Toughest free float handguard?

jimbobborg · Feb 11, 2017

Since I'll have an extra bolt coming in and have a spare complete lower, it's time for another build. I'm looking for a free float handguard that is tough enough for duty use in a 12" length. I've looked at other forums and most of the posts are a few years old. This is going to be used for a truck/get home rifle. I'd prefer this to be on the lighter side. I'm using a pencil barrel, M-16 BCG, and minimalist stock. I'll be looking for an Aimpoint H2 for the optic. What say the collective here? Who makes the toughest free float handguard?

qorban88 · Feb 11, 2017

I prefer a handguard that attaches to a shroud on the upper instead of the barrel nut. This takes the stress off the barrel nut gives no chance of the handguard turning/pulling. I've been using these from Aero Precision. Mega arms also a nice set up.

http://aeroprecisionusa.com/m4e1-handguard-combo.html

outrider58 · Feb 11, 2017

jimbobborg said:
Since I'll have an extra bolt coming in and have a spare complete lower, it's time for another build. I'm looking for a free float handguard that is tough enough for duty use in a 12" length. I've looked at other forums and most of the posts are a few years old. This is going to be used for a truck/get home rifle. I'd prefer this to be on the lighter side. I'm using a pencil barrel, M-16 BCG, and minimalist stock. I'll be looking for an Aimpoint H2 for the optic. What say the collective here? Who makes the toughest free float handguard?

Fortis mounting system is hard to beat. Works with a standard barrel nut too.

http://fortismfg.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59_75

alucard0822 · Feb 11, 2017

The megalithic 4 rail is probably the toughest, basically a 1 peice upper/rail, heavy, strong, the barrel installs with a long pipe like nut wrench. I have their 2 peice MML rail, and it's awesome, m-lock slots reduce weight substantially compared to 4 rails, machining is top notch, the forend mounts directly to a flange machined into the upper with 6 screws. It would take a big hit to bend it, but it's pretty much set up for low profile gas blocks, not standard FSB barrels. You use an included wrench to tighten the low profile nut, don't need to clock it for the gas tube. The main thing compared to nut mounted rails is there is no shift when shooting from support, slung, or anything else that puts pressure on the rail.

mega-mml-maten-mega-extended-rifle-length-m-lok-set-mml-6620-sa-by-mega-arms-ef9.jpg

Wayne1one · Feb 11, 2017

Centurion Arms C4

cotman68 · Feb 11, 2017

Geisselle MK-8 got it on sale for $ 175. Lots of great reviews and built really strong

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J.T · Feb 11, 2017

Mega mkm or mml. It's badass.

tmd99 · Feb 11, 2017

dolos would work well for your intended use

j_h_smith · Feb 11, 2017

KISS is my opinion. Toughness and light weight, don't usually go together. I think you'd be fine with almost any hand guard you chose. Today's parts are built more robust than just 10 years ago and I've never heard of anyone doing damage to any hand guard where the rifle wasn't used as a club.

YMMV

jimbobborg · Feb 12, 2017

Thanks for the replies so far. I remember Clandestine said the rush to super light handguards makes them weaker versus the older full railed handguards. I have several ARs already, just adding one to the stable that stays in the truck. Right now, I have a 10" pistol build with FSB and folding rear sight in my truck. I'd rather have something with a stock.

DZ · Feb 12, 2017

I have a LaRue and a Geissele Mk8 that I think are very durable rails. I have some Noveske NSR, BCM KMR, Seekins that mounts on an integrated bbl nut and a Daniel Defense MFR that are also nice, but seem less durable.

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GottaEat · Feb 12, 2017

I vote centurion c4. I have a mid length c4 with fsp cutout and cmr. Both are awesome , c4 just looks heavier duty(no testing done to back that up). Also own a couple SLR and they feel strong too. I think most major brands have solid handguard when it comes to durability.

DJones2987 · Feb 12, 2017

I'm happy with my ALG. Inexpensive, feels sturdy and good in my hands. Plus the MLOK is nice. I paid $112 for it.

mopar92 · Feb 12, 2017

For the vast majority of users any handguard will do. Larue makes the strongest but remembers its just aluminum. Concentrated effort WILL break any handguard.

DD rails break (mounting points shear) from sling tension. There's two ways to go about it, 1 is to use mil spec polymer handguards or Magpul MOE's (for accesories) and if it breaks just swap em out.
2 piece hanguards you can also swap out but might need tools to replace them and not all of them are compatible with each other.

I use Troy, they offered a smooth handguard that fits my shooting style well so my hand is free to maneuver the entire length of the handguard with no snagging.

jimbobborg · Feb 13, 2017

alucard0822 said:
The megalithic 4 rail is probably the toughest, basically a 1 peice upper/rail, heavy, strong, the barrel installs with a long pipe like nut wrench. I have their 2 peice MML rail, and it's awesome, m-lock slots reduce weight substantially compared to 4 rails, machining is top notch, the forend mounts directly to a flange machined into the upper with 6 screws. It would take a big hit to bend it, but it's pretty much set up for low profile gas blocks, not standard FSB barrels. You use an included wrench to tighten the low profile nut, don't need to clock it for the gas tube. The main thing compared to nut mounted rails is there is no shift when shooting from support, slung, or anything else that puts pressure on the rail.

Wayne1one said:
Centurion Arms C4

After careful consideration, I'm looking at these two as finalists. I like the one piece rail/upper combo, but that C4 video looks like it can take some abuse.

BenL · Feb 13, 2017

If you've got the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, the megalithic would be pretty tough to beat, durability-wise. (if I remember correctly, they are ~$600, right?)

ETA:

Just googled it; only $540.

J.T · Feb 13, 2017

BenL said:
If you've got the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, the megalithic would be pretty tough to beat, durability-wise. (if I remember correctly, they are ~$600, right?)

ETA:

Just googled it; only $540.

Much less is you shop around. Check RainierArms

jimbobborg · Feb 13, 2017

BenL said:
If you've got the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, the megalithic would be pretty tough to beat, durability-wise. (if I remember correctly, they are ~$600, right?)

ETA:

Just googled it; only $540.

J.T said:
Much less is you shop around. Check RainierArms

$540 is the Rainier price. If I wanted the keymod setup, it's about $100 less.

J.T · Feb 13, 2017

jimbobborg said:
$540 is the Rainier price. If I wanted the keymod setup, it's about $100 less.

Yea I was referring to the mml and mkm upper setups not megalithic.

Toughest free float handguard?

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