FF handguard length

[edkern]

I'm looking for a FF handguard. The Rainier Arms Evolution tickles my fancy (link below). I'm going to mount a bipod and like the looks of the rail on top of the handguard (even though I'm unlikely to use it). I'm an engineer so I find the triangular cutouts particularly appealing.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2563

Should I get a 12" or 15" handguard? How long does a FF handguard need to be to cover the gas block of a rifle length gas system? Should I get the longer one for better bipod placement?

These are the things I am concerned about in order of importance:
1) Weight
2) Appearance
3) Cost

I haven't set my heart on the Rainier Evolution so if you think there is a better handguard to suit my needs then by all means let me know. If you think tubular handguards are terrible, or that I'm missing something when considering the handguard, then please weigh in.

Just to reiterate, my main question is what handguard length do you think is the most appropriate?

 

[Mil.Dot]

Re: FF handguard length

It's really up to you. The 12" rail will leave the rifle length gas block exposed beyond the end of the rail. The Mk12 Mod1 SPR upper uses a 12" KAC rail and a pinned low profile gas block, so 12" and rifle length can be done.

On the other hand, to cover a rifle length gas system, you need about 13+" of rail. If you just barely want to cover the gas block, you need something like a LaRue 13.2" rail, Troy Alpha 13", Noveske NSR 13.5", KAC URX 3.1.

A 15" will completely cover it, no problem, and in my opinion, looks good on a 18-20" barrel. Unless you are looking to build a Mk12 Mod1 clone, I would go with a 13-16" rail, so the gas block is covered.

I personally like having a bipod on a longer rail, but the difference between 12" and 15" is probably not a deal breaker.

I have a Rainier Evolution on order as we speak, because it seem like a good option for a build I am putting to together. I would also recommend looking at the Troy Alpha (or Troy VTAC Alpha) rail options. They also come in a 13 or 15" length and are comparable to the Rainier/Samson Evolution rails. I have used both the Troy options and like them for their solid attachment and comfort (for me). A final, similar option is the Midwest Industries Gen 2 freefloat rail - another tube style rail that comes in a 15" length and is very light.

I used to use quad rails, but have changed them out more recently to save weight and I found the smaller diameter of the tube style rails to be more comfortable (for me).

Long story short (too late), i would say get a 13+" rail and don't look back.

 

[edkern]

Re: FF handguard length

Thank you Mil.Dot. I'm going to heed your advise and go for a 15" rail. I suspect that if I don't get the 15" rail I'll regret not being able to inch the bipod out those last 2 inches. Now 3 rails look very appealing:

15" Midwest Industries Gen 2 FF:
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=450

15" Rainier Evolution:
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3294

15" Troy Industries Alpha:
http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsacces...%80%B3-no-sight

If you had to choose, which would it be and why?

 

[Mil.Dot]

Re: FF handguard length

I have personally owed several of the Troy Alpha and VTAC rails and liked them a lot. I have also used and installed the Samson Evolution rails (same system as the Rainier Evolution, different stylistically). Between the Troy and Samson installation, I like the simplicity of attachment system of the Troy and have not had any issues with it, but honestly, the Samson seems like it will be pretty solid also (hence the reason I bought a Rainier Evolution for a build). The Troy has some nice options for sling swivels and QD sockets form Noveske - though I believe there are comparable accessories available for the Samson.

I have not owned or used the MI gen 2 rails, but have read mostly good things about them. A few reports of the rail shifting, but many positive reports from good sources lead me to think it is generally solid. I almost picked one up a few times, due to the lightweight, low cost, and that it comes with a sling swivel for a bipod and a QD attachment point.

I think most people would be happy with any of them, but my first pick would probably be a Troy or Troy VTAC due to the attachment system and I like the feel of the grooves machined into the tube. (The Troy rails will also be easier to find now - especially since Rainier just sold out of a batch of 15" rails a week or two ago).

Hopefully someone else will chime in with their thoughts.

 

[scatterbrains]

Re: FF handguard length

I have both the 15" and the 12" you def cant go wrong with the evo series.
I have a 15" on my varmint AR 16" with midlength gas
and have the 12" on my 16"LW carbine gas in 7.62x40.

The rainer rails come with a 4" rail, 2" rail, and a flush cup mount.

Ill try to toss up pics tonight if i remember

 

[Triple D]

Re: FF handguard length

15" Vtac on 16" DD and 18" RA ultramatch. Both have a mid-length gas system.
The Vtac allows for an adjustable gas block (Seekins that I've tried) to be covered and still be adjusted without removing the rail. I like the looks of the 15", and the Troy's are so light you don't really increase weight too much.

 

[Beef82]

Re: FF handguard length

That MI is or was the smallest O.D. and lightest, I like it, comes with some rail sections, barrel nut and wrench. I.D. is very small though, won't clear every block. And between the length and the lightness it is not the ideal platform for irons or a laser if you expect utmost precision from them, by which I mean it will flex some.

 

[edkern]

Re: FF handguard length

I've decided on the Troy Industries Vtac, thanks for all the great input guys.