Need AR hand guard suggestions

[Demos]

Hi guys,
I working on a 16" mid-length gas tube carbine build and I'm looking for a hand guard. I want it free floated, with a rail on top for a BUIS (have the magpul ones already) and I would like to be able to put a sling swivel, and pieces of rail so I can attach a bipod on occasion and maybe a flash light. I'm not a fan of quad rails. I would also like it long enough to cover the gas block.

I have a rainier evolution rail on my 20" AR, and I like it, but with a sling it pull the front down almost 1/4", so iron sights mounted to it would be worthless. What is something similar but stiffer?

Thanks,
Demos

P.S the complete build will be:
Rainier forged lower
Aero Precision upper
Aim point pro
Magpul BUIS
Magpul fixed carbine stock
Lothar Walther very very light contour barrel
Geisel trigger

 

[Onmilo]

Here ya go.
https://www.precisionreflex.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=186750&CAT=9623

 

[otrman]

Or this,

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/26...d-smooth-quad-rail-ar-15-aluminum-matte-black

 

[Doc7]

I am going with a Midwest Gen2 SS. However, I will have my front sight be an A2 gas block for the utmost accuracy with a free floated rail and tight shooting sling usage.

 

[kudu]

Check Midsouth Shooter supply, they have several Gen II handguards on clearance sale right now.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/Clearance/Vendor/00089/MIDWEST-INDUSTRIES/Dept/ar-15

 

[Jesse H]

Bcm kmr

 

[md7]

I use magpul MOE handguards. (Full disclosure) If I were to use a rail other than picatinny, it'd probably be a bcm keymod. Very comfortable rail, slim, and light weight.

 

[Demos]

The BCM key mod does look nice. When I started looking into it more the Geissle hand guard kept being mentioned. Does anyone know how they compare?

Thanks for al the suggestions,
Demos

 

[md7]

Demos,

I've handled several rifles with the kmr. Enough to have at least formed an opinion on it based on handling characteristics.

Honestly, I've never seen nor handled Geissele's SMR. So, I'm afraid that I cannot offer an opinion on them compared to the kmr. Anecdotally, I've heard that they are very well made (as anything else from Geissele is), heavy duty, and people that have them really seem to enjoy them. They're mlok (I think) which is different than keymod, but probably just as good.

Sorry I cannot provide anything more substantial. Good luck on your decision, Demos. Hope you get something nice and are pleased with it.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Best bang for the buck, check out the UTG Pro Super Slim series. They're pretty good, and are US made. If you don't mind spending a bit more, hard to go wrong with MI.

 

[Jim Watson]

I want one out past the muzzle so the muzzle blast sucks cooling air through; like a Lewis gun.

 

[1911 guy]

I like the Midwest Industries Gen 2 handguard.

I have an opinion on the keymod, MLock, etc. They work and work well, from all reports. But in the end, it's just a gimmick to sell more stuff. Stick with Mil-Std 1913 picatinny rail and you'll always be able to find things that fit. Go with a "new and improved", you will soon find yourself at the mercy of a changing market because the fad is over.

Just my opinion.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have an opinion on the keymod, MLock, etc. They work and work well, from all reports. But in the end, it's just a gimmick to sell more stuff. Stick with Mil-Std 1913 picatinny rail and you'll always be able to find things that fit.

The keymod, MLOK or proprietary guards are a lot thinner, lighter, sleeker and more comfortable than quad rails, without sacrificing the ability to mount stuff. Most come with a couple of short pic rail sections to mount a light and some kind of vertical grip, which is all the extreme majority of us ever want to hang on rifles.

 

[Jesse H]

I want one out past the muzzle so the muzzle blast sucks cooling air through; like a Lewis gun.

Make sure you put a handstop on the rail before the muzzle device!

The keymod, MLOK or proprietary guards are a lot thinner, lighter, sleeker and more comfortable than quad rails, without sacrificing the ability to mount stuff. Most come with a couple of short pic rail sections to mount a light and some kind of vertical grip, which is all the extreme majority of us ever want to hang on rifles.

And this is the reason I'm going with the BCM rail on my next rifle. I don't necessarily care for the keymod system as all I plan on attaching is a light and front sight at 12 o'clock, but the thinner overall diameter of the rail is a winner for me.

 

[1911 guy]

Have you looked at the Midwest Industries rails? Very slim O.D., only one rail permanent on top, drilled and tapped holes for mounting rail sections where needed. Hard to beat the weight, can't get a lot lighter than aluminum.

 

[greyling22]

I actually like the utg pro better than the Midwest one. Alg makes a nice looking rail at a decent price too.