Which handguard for AR15?

Ready to build your AR-15 from an 80% Lower? Collecting the parts required can seem like a daunting task! This time let’s focus on the AR handguard as there are so many available options! Handguards are divided into two categories - drop-in handguards and free-floating handguards. For this blog, we'll be focusing on mainly free-floating handguards

What is a Free Float Handguard?

A free-float handguard mounts to your AR15 upper receiver and does not touch the barrel, unlike a drop-in handguard. Free-float handguards usually have rail mounting systems such as M-LOK or KeyMod, which should be researched before purchasing as both have advantages and disadvantages. These handguards are available in many lengths so be sure to find the right length for your barrel and gas system. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of a free-float handguard below.

Advantages of Free Float Handguards

So why should you choose a free-float handguard over a drop-in handguard? There are plenty of reasons why a discerning shooter would go with a free-floating handguard! A few to consider:

• Accuracy - Since the handguard doesn’t touch the barrel there are no extra barrel harmonics and no warping due to barrel pressure.
• Lightweight - These are the lightest handguards around in general, some weighing just 5 ounces!
• Customization - Most free-float handguards have space for attachments covering the entire handguard, allowing near endless customization.
• Comfort - Far more grip space, allowing the shooter to find the best grip for them.
• Aesthetics - Free-float handguards come in a variety of styles so the shooter can find one that is as unique as them!

Free Floating Handguard on an AR15. (Photo Source: Jerking The Trigger) 

Do Free-Float Handguards Improve Accuracy?

You may have noticed accuracy mentioned above. Barrel harmonics are an important part of accuracy because every time a gun is fired an explosion happens which causes the gun to vibrate. Because a free-float handguard is attached to the upper receiver of the AR15 - not the barrel, it allows the barrel to vibrate at a natural frequency.

Putting pressure on the barrel can also cause very slight warping which can also affect accuracy. Using a free-float handguard means there is no pressure on the barrel meaning warping will not be an issue. While this might seem like a minor issue it is something to take into consideration when purchasing a handguard for your AR-15 especially if you plan on hitting targets at medium to long range distances. After all, we didn't spend all this money just to miss right?

Free-Float Handguard Costs

We aren’t all made of money so how much do these cost?! Well, they are more expensive than your average drop-in handguard which will run you $50-100 usually. Free-float handguards usually run between $100-$300 by themselves. This might seem like an instant turn off but the benefits far outweigh the cost in the end.

If you are building your own AR from the ground up however we might recommend looking at our complete uppers with free-float handguards and saving some money! Those may be seen here. We do a lot of the work for you and select/assemble the best components into easy to attach uppers and lowers so you can have the fun of building without the headache of trying to find individual parts.

M-LOK Handguards

When choosing a handguard for your AR-15 we need to take into consideration the accessories we’ll be mounting on the handguard itself, as well as the attachment system. A company called Magpul invented the M-Lok design and they license the system to everyone that requests usage - this means every time we see the term “M-Lok” we can be sure it is the exact same size and fitment.

M-Lok Rail Systems are what the U.S. Military chooses and are a very popular choice among the Ar-15 shooter community. Did we mention USSOCOM declared M-Lok the winner in their impact tests as well? M-Lok is a proven winner. We’d be hard pressed to find any attachment in the AR-15 world that will not work with M-Lok. M-Lok has become the industry stand for AR-15 handguard attachment systems.

KeyMod Handguards

KeyMod is another very popular attachment system with AR-15 handguards. You can identify KeyMod from the slot shapes on the handguard that resemble an old-fashioned keyhole. KeyMod’s design allows attachments to self-align as you tighten them down with an Allen wrench. KeyMod is seen regularly on AR-15 handguards but there is far more support in the industry at this time for M-Lok.

Drop-In Handguards

Drop-in handguards are similar to ones you will see on the classic M4. Incredibly easy to install and usually very inexpensive compared to free-floating handguards. we simply pull back a spring-loaded delta ring and drop it into place. Drop-in handguards are usually found in Polymer.

Drop-in handguards also come in something called a “quad rail” Quad rails have four Picatinny (read more below if not familiar) rails that run the length of the handguard. Keep in mind that these types of drop-in handguards usually are not a very firm base to mount an optic to as they tend to wiggle a bit and we can’t have that for our optic!

Picatinny Handguards

Picatinny is a numbered, standardized attachment system. The numbers allow you to always mount attachments at the same point and that can be very helpful. Picatinny is an undercut “T” shape with flat parts in-between. All you do is slide your optic or attachment on and then tighten them down. We’ll notice Picatinny rails on the top of almost every AR-15 upper out there right now.

Cloud Defensive CORv2

One interesting handguard option we have seen recently is from a company called Cloud Defensive. This free-float handguard and rail system is optimized for use with their own OWL and REIN weapon lights. Featuring both Picatinny and M-Lok, the CORv2 allows for recessed mounting of these light systems and switches to keep your sight picture clear. Check it out here.

Note that this system would also be excellent for IR designators as it will allows them to sit recessed on the rail while bring out of your sight picture - making this free-float handguard an excellent choice for night time operations!

Free Float Handguard Considerations

Our flag is firmly planted in the free-float handguard camp. The improved accuracy, lightweight and greater amount of customization makes the free-float handguard a winner in our book. Although, the old school drop in handguards are still fun if you're going for that post-Vietnam M4 look.

If performance is what we’re seeking, look no further than the free float handguard for our AR-15. Spending a bit more might seem like a bummer but in the end it will be worth it to have your AR-15 be perfectly customized to the shooter. You might consider building an AR15 instead of buying one also if customization is important to you. Check out our selection of AR-15 build kits here!