Precision Handguards

[Nikon147]

During the Pandemic I pieced together a 6ARC build for fun. Mostly parts bin stuff, with a new BA Barrel.

The goal was to see if I liked the caliber....well I do.

So I just double down and ordered a new 20" Tbox Barrel from Sgt of Arms, and I'm going to do a full build the right way.

I need some suggestions on Handguards

On my other build I have a Geissele Rail, which I love, but it's too small for most of the Adjustable Gas Blocks that I know and I want to be able to tune this build, so I need to rethink the handguard.

I've looked at JP, BCM, Seekins, WOA, but I'm getting overloaded.

Goal is a precision AR, 800-1000 yards. Don't have any ARCA mounts now, but if it's compatible in the future it would be a plus, but not required.

What are most guys running these days?

 

[7mmShooter]

Catalyst Arms has an arca handguard, sgt of arms makes one as well

 

[kvpm]

Midwest industries suppressor compatible or aero precision m4e1 enhanced are a couple of large diameter handguards with plenty of room for a clamp-on adjustable gas block. But both options require timing the barrel nut to allow for gas tube installation.

 

[Nikon147]

As a follow up, the SLR Sentry 7 looks like it might fit under a Geissele rail, does anyone have experience to prove that?

 

[7mmShooter]

Midwest industries suppressor compatible or aero precision m4e1 enhanced are a couple of large diameter handguards with plenty of room for a clamp-on adjustable gas block. But both options require timing the barrel nut to allow for gas tube installation.

The M4E1 Threaded model requires timing the barrel nut. The M4E1 Enhanced you mentioned does not, as the handguard interface is built into the upper itself. It makes installation so much easier in my experience

 

[kvpm]

The M4E1 Threaded model requires timing the barrel nut. The M4E1 Enhanced you mentioned does not, as the handguard interface is built into the upper itself. It makes installation so much easier in my experience

I assumed he was going to need the BAR nut to adapt the enhanced handguard to his existing upper receiver.

 

[7mmShooter]

I assumed he was going to need the BAR nut to adapt the enhanced handguard to his existing upper receiver.

Good point, and if that's the case you are correct

 

[Vivacious Stallion]

I've had a Seekins upper rail combo for years that I really like for a DMR type rifle. However, without the matching upper receiver installation really sucks on the stand alone handguard as you need to time the nut/block it goes on. I wouldnt consider it unless you got the matching upper for the rail. But aside from that its awesome.

 

[Neurotic]

If you don't need anything too Gucci, I like the following:

- Aero Enhanced G2: big OD and rigid, screwed into the barrel nut, shrouds the gap between th barrel nut and receiver, a bit bigger than I like for shooting off hand, tons of gas block clearance.
- Ergo Superlite: round profile similar to the Aero with a smaller ID, more comfortable for off hand shooting, leaves a gap between the handguard and receiver, seems a little less rigid than the Aero but still good.

I use Superlative Arms and Wojteck AGBs, which are smaller than most, requiring less space.

 

[Nikon147]

If you don't need anything too Gucci, I like the following:

- Aero Enhanced G2: big OD and rigid, screwed into the barrel nut, shrouds the gap between th barrel nut and receiver, a bit bigger than I like for shooting off hand, tons of gas block clearance.
- Ergo Superlite: round profile similar to the Aero with a smaller ID, more comfortable for off hand shooting, leaves a gap between the handguard and receiver, seems a little less rigid than the Aero but still good.

I use Superlative Arms and Wojteck AGBs, which are smaller than most, requiring less space.

Gucci isn't something care about.

Really just want something rigid and good quality.

 

[DavidAR10]

You can clamp the FFHG on the barrel nut
OR
you can go Daniel Defense MFR. MFR XL give moar wiggle room.

MidwayUSA has had various and brutally nice discounts on DD MFR HGs.
I went penis Mod, USMC '76-'86.

 

[steve101610]

My favorite setup has been the aero enhanced uppers with the sgt of arms arca Handguards. Very strong setup and no timing the barrel nut.

 

[Nikon147]

My favorite setup has been the aero enhanced uppers with the sgt of arms arca Handguards. Very strong setup and no timing the barrel nut.

I think this is the route I’m going to go.

thanks for all of the input.
Sgt of Arms rail and SLR AGB

 

[Neurotic]

With that upper, or the BAR nut, the contact area with the gas tube is much longer than most installations. Make sure the gas tube can freely move within the upper/nut. I've heard this can be an issue.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

I've been looking for a reason to try out the Brownells Wrenchman precision HG. The long heavy steel barrel nut helps with rigidity on other HG's I've used with similar designs.
I.D. looks reasonable for offhand shooting and it isn't that annoying round-ish shape that sucks so bad on barricades. And it's a decent price.

 

[celltech]

The only handguards I can stand these days are the Aero Atlas S-One...I have no use for a full length pic rail.

 

[flyfisher117]

Sgt of Arms has an Aero M4e1 compatible handguard that has an arca rail built into the bottom. I don't have one yet but I think it is the one I'll go with.

 

[Neurotic]

I've been looking for a reason to try out the Brownells Wrenchman precision HG. The long heavy steel barrel nut helps with rigidity on other HG's I've used with similar designs.
I.D. looks reasonable for offhand shooting and it isn't that annoying round-ish shape that sucks so bad on barricades. And it's a decent price.

I've been wanting to try these and the Expo Arms Combat rails (made by CMT). But... They're both very heavy and I can't bring myself to pull the trigger.

The only handguards I can stand these days are the Aero Atlas S-One...I have no use for a full length pic rail.

The Atlas series has super close clearance, so you have to be careful with gas block selection. Probably want to use Aero's AGB.

 

[celltech]

The Atlas series has super close clearance, so you have to be careful with gas block selection. Probably want to use Aero's AGB.

Superlative Arms block fits with plenty of room to spare...at least a .750" one...

 

[MontanaMan]

Geiselle, SLR, WOA & ALG (owned by Geiselle) are 4 of the very best rails you can buy, all with good attachment systems.
The WOA is a little heavy but very stiff, & the price is right; however it does not have any anti-rotaional device, but I've not seen the need for it yet on the ones I used, so far.

The SLR set screw adjustable Sentry 7 (.750") GB will fit on all of them & you'll be hard pressed to find a better AGB.

Anything from AERO is 2nd tier to these rails.

MM

 

[Bevo]

Geissele MK18 or SLR HDX. SLR Sentry is the right choice for AGB. If you want arca built in then go with the MK18.

 

[Bevo]

I've been looking for a reason to try out the Brownells Wrenchman precision HG. The long heavy steel barrel nut helps with rigidity on other HG's I've used with similar designs.
I.D. looks reasonable for offhand shooting and it isn't that annoying round-ish shape that sucks so bad on barricades. And it's a decent price.

I have installed two of these for friends and been impressed with the rigidity of them. VERY solid. VERY clean looking.

 

[Satsoul]

Pursue Atlas r-one m-Lok handguard, has a Picatinny rail across the top with M-Lok style slots on the bottom and sides. At the base of the handguard, it also has sling mounts on both sides. Used it for a build, and that has been my wife's favorite firearm.

 

[NLS7162]

Anyone have a lead on a geissele MK18? I have been trying to track one down.

 

[Satsoul]

Anyone have a lead on a geissele MK18? I have been trying to track one down.

Make use of the Buy & Sell section, that way you can find someone who wants to part with theirs.

 

[sam4886]

Superlative Arms block fits with plenty of room to spare...at least a .750" one...

View attachment 7668855

How's the bottom of the block look? I ran into problems with my clamp on SA block with the thinner inside diameter rails.

 

[SP1123]

sgt of arms shipped my rails next day after i ordered i got the 17.5"

 

[BurtGummer]

My favorite setup has been the aero enhanced uppers with the sgt of arms arca Handguards. Very strong setup and no timing the barrel nut.

They bolt right on the aero upper?

 

[7mmShooter]

They bolt right on the aero upper?

Yes, the handguard retention is forged into the upper itself. 8 screws and it's locked up solid

 

[NLS7162]

Have two barrels coming from Compass Lake next week and am still unable to locate any Geissele 16" MK18's. Geissele responded thay they have no timeline for the next production run. So now I'm looking at different options of 16"+ rails. Any knowledge/experience with the following would be appreciated.

ADM MLOK rail 17"

Zev wedgelock 16 5/8" mlok

 

[TheOE800]

If you’re willing to wait however long it takes, Zev will let you pre pay backorder it.

 

[NLS7162]

I don't mind waiting for a good solid product. Might have to reach out and see what the actual timeline looks like.

Is there much to be gained with the Zev barrel nut being steel vs aluminum of other similar rails?

 

[TheOE800]

It’s heavy as fuck that’s for sure.

 

[r.tenorio671]

I think this is the route I’m going to go.

thanks for all of the input.
Sgt of Arms rail and SLR AGB

....SLR recommends the set-screw model for handguards that are 1.3" ID, for their clamp-on model they recommend handguards with a 1.315" ID (minimum). The Cross Machine & Tool handguards will accept both models of SLR Sentry7 AGB's, you might want to give them a look, especially the new HDM models. Can't recall who specifically, but IIRC there are a couple companies offering "bolt-on ARCA rails" for MLOK pattern handguards.

 

[TheOE800]

Can't recall who specifically, but IIRC there are a couple companies offering "bolt-on ARCA rails" for MLOK pattern handguards.

AREA 419 for sure.