a tube.

 

[Pipe Burn]

YHM is currently advertising their Customizable Free Float Forearm System on sale for all three lengths. I have one on my 6.8 AR and recommend it. Some of the rail systems are on sale too.


Scroll halfway down the page. They are solid. $106, $116, and $136 depending on length. These are sale prices.

http://www.yhm.net/store/forearms.html

Four Rail Free Float Forearms for about $101, $108. Sale price.

 

[Globeguy]

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DD+10005

If you got a carbine length gas system, that would be a sweet deal for you.

 

[nipprdog]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=51535/sku/Lightweight_Rifle_Handguard

 

[Tirod]

Numrich/Gun Parts is selling used A1 furniture kits for $18 - stock, grip, handguard, probably triangular. Government Issue, milspec, does the job.

CAA offers new for less than $80. I mention this because if there is no reason to mount a light, laser, or vertical grip, there's no reason for a quad rail. Most of the newer designs are minimizing rails, as accessories are taking up less space. Bolt on strips you place where necessary are commonly offered on handguards like the MOE. This leaves less need for ladder fillers, etc and a smooth grip.

I'm finding it easy to justify not having a quad rail on a hunting/HD build - $350 can go toward a different caliber or even an ASA side charger upper. That would give me a real improvement in ergonomics, not a loss mounting equipment illegal to hunt with.

Prioritize what it's for, build it to use is what I recommend.

 

[Welding Rod]

I mention this because if there is no reason to mount a light, laser, or vertical grip, there's no reason for a quad rail.

There is one - accuracy. I have quads just to provide a free floated barrel. The airflow they allow helps aide cooling of the barrel, and I can shoot slung up or off a bipod without shifting POI.

If fine accuracy isn't an issue though, I agree, and I do like plastic handguards as well.

 

[wally]

Not planning to hang anything off mine other than a red dot in front of the carry handle, I'm very happy with the UTG free float carbine quad rail I gave $40 for at a gun show. I'd be happier if they made dual rail hand guards -- top for a forward mounted optic, bottom for a bipod or vertical grip. The stuff on the side I don't care for at all.

Quad rail is not necessarily free-float, and free-float hand guards are not always quad rails.

--wally.