The modular design of the AR-15 allows its user to customize their rifle in a variety of ways. One very common upgrade for an AR-15 is the handguard.
Upgrading a handguard is about both the accuracy and aesthetics of the rifle.
Thereโs also always debate going on about choosing a free-floating handguard compared to a drop-in. Here weโll be talking about the pros and cons of each and which one will suit you best.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-15 Handguards
- OUR TOP PICK: Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard
- RUNNER-UP: Bravo Company BCM KMR Alpha Handguard
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Centurion Arms C4 Carbine Cutout Rail System
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Handguard
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Primary Reasons to Use a Handguard
There are quite a few reasons to use a handguard with a rifle. The first and foremost use is to adjust the grip and for cooling. A handguard allows the shooter to grip the rifle firmly and create a proper stance and position for shooting.
It also protects the palms of the shooter from the high temperatures of the barrel, which tends to heat up while shooting. The latest handguards have a vented and grilled design. They offer better heat resistance compared to the retro assemblies.
Another reason to use a handguard is to gain some space for mounting accessories. Handguards with Weaver, Picatinny, or Stanag rails allow the user to mount accessories like flashlights, lasers, forward grips, bipods, mounted optics, and sling mounts.
One really popular reason for upgrading handguards these days is the aesthetics of the rifle. The AR-15 is a very popular rifle, so there are a ton of customized and amazing designs available in its accessories. This is definitely true for handguards. They can help you make your rifle look cooler along with their more practical effects.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Handguard
There are quite a few important factors to consider before you buy a handguard for your AR-15. Before choosing a handguard, you must decide what youโll use your rifle for and if you really want to spend money on some new features. Below are some factors to consider, which will help you make a decision.
Weight
An important factor to consider in a handguard is its weight. A new handguard will probably add to the weight of your rifle (especially if it is a free-floating handguard). Weight doesnโt really matter for benchrest shooters, but if you take your rifle out for hunting trips, weight can be a concern.
Handguards are generally made of aluminum so they are comparatively lightweight compared to steel, but are still made of metal. There are polymer and composite-based handguards available on the market, but in general, a handguard will somewhat add to the weight of your AR-15. If you donโt mind adding a little weight in return for some extra mounting space and functions, you should go for it.
Accuracy
One very important and less discussed feature about handguards is the accuracy. There are two types of handguard available on the market. With Free-Floating Handguards (FFH), the handguard doesnโt touch the barrel. On the other hand, with Drop-In Handguards, the handguard does touch the barrel.
Free-floating handguards are known to improve the accuracy of the rifle because they donโt touch the barrel. That means they donโt interfere with barrel harmonics related to recoil, grip, a bipod, or other factors.
Drop-in handguards can meddle with barrel harmonics and can often cause the barrel to bend.
Free-floating handguards are generally used for sniper rifles and competition purposes because they are expensive and a bit heavy compared to drop-ins.
Installation Difficulty
Drop-in handguards, as the name suggests, are easy to install. You just need to pull back the spring-loaded Delta ring and drop in the replacement. Installing drop-in handguards does not require any modifications to the AR-15.
On the other hand, free-floating handguards are a bit difficult to install. Thatโs because they donโt touch the barrel and hold their weight, as well as the weight of mounted accessories .
Free-floating barrels are installed directly on the upper receiver, which means youโll have to disassemble your front assembly to some extent.
If you want the most accurate choice and donโt mind the price, go for a free-floating handguard. But a drop-in will work fine if youโre on a budget or pin-point accuracy isnโt that crucial to you.
Heat Resistance
One of the primary functions of a handguard is to provide heat resistance. There are a ton of different handguard models on the market and each of them offers a different level of heat resistance. Free-floating handguards tend to offer better heat resistance because of their design.
Handguards with vents help with the cooling. Polymer is usually a better choice than aluminum for better heat resistance and cooling. But if you are more into full-auto shooting or prolonged shooting sessions, metal handguards will be a better choice.
Weโll talk more in-depth about both drop-in and free-floating handguards in separate articles.
Length
Youโve got to look at the gas system length of your AR-15 before changing your handguard. The most common ones are rifle, carbine, and pistol gas systems. Be sure to choose a handguard length compatible with your AR-15.
Longer handguards tend to provide a longer grip area and are especially useful for people with large hands. Plus, the extra mounting space and larger surface area for cooling are benefits.
Free-floating handguards can be made longer than the length of a gas system that uses a low-profile gas block. Free-floating handguards also open up more options for accessorizing.
Mounting Options (Pros and Cons of Rail Options)
Different types of handguards offer different mounting options. That may mean include Picatinny or Weaver rails and rings.
Itโs important to realize that there are some pros and cons associated with different types of mounting options.
For example, accessories compatible with a Weaver rail will fit a Picatinny rail but the reverse is not possible. Additionally, Picatinny rails are heavier, so they add to the weight of your rifle.
Also, rails let you mount multiple accessories at a time. Picatinny rails, to be specific, are extremely durable due to the massive size of their parts. Handguards can either be railed or bear no design or frills, just like the retro AR-15 handguard models. You can read more about AR-15 rail options here.
Review of the Best AR-15 Handguards
Let's take a look at this year's top AR-15 handguards:
Best Overall:
Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This handguard was a huge hit with a lot of new users. Especially those looking for a handguard that will make customization interesting. A lot of new users were able to quickly install this handguard in minutes while adding on their accessories of choice (including flashlights, optics, and scopes). So far, they have had no complaints with the performance and quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A great handguard should be high in quality and be able to give you as many customization options as possible. Plus, itโs one of the handfuls of drop-in handguards that you can install quickly without the need of a gunsmith doing it for you. Say goodbye to wasting time and money on something that you can actually do in less time.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking to up your accuracy and completely enhance the performance of your AR-15 rifle, then you will certainly give this handguard a closer look. Whether youโre spending time out in the field or at the range, you can put this to the test with all the accessories you can install on your rifle. And all it can take is a solidly built handguard to serve as the base.
Bottom Line
If you want the best in the business when it comes to handguards, the Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE might be exactly what youโre looking for. It proves itself as one of the strongest and most customizable friendly handguards that you can find on the market. Once you install this, youโll be able to have quite the ride putting this to good use.
Runner-up:
Bravo Company BCM KMR Alpha Handguard
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were using their AR-15 rifles for the purpose of hunting, target shooting, and even tactical purposes. They were all quite happy with the overall build and quality of the handguard. What made this stand out was the ability to provide a good amount of heat dissipation especially after extended use of their rifle. One user even said that although itโs designed to protect his hands from accidentally touching the barrel, it somehow improved his accuracy a bit after install.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This handguard is lightweight and super sturdy. It proves that just because something is made from really sturdy materials, it doesnโt always equate to heavy in weight. On top of that, itโs a handguard that is battle-tested and always ready to take on the multiple amounts of gunfire. So if you are at the range all day or using your AR-15 for some good olโ fashioned hunting, this handguard will certainly give you more than what you expect.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an ideal handguard if you are looking for something that wonโt weigh you down once itโs fully installed. Plus, itโs great for boosting accuracy even when you have yet to install accessories that will make your rifle even more precise and on the money. If easy install and a no-fuss fit are what you are looking for in a handguard along with simple customization, then you might be looking at your next investment.
Bottom Line
The Bravo Company BCM KMR Alpha Handguard is no slouch when it comes to quality and performance. And it will definitely give your AR-15 rifle the improvements it deserves. You can install this as an upgrade or add it to a building project you might be working on. The results will blow you away from the instant you install this.
Best for the Money:
Centurion Arms C4 Carbine Cutout Rail System
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
While this is considered as the โbudget optionโ for new users, they said they got a lot more than what they paid for out of this handguard. They said the installation was quick and easy, despite some minor gunsmithing skills being required. But nonetheless, they got instant results upon installation in terms of accuracy. They said the Picatinny rail was nice and straight and also allowed for the fitting of various accessories.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum, this handguard proves itself as being one of the toughest on the block. It provides no rattle and can handle so many instances of gunfire. Of course, with the inclusion of the Picatinny rail, it will open the door to so many customization options. And why not add on an optic or maybe a flashlight if you plan on using it at night? There is so much you can do after customizing a rifle to your advantage.
Who Will Use This Most
This handguard will make a great starter model for those who want something that is affordable but wonโt care if itโs some kind of high-end brand. Indeed, itโs the best quality handguard that you can possibly afford up to this point. And thatโs a good thing when you want to avoid the cheap and flimsy handguards that flood the market.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a really tough handguard that will be easy to install, simple to use, and wonโt break the bank then the Centurion Arms AR-15/M16 C4 Carbine Cutout Rail System will probably be the go-to option just for you. Youโll be surprised by how many expectations that this handguard will exceed by the time you get this installed.
Best Drop-in Handguard:
Magpul - AR-15/M16 Moe M-LOK Mid-length Handguards
Pros
Cons
This handguard was a hit with most users. They were able to install this in a matter of a couple of minutes with just a few tools. One user said he was able to install a couple of accessories in the available slots so it could boost his accuracy and navigating ability while hunting for predators at night.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The handguard is built with some M-LOK slots that allow for the addition of accessories. Whether itโs a scope, a flashlight, sights, or whatever else that will give your AR-15 rifle a performance boost, this handguard is your kind of accessory. Itโs also proven to be resistant to heat that may stem from extended periods of use like target shooting or competition shooting.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used by many shooters looking to make some customizations for their rifle. If you intend to make it more accurate or useful in some applications like target shooting, hunting (both in daytime and nighttime settings), or competition shooting, this handguard will allow you to customize your rifle to your heartโs content.
Bottom Line
The Magpul AR-15/M16 MOE M-LOK Handguard will be your best possible option if you need a handguard that will do more than protect your hands from the heat of a frequently used rifle. If you need that extra boost you deserve with the right kind of accessories, this handguard will have a place for them.
Best Free-Floating Handguard:
Aero Precision - AR-15/M16 Enhanced Handguards
Pros
Cons
New buyers were able to install this on their rifles fairly quickly. As a result, they were able to boost their ability to customize their rifles with all the accessories they need for better accuracy and even better navigation, like flashlights. One user said it also helped his rifle stay cool, even after a long day at the range.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This handguard has a skeletonized design that makes it quite lightweight. This means when youโre able to add it onto your rifle, it wonโt add on any unnecessary weight. On top of that, the M-LOK slots are available so you can add on whatever accessory you see fit. Plus, itโs also made from high-quality aluminum, which is nearly indestructible and can handle any damage or impact you inflict on it.
Who Will Use This Most
This handguard will be used by many AR-15 owners desiring a handguard that encompasses the entire AR-15 barrel. This will be a lightweight unit that will last quite a while and will protect you from accidentally touching the barrel while itโs still warm. If you want a handguard that pulls double-duty as both an accessory that allows customization and as a protective accessory to prevent accidental burns, this might be the handguard you want.
Bottom Line
The Aero Precision AR-15/M16 Enhanced Handguard is one handguard that is super-tough and will give you many customization options. Use the M-LOK slots to your advantage to ensure that your beefed-up AR-15 rifle is a force to be reckoned with in any given application.
Conclusion
Handguards help with the accuracy, aesthetics, heat resistance, and mounting options of your rifle. There are a couple different types of handguards available on the market; free-floating (FFH) and drop-in. Both have their place in AR-15 applications.
The FFH are costlier and difficult to install as compared to drop-in models, but provide better accuracy for the AR-15. Consider factors such as type, weight, accuracy, length, mounting options, installation difficulty, and heat resistance before choosing a handguard. You can also choose a handguard with a mix of these different qualities to upgrade to better suit your needs.
Thank you for forearm article. It’s great to find this info in one place as opposed to searching for the various blog. AR-15 handguard is very light and easy to grip. It is built specifically for lightweight, rapid engagement rifles. It made from Aluminum so no heat issues.
Glad to be of help.