Polymer rails for AR-15?

[herrwalther]

So long story short, I finally finished my AR build. In the order, I bought some carbine length rails. Which turned out to be the long length for my rifle length barrel. On the website they have a set of polymer rails in rifle length. The price is good at $48. The claim is they don't need a heat shield and the polymer is durable enough for normal use. Has anyone used or built a rifle with polymer hand guards? Feedback?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/14...-quad-rail-ar-15-rifle-length-synthetic-black

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I don't have experience with those polymer handguards.

However, my AR came with Magpul MOE furniture throughout, including the handguard. This is a slick setup. It has this M-lok feature that allows you to attach some items, like the VFG that came on mine, without rails. You can also add rail sections in either polymer or aluminum as needed. There is no flex or play in this hanguard. It locks up tight and feels very nice. It has a heat shield in the lower peice of the handguard. Sorry, I haven't heated my rifle up enough to tell you how effective it is.



On a related note, I have TDI synthetics on my AK. These don't have a heat shield and I have put hundreds of rounds through that rifle in a setting. Those handguards have held up very well, even to having 180 rounds dumped through it as fast as I could pull the trigger and reload. Man I miss $90 cases of x39!

 

[herrwalther]

Sorry, I haven't heated my rifle up enough to tell you how effective it is.

I have done courses of fire in the military that really heated up the barrel. But I don't plan on putting my rifle through that many rounds. I have seen the Magpul M-lok handguards for sale in a few places. Not a big fan of those since I would either have to use Magpul gear or add more bulk to use third party parts.

 

[jakk280rem]

I'd rather have a standard A2 handguard for $18. It's lighter and thinner.

 

[herrwalther]

I'd rather have a standard A2 handguard for $18. It's lighter and thinner.

The upper that came with the rifle has standard A2 handguards. I prefer quad rails. Or at the very least a bottom rail to put a vertical foregrip on and a flashlight.

 

[Ibmikey]

I happen to be one of those who rings the most shooting out of a session as possible, therefore, my barrels can at times become quite hot when the steel is ringing. The MI and other hand guards (aluminum) can become warm but not to the extent I cannot maintain a hold. Using Magpul standard and slim hand guards (they have heat shields) again I must report that although heat is noticeable the guard remains cool enough to hold. Polymere without shields may be another story, but at $45 it is worth a try and if disappointment is the result you can throw it away. My interest would be in how sturdy the poly hand guard is under rigorous use.
So when your barrel is smoking like a field on fire check heat values yourself but be sure to keep the fingers off the steel.

 

[David4516]

I have seen the Magpul M-lok handguards for sale in a few places. Not a big fan of those since I would either have to use Magpul gear or add more bulk to use third party parts.

How does the Magpul add more bulk compared to a quad rail? I like the option of having rails where I want them, and having the rest be smooth where I don't need rails.

These guys sell them with built in QD sockets for a sling if that is something that appeals to you:

http://www.impactweaponscomponents.com/category/combo-deals/handguards/

 

[md7]

I have a set of MOE handguards with the IWC qd drilled near the receiver. Same one David4516 mentioned. Also has a light using their side mount cantilever mount. It's a pretty simple, slick set up.

I realize it's not a 1913 rail, but I don't think it's overly bulky and it saves a lot of space on the guard. Food for thought is all.

Good luck, herrwalther. Hope you find something that suits your preference.

Congrats on wrapping up the build also.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I have the same one as MTMilitiaman on a carbine and have gotten hot enough to be pretty uncomfortable to hold.

I haven't seen the handguard warp or show any negative effects.

I think some are good to go, others, maybe not.