I received a barrel I had on backorder and the kicker is,,,

[Onmilo]

It's an 18" AR15/M16 barrel.
SPR contour, rifle length gas system.
Now I need a PRI forend.
$300 these things cost *Shudder*
Any GOOD alternatives?
I have no plans to duplicate the Mk12 Mod 0/Mod 1 exactly as my muzzle contraption is Surefire suppressor ready, the bolt and carrier are Chromed and the charger handle is a PRI GasBuster.
That's as far as I have made it on this build decision so far....

As it stands, The Military really did make a wise decision choosing the PRI forend, good stuff, just,, Dayummm,,,,,

Oh yeah, the upper is Cerro Key forging, M4 style, numbered slots, etc.

 

[ZGunner]

I like the way the Sampson Evolution looks. I had the 15" on a rifle I had for a short time. It looked very nice and felt good in my hand, I liked the slim profile. Under $200.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/28...ble-free-float-handguard-ar-15-aluminum-matte

I like how light he BCM Keymod is. I have no personal experience with this and it's not much cheaper than the PRI.

www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-KMR-KeyMod-Handguard-s/184.htm

 

[ugaarguy]

Despite being made mostly of carbon fiber the PRI 12" handguard weighs 16.5 ounces including the bbl nut.

The 12" Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS aluminum handguard weighs 9.3 ounces including the bbl nut, and it's $180 at Bravo Company - http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/MI-12-inch-Gen2-SS-Series-One-Piece-Free-Float-Han-p/mi-ss12g2.htm.

The 13" BCM Keymod linked above weighs 7.7 ounces including its bbl nut.

 

[Onmilo]

I should have been more clear in the need for a standard 12" rifle length as I am using the PRI folding front sight gas block.

Like the MI Gen ll but really want to stay away from aluminum as I have had some bad experiences with toasty forearms that left a couple scars.
The real reason for vertical fore grips no one tells you about...

 

[DRYHUMOR]

http://www.lancer-systems.com/business-areas/small-arms/products/carbon-fiber-handguard/

 

[HOOfan_1]

Carbon Fiber is going to be costly.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/15...ngth-vented-carbon-fiber?cm_vc=ProductFinding


I'd get aluminum with a rail and put on rail covers

 

[jakk280rem]

Take a look at the AP Customs unit. I put one on a build and like it alot. Very light. Uses a two piece aluminum fixture that clamps around a GI barrel nut, no epoxy. They make two models, one with a top rail and one without. Bad news is it does not mate up with the upper and create a continuous top rail like some of the aluminum units. Comes with a couple rail sections for sling or bipod mounting. Under $200 for the 12".

 

[sixgunner455]

+1 on AP Customs. I put one on my 6.8 upper. Very light, attractive, cool-looking according to my teenaged son.

 

[Onmilo]

I saw the AP Customs....
Kinda like.
As matter of fact, I have the upper assembled loose using just a bare barrel nut now.
Hmmmmm,,,,,,

 

[Trent]

Despite being made mostly of carbon fiber the PRI 12" handguard weighs 16.5 ounces including the bbl nut.

The 12" Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS aluminum handguard weighs 9.3 ounces including the bbl nut, and it's $180 at Bravo Company - http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/MI-12-inch-Gen2-SS-Series-One-Piece-Free-Float-Han-p/mi-ss12g2.htm.

The 13" BCM Keymod linked above weighs 7.7 ounces including its bbl nut.

I'll second that Midwest Industries handguard. I just built one using it on a medium profile barrel, mid-length build, rifles are set up identically except for handguard:



The top rifle with the MI handguard PLUS sights, weighs 1/3 pound less than the bottom rifle with Magpul MOE plastic handguard (and NO sights!)

(Note; I have the additional quad-rail segments on the MI one in a bag; didn't need them. If you were to install those they'd probably come out about equal.)

Those MI fore-ends are ridiculously lightweight.

Both mid-length medium profile 16" builds come in at under 7 pounds, but the MI handguard one remains under 7 pounds even with a 30 round magazine inserted.