Need Hand Guard Recommendations 308 DPMS Build

[GriffSniper]

Hi Guys,

This is my first 308 build and I'm looking for some recommendations for a hand-guard. I've searched the forum over and the popular hand guards seem to be SLR, Midwest Industries and Geissele. I have to say I really liked the look of the Geissele MK4 handguard (https://geissele.com/super-modular-rail-mk4-m-lokr.html), but after a call to Geissele, it appears this hand guard is not compatible with the aero precision M5E1 receiver set I have for my build.

I'm thinking a 15" hand guard because I want to ensure the gas block is covered by the hand guard (which it would be, right?). My requirement is to have a hand guard that is MLok, has QD sling swivel mounts at both the front and rear of the hand guard and a continuous top rail. What I don't like about Midwest Industries is it says gun-smithing required while SLR does not appear to have sling swivel mounts at both front and rear of hand guard. Let me know your thoughts!


Components:
Receiver set: Aero Precision M5E1 matched set
Barrel: Craddock Precision 18" (Bartlein blank)
Gas system: Rifle length
BCG: DPMS
Flash Hider: AAC Blackout 308 caliber
Charging Handle: BCM gunfighter mod4
Hand guard: ????
Gas Block: ss low pro fixed
Buffer tube: Vltor A5
Buffer Spring: 308 EA1095
Sling: ????
Sights: Troy flip up irons
Scope: Vortex razor HD 4.5-27X
Trigger: Geissle SSA-E

 

[Travis_260Rem]

If you need built in ARCA rail look at https://www.sgtofarms.com/product-page/sgt-of-arms-ar-10-arca-handguard

 

[bfoosh006]

Given your use of the Aero Precision M5E1 set... your choices are going to be limited.

The Enhanced set .... " The M5E1 upper receiver is a one-piece design combining the handguard mounting platform with the upper itself. Through superior engineering, we have condensed the parts needed to mount a free-floated handguard to a mere 8 screws. Since the handguard mounting surface and upper are of the same forging, "

Buy the one mentioned above , or an Aero M5E1 compatible one... add connect points as needed.

 

[Stavey]

Here’s my craddock 18” Bart 308 w. A 15” jp mk3 handguard. I have the mk3 on several rifles very nice in my opinion.

 

[AMGtuned]

Aero M5 enhanced m-lok in 15". I use aero sets, and love their handguards. No problems so far. Have 3 enhanced keymod, and a quantum keymod.

 

[isofahunter]

I use a Midwest Industries on my DPMS. Contact them what the mean by GS requirements. Mine spun right on.

 

[Merle]

Aero Precision makes hand guards that go pretty good with their receiver sets. The enhanced handguards or the Atlas R one and Atlas S one. I like the Atlas R one.

 

[charnicus]

@GriffSniper being that you went with the enhanced series you’re going to be slaved to Aero’s specific handguards. 15” will be perfect. They look pretty good together to be honest. I had a set that I never built. Looks as good together as the Matens which did a similar thing.

 

[-=boone=-]

SLR

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

Is the Aero upper high or low profile? That will be a deciding factor when it comes to selecting hand guards. They are based off the DPMS upper receiver height, low and high.

That being said, Troy offers nice rails in both high and low profile. I have a Stag 10 which is a high profile rail. I run a Troy 15" Carbon Fiber M-Lok on my 18" and a 13" Troy Aluminum M-Lok rail on my 16" upper.

ETA: From what I've researched a little bit, the Aero M5 are "high profile" height. Search: DPMS High Profile Rail/Handguard on Google and it should pull up quite a few options. The high profile seems to have more options than the low profile. The SR25 is high profile.

 

[charnicus]

OP bought an M5E1 receiver set. Aero M5E1 specific handguards will be the only option.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

Ah I got ya, yea charnicus is right. You'll be limited to the M5E1 rails.

 

[bfoosh006]

If you need built in ARCA rail look at https://www.sgtofarms.com/product-page/sgt-of-arms-ar-10-arca-handguard

Thanks, I wasn't aware of these.

 

[Merle]

@GriffSniper being that you went with the enhanced series you’re going to be slaved to Aero’s specific handguards. 15” will be perfect. They look pretty good together to be honest. I had a set that I never built. Looks as good together as the Matens which did a similar thing.

That's a very good point! To the original poster; which one of these uppers looks like the one you have?

If it looks like this you can use whatever DPMS high profile handguard you'd like.

If it looks like this you are only going to be able to use an Aero M5 Enhanced handguard.