2024 Review of the Best AR-10 Handguards

Best Overall:
Midwest Industries ArmaLite Gen2 Drop-In Handguard

First, we’ll be taking a look at the Midwest Industries ArmaLite Gen2 Drop-In Handguard. Like the name itself, this is a handguard that will be easy to install, which means you’re not going to have to rely on a professional to install it. Nor will you need a wealth of gunsmithing skills to do it yourself.

This handguard is a two-piece design made from high quality 6061 aluminum. So not only is it easy to install, but it’s also pretty durable. And it’s pretty lightweight too. No additional weight on your rifle, but a whole lot of ruggedness. Now that is what you call a great handguard.

Also included in this handguard are the four quick-detach sockets you’ll need if you plan on using push button swivels. Perfect for when you’re giving your AR-10 a tune-up at the range or if you feel like firing off some extra rounds. This handguard is made in the U.S.A., which means the overall quality of this accessory is going to be pretty dang good.

If you’re looking for a product that will be easy to install and will last you a long time while doing it’s intended job, the Midwest Industries ArmaLite Handguard might be exactly what you’ll need.

Bottom Line

Lightweight, durable, and easy to install. If that isn’t a good description of our best overall choice, then we aren’t sure what is. Midwest Industries built this product to last. It will do a great job resisting heat and will even give you a bit of an accuracy boost.

If you have a swivel you use for range shooting, this handguard will definitely accommodate it. Just use the sockets and make sure it’s a good fit before you spend all day at the range. Other than that, it’s a very reliable handguard designed to last you a while.

Runner-up:
 Odin Works O2 Lite 17.5" M-LOK Low Profile Handguard

Next on the list, we’ll be taking a look at the Odin Works O2 Lite M-Lok Low Profile Handguard. Right off the bat, you’ll notice this handguard is pretty lightweight. So you don’t have to worry about your AR-10 rifle getting a little heavier once you properly install this.

The design itself is pretty unique and gives your rifle a pretty rugged look. This is also easy to install and will work with both high and low profile receivers.

Another thing you’ll probably like is that each Odin Works handguard is battle tested before it even hits the market. That’s right...they are tested before they reach you. They’re tested in terms of durability and accuracy.

In fact, you’re looking at the best free-floating handguard is designed specifically for the sake of improved accuracy. Plus, all handguards are hard coat anodized to add that extra layer of toughness.

If you’re a fan of free-floating handguards, this will probably be a no-brainer choice for you. In fact, this will probably be your favorite handguard of them all because of its ability to allow you to customize to your heart’s content.

If you have some additional accessories laying around that need to be used, this would be your opportunity to use them with the help of this handguard.

Bottom Line

The Odin Works has proven itself to be a worthy alternative to the Midwest Industries handguard. But what impresses us most is that each of these handguards is put to the test before they’re ready for battle. Which means you won’t find any that will be defective.

At the same time, the design itself is quite unique and is designed to act as a vent so the rifle cools off quicker. So it’s heat resistance game is on-point.

If you’re looking for a pretty impressive free-floating handguard that will slightly improve your accuracy and give your AR-10 a nice, rugged look, then the Odin Works might be the best choice for you.

Best For The Money:
Midwest Industries, Inc. - SR Handguard

Next, we’ll be taking a look at the best AR-10 handguard we believe will fit a lot of budgets. If you’re a budget shopper that doesn’t want to break the bank, you may want to give the SR Handguard from Midwest Industries a closer look. This is a lightweight, slim constructed handguard that is measured at 12 inches long.

It is a free-floating handguard designed for better accuracy. The design itself makes your AR-10 rifle look more ergonomic and a bit more comfortable while you’re using it. At the same time, the vents as part of the design will provide quicker cooling.

So once you’re finished with your rifle after a long day at the range, it won’t be as hot to the touch. Even better, there’s a lesser chance you’ll burn yourself if you somehow accidentally touch your AR-10 barrel.

The body of this product is made of high-quality aluminum. So expect it to be quite durable and resistant to damage. If you’re looking for a product that can tough it out and withstand abuse, this might be your best option. Not bad for something considered reasonable in price.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a budget handguard for your AR-10, this might very well be worth the investment. This exceeds a lot of expectations. In other words, you’re getting a lot more than what you paid for in a product like this. One thing we’re impressed with is that it’s extremely resistant to heat.

So once you’re finished firing off your rifle after so many rounds, it will feel like it never did. Another thing we like is that it’s light as a feather. So you won’t feel like you’re lugging a 500-pound boulder while you’re out in the field hunting for a big game target.

Best Free-Float Handguard:
J P Enterprises - MKIII Free Float Handguard

If you’re a fan of free-floating handguards, you’re probably going to love what we’ve chosen as the best among these types. Our choice is the JP Enterprise MKII Free-Float Handguard. Right off the bat, the design looks pretty sharp.

This has vents that allow for faster barrel cooling. So the heat resistance will be quite decent for handguards like this. Since this is free-floating, you’re going to get no difference in accuracy, right? Wrong.

Free-floating handguards like this are designed to give you a bit of an increase in accuracy. So don’t be surprised if your shot groups are a little tighter if you choose to install this on your AR-10 rifle.

Other than that, this product will be easy to install. So once you have this installed in a matter of minutes, you’ll be ready to go for another day at the range. Only this time, your rifle will cool off much quicker and you might notice some slight differences in your shots. But we can only promise you that they will be for the better.

What better way to experience it then giving it a test session at the range before you’re able to hit the fields for the main event?

Bottom Line

For a handguard, it does a little more than give your rifle a little “oomph” in terms of accuracy. This also gives you a pretty decent grip when it’s raining pretty hard outside.

Yes, the weather can be unpredictable. So it’s always good to have a product that can handle the elements when the weather takes a turn for the worse, especially when you’re out in the field hunting.

Other than that, once you’re able to install this handguard, you’ll be able to enjoy better accuracy and even more precise shots. That’s probably what you’re looking to get out of your AR-10 rifle, right? If so, a free-floating handguard like this might do the trick.

Best 10-Inch Handguard:
DEZ Arms Keymod Handguard

Sometimes, we have those who prefer a certain length in terms of handguards. If you’re one of them, we won’t judge. We’ll be taking a look at the best 10-inch offering. That honor goes to the DEZ Arms Keymod Handguard.

If you’re looking for a product that may be the last one you’ll buy for a long time, then you may want to choose this one. That’s because it’s made from high-quality materials designed to provide the best possible durability.

It can also deal with all kinds of abuse. Don’t be surprised if it can still hold its own after you’ve fired off hundreds of rounds. The design is a hybrid Keymod/Picatinny rail designed to give you some flexibility as far as customizing your AR-10 rifle goes.

So if you have some accessories you want to put to good use for your rifle, you’ll have a rail that will accommodate them. If you don’t have any accessories yet, find some that will work with Picatinny rails or Keymods.

The installation is easy and the fit will be quite tight. So if you’re looking for a product that will be easy to install and won’t wiggle at all, this DEZ Arms handguard could be the perfect choice. Super strong, super secure, you cannot go wrong with a handguard quite like this.

Bottom Line

This is a really good item for something as short as ten inches in length. Plus, it’s strong like a tank. It’s also what we’d expect from something lightweight and small. Aside from that, it does allow you the ability to customize your AR-10 rifle.

So if you’re looking to maximize your rifle’s customization ability, it starts with a good quality handguard that can allow for additional accessories. Be sure to give the DEZ Arms handguard a closer look and decide if its the right fit for you.

Best 15-Inch Handguard:
ArmaLite Tactical Handguard Kit 15”

Next, we’ll be taking a look at the best 15-inch handguard for an AR-10 rifle. And that is ArmaLite Tactical Handguard Kit. Looking at this, the design is pretty impressive.

You can expect it to do a great job of allowing heat to dissipate much faster, even after a long day at the range. In fact, we won’t be surprised if your barrel gets cool to the touch minutes after your last shot.

Aside from that, it has a winning combination of being lightweight and very durable. Even with the high-quality aluminum that is used to construct this stays lightweight to ensure your AR-10 doesn’t get heavier once you’ve attached this.

To top it off, this is a free-floating handguard. This means you’re probably going to get a nice little boost in accuracy once you take this out to the range.

Don’t forget that this comes with everything you need to mount it on your rifle. This includes your barrel nut and your mounting hardware. The installation process will be easy. And expert gunsmithing skills are not needed for this.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a handguard that will withstand all kinds of rounds and won’t wiggle around each time you shoot, then the ArmaLite might be worth the investment. The strength of this bad boy is quite impressive. And we won’t be surprised if this lasts you years or even decades.

As a free-floating handguard, you can expect your shot groups to be a little tight below MOA. So it’s a win-win for you if accuracy and longevity are two things you consider important.

Best Carbon Fiber Handguard:
Brigand Arms LLC - Edge Free Float Handguard

To our knowledge, carbon fiber is another kind of material considered the best in terms of durability. And there are some good carbon fiber handguards on the market. The one we’ve chosen for this review is the Brigand Arms Edge Free Float Handguard.

The design is a minimalist one that will give your AR-10 rifle a performance like nothing else. And as expected, this is going to be one tough customer to deal with. It doesn’t matter if you’re using this for hunting, target practice, or shooting competitions, this product will give your AR-10’s performance a much-needed boost.

Even better, this will give you the opportunity to customize your rifle to your heart’s content. Find products that will fit your preferences or personal needs and you won’t have a hard time installing on this handguard.

Plus, this puppy is super strong. And it may be the only handguard you’ll rely on for years or decades to come. If that’s something you’re looking for, the Brigand Arms might be a good choice for you. This item comes in two different lengths: 12 inches and 15 inches.

Of course, the length you choose will obviously be based on personal preference. But regardless, you still get the same superior performance and durability.  

Bottom Line

The Brigand Arms is a great carbon fiber option that stands head and shoulders over the other products in this category. It is built to last and to stay in place once installed.

Regardless of whether you choose a 12-inch or 15-inch version, you’re going to see this withstand a lot of rounds, plus give you a boost in accuracy (after all, it is a free-floating handguard).

At the same time, the heat resistance will be great as well. So you won’t have to worry about handling it after a day out in the field or at the range. In fact, don’t be shocked if people start asking you questions at the range. The first thing they’ll probably notice is the design.

Best From Magpul:
Magpul - MOE-SL Carbine Length Handguard

For our final AR-10 product, we’ll be taking a look at the Magpul brand. More specifically, we’ll be looking at their MOE-SL Carbine-Length Handguard. What you’ll notice is that the material allows for maximum durability. Believe it or not, we’re not talking about aluminum. We’re talking about polymer. And it’s just as strong as aluminum.

In fact, it’s also heat-resistant like most aluminum handguards. If you have an AR-10 rifle with a carbine-length gas system, this will most likely fit you best. This will also come in handy if you want to add an accessory or two to make your AR-10 rifle look super awesome.

If you have a scope or optic handy, you can attach it to the M-LOK slots and be ready for action in a matter of minutes. These slots are located in the two, six, and ten o’clock positions.

Now we get to the part about aluminum. Yes, this is also included in the construction of this handguard. Except that it acts more as a heat shield and allows for even more cooling for your AR-10 rifle. Once you’re finished with another shooting session at the range or intense competition, don’t be surprised if the rifle’s barrel is a little cool to the touch.

This handguard is versatile and will work hard to give your rifle the best overall performance it can get. If you’re looking for this type of product, the Magpul might be worth the investment.

Bottom Line

Magpul has long been a reliable brand among AR-style rifle owners. Once again, they’ve proven themselves to be just that with this handguard. The construction is solid and does a great job keeping your gun cool even after a long day at the range.

You can customize this to your advantage using M-LOK compatible accessories. So, if you have a scope or sight you cannot wait to try out, get a product like this so you can finally see it in action.