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Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

kombayotch

kombayotch

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 20, 2007
1,891
87
I'm looking to replace my Hogue free fload tube. I'd like an extended free float tube. Preferably something lighter (picatinni not required). Ventilation might be nice, I like the idea of cooling the barrel, but maybe not the idea of feeling its heat.

I have a 15" Samson Evolution rail on another upper, but I'm not really a fan of the attachment method. For one, its not concentric to the barrel and I don't like the "bump" underneath where the screws are located.

Any suggestions for something light, but solid? I've been looking at a few carbon fiber handguards, but I'm a bit concerned about their durability.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I'm also looking. Checkout Apex 15" or Seekins MCSR 15". The Apex is 13.8oz and I think the Seekins is even lighter. Will be heading to Rainier Arms this weekend as they have both.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I've got a Midwest Industries SS extended rifle tube on one of my rifles, very nice for the money. It's sold enough that it doesn't show any flex supporting my 12.5lb 6x45 on the bipod.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Midwest, Troy, JP. </div></div>

JP 15" is 1.18lbs. Midwest Gen2 SS 15" is 10.9oz IMHO anything over a pound isn't considered lightweight in today's choices.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

The RC is supposed to be lighter than the VTAC...

The Midwest Gen2 SS has the same attachment method as the Samson, as do some of the Troy ones.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

+1 for the JP/VTAC's. Being able to put rails only where you need / want them is awesome. The tacticool-ness of quad-rails (and the feeling in your hands) wears quickly in my opinion.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I have the Lancer carbon fiber hand guard on my 3 gun rifle. I have no durability concerns unless it were to take a really hard impact. And if it did get messed up, I'd just call Lancer and ask for a replacement tube. They are very well made and available in several different lengths. They list the weight for each on their website I think.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

So far, the Lancer, JP RC and Clark Custom look interesting.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I just put a Precision Reflex 15" rail on my dad's AR. It is extremely well made and light. I didn't weigh it on a scale, but ship weight is 1.2lbs, so I would imagine actual weight is under a lb. Also PRI is having a 10% off Independence Day sale.

10026_46536.jpg
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Those PRI tubes are great, I love mine. Alternatively AP Custom has a carbon fiber tube that I also like a lot (I own 2 of these) & they are 1/2 the price.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

kobayotch,

I saw the MI Gen 2 SS listed, but you may want to exclude it.

I just picked up the MI Gen 2 SS 15" and really like it, but its attachment is similar to you Samson, except it secures directly to the barrel nut. I believer it is lighter than the Samson and thinner. It is very thin and light. Take a look at it, you might like it if you want light and thin.

BC
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I have used the PRI carbon fiber tubes before and while they were a little lighter (not much though), I really prefer the Knight's URX 3.1. It is really light and a quality piece.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bellycrawl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">kobayotch,

I saw the MI Gen 2 SS listed, but you may want to exclude it.

I just picked up the MI Gen 2 SS 15" and really like it, but its attachment is similar to you Samson, except it secures directly to the barrel nut. I believer it is lighter than the Samson and thinner. It is very thin and light. Take a look at it, you might like it if you want light and thin.

BC
</div></div>

OP I think you ruled it out, but for those reading if you're putting sights on an MI SS Gen II don't expect them terribly repeatable or especially accurate, I have one it can and will flex, without an excessive amount of force, and the ID is so small it may even contact the gas block when it flexs, mine does. Really like it, but irons are definitely back up only, and I will have to clearance that block to maintain it as free floating.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bellycrawl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">kobayotch,

I saw the MI Gen 2 SS listed, but you may want to exclude it.

I just picked up the MI Gen 2 SS 15" and really like it, but its attachment is similar to you Samson, except it secures directly to the barrel nut. I believer it is lighter than the Samson and thinner. It is very thin and light. Take a look at it, you might like it if you want light and thin.

BC
</div></div>

OP I think you ruled it out, but for those reading if you're putting sights on an MI SS Gen II don't expect them terribly repeatable or especially accurate, I have one it can and will flex, without an excessive amount of force, and the ID is so small it may even contact the gas block when it flexs, mine does. Really like it, but irons are definitely back up only, and I will have to clearance that block to maintain it as free floating. </div></div>

+1

I chose to use the Midwest SS gen 1 instead of the gen 2 on a recent project for this very reason. The gen 1 screws on the barrel nut instead of just clamping. You may lose a little weight savings using the gen 1 instead, but it seems to be a more stable mounting system.

Note: I have not had any failures using the gen 2, I just like the gen 1 system better.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

MI Gen 2 SS looks like it mounts the same way the Samson rail does. The Samson mounts on the factory barrel nut as well. It's a nice looking rail, but not solid at all. Its ok for accessories, but I wouldn't trust a front sight on it.

I also looked at the AP Custom, but it's unclear to me how it mounts.

That Seekins MCSR looks good. What does it weigh?
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kombayotch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That Seekins MCSR looks good. What does it weigh?</div></div>

Not sure but it is light.

Here is what answer I got from Glen himself when I asked about the weight between the BAR and MCSR.

"The weight difference is substantial. I need to measure to be exact, but a 15" mcsr is 3 ounces lighter than a 12" bar rail"
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I got an email today from Seekin's Customer Service and they said 13.0oz without the side rail pieces for a 15" MCSR.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seekins MCSR</div></div>

Can you measure the ID of your MCSR? I'm hoping it's at least 1.750". Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

+1 on the Lancer. I have 2 of them and they are very nice. I also love the Vtach but the new JP looks pretty good although I haven't put my hands on one.

Here's a Lancer:

DSC00468.jpg
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Got to love those VTAC rails. Light and solid.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Midway lists 18 oz. for the extended VTAC. That's actually pretty heavy...

The new rapid configuration handguard is apparently 15 oz. That's still a bit more than I was looking for.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BLDTYLRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seekins MCSR</div></div>

Can you measure the ID of your MCSR? I'm hoping it's at least 1.750". Thanks in advance.</div></div>

I believe Glen said it was 1.80" ID. My suppressor is 1.5" OD and it fits with plenty of breathing room
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Vtac and Troy TRX Extreme rails are some of the lightest out there and a little smaller in diameter as well. I use both; prefer the Troy's by maybe just a little.
</div></div>

The Troy is ridiculously light.. I prefer it to the Samson, but both are nice.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I just picked up a Noveske NSR 13.5". It's lighter than the Troy Alpha 13" I had previously.

13.5" handguard: 7.9oz
Barrel nut: 3.1oz
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Here's my 204 Ruger 24" Shilen barrel with JP .936 Low Pro Adjustable gas block, Mega Arms Side Charging Upper, Young Bolt Carrier and Seekins MCSR 15"Handguard.

7594438418_0989629d2d_c.jpg


I removed the top rail from the handguard and the waight is around 10oz with barrel nut.

Thanks to pyplynr for taking pictures of his upper so I can confirm clearance. FYI there's 0.150" clearance in case anyone else needs a .936 Gas block to fit under an extended handguard.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I am running an AP Custom rifle length on a lightweight 6.8 build. I couldn't be happier. I believe the weight is 5oz. minus barrel nut.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Those Seekins are nice!

How does the AP Custom attach?
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kombayotch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Those Seekins are nice!

How does the AP Custom attach? </div></div>

Standard barrel nut. It comes with an aluminum piece that sandwiches between the barrel nut. The handguard then attaches with three set screws. It feels as sturdy as my TRX.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I would go Seekins. Other than having a nice mounting system they look bad ass. The seekins rail is going to be on my next AR build for sure.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I ended up just picking up some thin walled aluminum tube. I'm going to try and make my own... I have a couple DPMS handguards, so I'm just going to replace the sleeve since it unscrews from the barrel nut.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

So, I sat on the tube for a few months, too busy to do anything with it. Saw one of those AP Custom handguards and loved it, so I picked up a 15" tactical one. Really liking the feel of it.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Update: Liking the AP Customs so much that I ordered two more of them for my other uppers and now thinking about ordering another for my .22LR upper (to keep the feel the same).
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

I have a seekins and love it. I have been looking into the lancer and will probably get one for my build.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

Has anyone tried Clark Custom??? Carbon tube for fairly cheap, just wondering about quality and figured I'd tag along on this post.
 
Re: Light weight extended handguard suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OutOfReg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone tried Clark Custom??? Carbon tube for fairly cheap, just wondering about quality and figured I'd tag along on this post. </div></div>

Good guys, good product, and not ridiculously priced like some of the other options mentioned here.
 
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