Choosing the right handguard for your AR15 can be a tough process. From the start of your research journey you get lots of options out there and choosing the right handguard may be a tough process.
Through this article, we will examine AR-15 handguards more in detail, what to look for when searching for one, and at the end, we will list a few handguards we handpicked for you.
Purpose of the Handguard
There are multiple key purposes of the handguard that contribute to the performance and usability of the AR15 rifle.
The first and main purpose is heat dissipation. When you’re shooting round after round, the barrel gets hotter. The handguard acts as a barrier between your hand and a rifle barrel protecting it from the heat generated in the barrel during shooting.
Also, effective heat dissipation helps in maintaining firearm accuracy and minimizing barrel temperature fluctuations.
The next thing handguards provide is a better grip. They’re designed in that way to improve your grip and control over the rifle. Of course, good control over your weapon means better accuracy, handling, and better recoil control.
Except for improving handling and protecting your hands, handguards come with mounting systems (there are a few mounting systems, but more on that later) allowing you to add more accessories to your rifle. For example, on a handguard, you can add foregrips, flashlights, lasers, and optics.
Types of Handguards
There are two different types of AR15 handguards:
- Free-floating handguards
- Drop-in handguards.
Free-floating handguards
The free-float handguard is made to be attached to the barrel nut without having any contact between the barrel and the handguard. These handguards are attached to the AR15 receiver and have a rigid platform.
The main benefit of free-floating handguards is heat dissipation because of their open design which promotes a better airflow around the barrel. This prevents overheating and keeps constant performance during long shooting sessions.
Free-float handguards usually use M-Lok or Picatinny rails for accessory mounting.
Drop-in handguards
The drop-in handguards are made to be easily mounted on an AR15 rifle - in short, they are made to be hassle-free and beginner friendly. They are lightweight and great if you’re looking for weight reduction in your rifle.
Often, drop-in handguards come as a complete assembly that includes a handguard, barrel nut, and necessary mounting hardware.
Drop-in handguards are also a cost-effective option, a great choice if you’re not willing to spend too much money.
The main difference between drop-in and free-floating handguards
Mounting system
Free float handguards are attached directly to the firearm receiver while drop-in handguards require a barrel nut or delta ring. This makes free-float handguards more stable and rigid.
Weight
Free float handguards distribute the weight of the firearm more evenly, which can positively impact handling and balance. Drop-in handguards, particularly lightweight options, contribute to a more front-heavy firearm due to their reduced weight.
Customization
As free float handguards have a modular design, they are more customizable while drop-in are less customizable because they come as complete assemblies.
Types of Handguard Mounts
As mentioned above, there are a few different types of handguard mounts. Three popular handguard mounts are:
- KeyMod;
- M-Lok;
- Picatinny.
KeyMod
The KeyMod mounts are developed by VLTOR and Noveske companies. These handguards feature keyhole-shaped slots along the surface. They are also the lightweight type of handguard, ideal if you’re looking for something that won’t add too much weight to your AR15.
Accessories able to mount on the KeyMod have corresponding lugs or tabs that fit into the slots and are later secured with screws or locking mechanisms.
They have a sleek and slim profile that except for weight reduction also provides a comfortable grip without too much bulk.
They became popular because of their clean and minimalist design.
KeyMod pros:
- Lightweight
- Quick attachment
- Flexibility
- Sleek design.
KeyMod cons:
- Availability
- Potential for loosening.
M-Lok
Developed by Magpul Industries, the M-Lok mounting system is a widely used and popular mounting system that had a significant increase in popularity resulting in somehow overtaking the KeyMod mounting systems.
M-Lok uses a series of narrow slots instead of keyhole-shaped slots like KeyMod. Accessories that are compatible with this mounting system have T-nuts or cammed nuts that fit into these slots. They are secured in the same way as KeyMod: screws or locking mechanisms.
Because of its popularity, there are lots of accessories available for the M-Lok mounting system and also you can fit multiple accessories simultaneously.
Compared to KeyMod, the M-Lok has a rigid attachment system meaning each part remains in place even during heavy use and heavy recoil.
M-Lok pros:
- Strong and secure
- Flexible placement
- Popular industry standard
- Durable.
M-Lok cons:
- Weight
- Installation.
Picatinny
The Picatinny rail which is also known as Mil-Std 1913 rail is used as a standard in military use. It’s also one of the highly popular and available mounting systems out there.
As for the design of the Picatinny rail, it has a series of continuous slots along the handguard which allow the mounting of compatible accessories. The accessories compatible with this system also have lugs or slots fitting into this rail.
Accessories are secured in the same manner as with the other two systems from above.
The Picatinny rail is a great option for heavy-duty accessories and optics. This rail has been used for years not only among the military but also in law enforcement and among civilian rifles.
Picatinny pros:
- Wide accessory compatibility
- Secure
- Durable
- Industry-standard.
Picatinny cons:
- Weight
- Limited placement flexibility.
Read more:
Other Things to Consider
Materials
Like almost any other part of the AR15, handguards can also be made of different materials.
The most common materials used in AR15 handguards are polymer and aluminum. Although there are more different variations, these two are the most popular.
For example, there are cases where you can find wooden handguards. Are they reliable? Our honest opinion is that these handguards may look retro style, however, they don’t bring any special value to your rifle except for different looks.
Another option is carbon handguards. They are pretty light compared to all other types however, they are not as durable as they may seem at first sight.
Those are just alternative options, but let's get back to the main ones: aluminum and polymer.
Let's start with a question: how much money are you willing to spend on your new handguard?
If you’re looking for something cost-effective, then go with polymer handguards. They are a great option and won’t make you spend too much money. They are also resistant to corrosion and impact and may come in different colors and surfaces.
As for the aluminum handguards, without any doubt, they are the best option. They cost more than polymer, however, they have great technical specifications. They are strong, durable, corrosion resistant, and often come with a hard-anodized finish.
Size
As the AR platform is highly customizable, except for AR15, there are more different options like AR10 or AR pistols.
Handguards as the same as barrels, come in various sizes which makes the question: how to match handguard length with barrel length.
It's important to take into consideration that handguards are measured from the face of the receiver, while barrel length is measured from the bolt face.
The general rule to match these two is next: the handguard should be 1” shorter than the barrel. It can be shorter than that, but that depends on your preferences. If you’re not sure if the handguard is compatible with your barrel, you can contact the manufacturer so they can tell you if your parts are compatible.
The Best AR15 Handguards Review
- Rainier Arms Urban Combat
- Bravo Company Gunfighter MCMR Rail
- Aero Precision Atlas R-ONE
- Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail
- V Seven Enlightened M-LOK Handguard
- Strike Industries Gridlok LITE
- Arms Republic RS
1. Rainier Arms Urban Combat Handguard
Our first pick is the Urban Combat handguard made at our facility. The body of the handguard is made of 6000 series Aluminum which uses magnesium and silicon as predominant alloying components increasing the durability and strength of the handguard.
On the other hand, the barrel nut is made of 7075 Aluminum (uses zinc as the main alloying component) ensuring your handguard will stay in place in any circumstances.
The Urban Combat has M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions which allow you to easily attach various components compatible with this slot (this includes various laser sights, flashlights, grips, etc.).
Additionally, the Urban Combat Rail contains anti-rotation quick-detach (QD) sockets at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.
The handguard has hard coat anodize improving corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and improves aesthetics.
As for the sizes, Urban Combat is available in 4 different sizes including 15" (weighing 12 oz), 13.7" (11.2 oz), 10.7" (9.6 oz), and 9.5" (8.8 oz).
The price of this handguard goes from $220 to $240 (depending on size), but you can grab yours for less right now as it’s on sale.
Price: $220 to $240
Purchase here!
2. Bravo Company Gunfighter MCMR Rail
Bravo Company is already a well-known brand for its high-quality products. Gunfighter handguard comes from the M-Lok handguard family, allowing this model to accept lots of different accessories and attachments.
The Gunfighter is relatively lightweight and at the same time very durable as it’s made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. On the other hand, the barrel nut is made of steel. It’s strong and durable too, it resists movement under fire, but it's heavier than aluminum barrel nuts. However, this won’t have a huge impact on your overall rifle weight.
If you’re looking for weight reduction for your rifle, the Gunfighter is a free-float type of handguard. So, there is no contact between the barrel and handguard which also have better heat dissipation.
The handguard is available in multiple sizes so you can fit it easily with different builds based on the AR platform.
Available sizes (and their weight):
- 7" (4.8 oz)
- 10" (6.6 oz)
- 13" (8.2 oz)
- 15" (9.2 oz)
Price: $172 to $200
Purchase here!
3. Aero Precision Atlas R-ONE
Aero Precision is a good choice when it comes to picking the handguard for your next AR build. It’s already proven and a well-known company so buying handguards from them is definitely a good investment.
The Atlast R-One handguard is made of 6061-T6 aluminum (just like the model from Bravo Company above) so you won’t have to worry about corrosion and wear resistance.
Also, the materials used for this handguard are lightweight so they won’t add too much weight to your rifle. The handguard is compatible with mil-spec upper receivers and barrels.
The Atlas R-One comes with an M-Lok mountain system with a quick disconnect sling socket at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.
The great deal, if you decide to purchase this handguard, is that you get not only a handguard but also all necessary mounting hardware.
You can find these handguards in 3 different lengths at our store: 7”, 9”, and 12”.
Price for 7”: $135.99
Out of stock. Here's an alternative.
4. Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail
The SMR MK8 is one of the first rails to use the Magpul M-Lok system out there. It’s made of high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum.
The Geissele MK8 is a heavy handguard, if you’re looking for something lighter, this is not the best choice. However, if you’re looking for something that will make your rifle more balanced, the MK8 is great. The 9.3” handguard weighs 8.4oz and 10.3oz with a barrel nut. For comparison, the Bravo Company Gunfighter 15” handguard weighs 9.2oz.
MK8 however will cost you some good money and if you’re gonna buy it, be ready to give away a couple of hundred bucks. In our case, you can find it at $350.00 for a 15” handguard.
Overall, the Giessele MK8 is a really quality handguard made of great quality materials, feels good in the hand, and features an M-Lok mounting system. This makes it a great option for adding accessories and improving the general functionality of your firearm.
Price: $300.00 to $350.00
Purchase here!
5. V Seven Enlightened M-LOK Handguard
This one handguard is also worth the list we made here. The V Seven Enlightened handguard is made of lithium aluminum alloy 2099 compared to previous models made of already-known aluminum alloys.
What does this information mean to you? The abovementioned aluminum alloy 2099 comes with a great ratio of weight and strength. It’s lighter than previous models and about 30% stronger (33% actually). So you can conclude that you’re getting lighter but at the same time stronger handguard.
The barrel nut is made of grade 5 titanium.
On the other hand, this handguard is also costly, available at $404.49 for a 16.5” handguard at our store.
As for the attachments, the Enlightened has an M-Lok mounting system which opens many doors for various attachments, optics, sights, and more.
Price: $356.96 to $404.49
Purchase here!
6. Strike Industries Gridlok LITE
The Strike Industries have a popular Gridlock family of handguards. However, this time they introduced a Gridlok Lite handguard which is a younger brother of the abovementioned Gridlock handguard.
The main benefit of the Gridlok Lite handguard is the ease of use: it’s very simple to detach it from the AR15 receiver and put it back again or change it. You can do this anytime, whether on the shooting field or at home without making too much effort.
It’s made of 6061-T6 aluminum which we covered a few times already. As for the mounting system, it has an M-Lok system at 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 o’clock positions for mounting various accessories.
However, if you’re the owner of a gas piston AR15 rifle, you may be a little disappointed as this handguard is not compatible with it.
Price: $159.95 to $229.95
Purchase here!
7. Arms Republic RS
This one is reserved for those who want to save money or are new to the firearm-building world.
The Arms Republic RS handguard has a very low price point starting at $66.45 for the 7” handguard, while the 15” handguard will cost you $85.45.
It’s made of 6061-T6 Aluminum which makes it durable and lightweight.
As for the accessory mounting, the RS handguard is equipped with an M-Lok mounting system in the 1:30, 3, 9, & 10:30 positions. Also, the internal diameter is 1.35” which allows mounting popular suppressors and muzzle devices on a barrel.
Price: $66.45 to $85.45
Purchase here!
Final Words
We hope this article helped you to better understand the handguards and choose the best one for your needs.
As you can see, there are plenty of options out there so we also made a list of the best handguards you can use for your next build from different manufacturers and price points.
Happy shooting!
Additional Reading
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