Cheapest 15" handguard you'd recommend?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Cheapest 15" handguard you'd recommend?

Posted: 11/23/2015 9:31:14 PM EDT

I've got a current (somewhat budget oriented) project consisting, so far, of a LaRue 18" PredatAR barrel, MBT trigger and furniture set I got as part of their "Taste of Texas" promotion ($400 for the above). I also have a nice locally manufactured lower, slickside upper, bcg etc. etc. All I don't have is a 15" or better, handguard.

As I'm trying to keep this economical, what brands have you fellas had experience with? Bonus points for fde, over 15", lightweight and sub $175. It doesn't have to be tier 1, I'm trying to see what I can get out of nothing but a good barrel and trigger. Amazon would be nice but not essential and I don't have a preference on m-lock or keymod. Don't know about, or own any parts in those configurations.

Posted: 11/23/2015 9:35:57 PM EDT

[#1]

http://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v1-m-lok.html

Posted: 11/23/2015 9:39:16 PM EDT

[#2]

ALG defense, the new BCM kmr's are in that price range, Midwest industries G3

Posted: 11/23/2015 9:40:23 PM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:

http://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v1-m-lok.html

View Quote

those look perfect. and you can get a sling stud for 12$ that will let you mount a $75-99 harris correctly instead of having to spend $200+ for a rail mounted bipod. Never understood how having a rail more than doubled the price of a bipod mounted correctly but it sure does.

Posted: 11/23/2015 9:47:25 PM EDT

[#4]

I will second the ALG rail, I have one on my pistol and the fit and finish is great!

Posted: 11/23/2015 9:49:11 PM EDT

[#5]

Primary Arms handguards are a fantastic deal for the price. Especially at the sale price of $99 during most of their sales.

$155

Posted: 11/23/2015 10:07:45 PM EDT

[#6]

Another factor I'd like to take into consideration, I'd very much prefer US made. Not that the above arent, don't know. But I don't want to save a few bucks extra at the expense of the pleasure of buying American,

Even if I need to spend more, I'd like one as long as possible. I'd like to cover all but the muzzle break. For that I'd spend 200. Just putting out feelers. Thanks for the help guys.

Posted: 11/23/2015 10:15:06 PM EDT

[#7]

Topic Moved

Posted: 11/23/2015 10:32:05 PM EDT

[#8]

ALG defense, especially with Black Friday coming up

Posted: 11/23/2015 11:01:36 PM EDT

[#9]

I have the Seekins MCSR 15" and really like it

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Seekins_Precision_MCSR_V2_Rail_p/skn-mcsr-v2.htm

Posted: 11/23/2015 11:18:28 PM EDT

[#10]

We sell and install a lot of these. Nice rail for the money, made in Michigan.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leapers-utg-pro-4-15-rifle-15in-super-slim-float-handguard.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=PLA&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D&utm_campaign=%7BOrderItemID%7D

Posted: 11/24/2015 12:07:40 AM EDT

[#11]

i have that primary arms skeens hand guard and its very nice. well worth it and super light. would buy more when i need to.

the 13" version

Posted: 11/24/2015 1:43:37 AM EDT

[#12]

No first hand experience, but you said budget:

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Matrix_Arms_Foxtrot_KeyMod_Handguard_p/ma-foxtrot.htm

$70, made in USA

Posted: 11/24/2015 1:02:07 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:

ALG defense, especially with Black Friday coming up

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This. I have a 13" V1 on a 16" Losok blaster gun. Thinking of a 15" V2 with my 18" WOA SPR barrel.

The down side is you have to align the barrel nut with shims, whereas the KMR appears to just get torqued at the right value, like the SLRs.

Posted: 11/24/2015 1:46:28 PM EDT

[#14]

Midwest Industries G3 M-Lok is pretty good. Excellent on weight and US made, a little over your price line.

To truly stick to a budget and not worry about weight or country of manufacture - I've got a 15" "Mentium" quad rail that is similar to the original YHM and MI designs. For about $50 delivered they work just fine.

Posted: 11/24/2015 1:49:31 PM EDT

[#15]

Another ALG recommendation. I have a 13" V3 on one of my sticks and am very happy with it.

Posted: 11/24/2015 1:54:29 PM EDT

[#16]

ALG or a Midwest Gen 3

Posted: 11/24/2015 2:08:37 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
No first hand experience, but you said budget:

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/v/vspfiles/photos/MA-FOXTROT-2.jpg

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Matrix_Arms_Foxtrot_KeyMod_Handguard_p/ma-foxtrot.htm

$70, made in USA

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:
No first hand experience, but you said budget:

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/v/vspfiles/photos/MA-FOXTROT-2.jpg

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Matrix_Arms_Foxtrot_KeyMod_Handguard_p/ma-foxtrot.htm

$70, made in USA

I have a 13" and a 9" "C" Cut. I'm tempted to grab a few more. Installation is a breeze with a Bev Block, Aeroshell, and the giant crowfoot I purchased. Just torque and you are done. No shims to mess with.

The Seekins/PA was nice, it was just huge diameter wise.

Parallax Tactical has blems for sale but only 13" are in stock. $109 shipped.

13.2 Keymod Black
13 Keymod FDE x 4
13 FFSSR FDE
13 Keymod Black
13 Keymod FDE

Top 13 FFSSR

UTG Pro is good, as is MI/ALG

Posted: 11/24/2015 6:27:45 PM EDT

[#18]

I went with a Rousch Sports 15" hand guard on my rifle and I'm very happy with it. It is available on Amazon for like $72 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Rousch-Sports%C2%AE-Ultra-Keymod-Forend/dp/B013R90YHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448404015&sr=8-1&keywords=rousch+sports+15%22

Fit and finish are very good, feels solid when shooting................and it doesn't break the bank.

Steve

Posted: 11/24/2015 6:50:52 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I went with a Rousch Sports 15" hand guard on my rifle and I'm very happy with it. It is available on Amazon for like $72 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Rousch-Sports%C2%AE-Ultra-Keymod-Forend/dp/B013R90YHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448404015&sr=8-1&keywords=rousch+sports+15%22

Fit and finish are very good, feels solid when shooting................and it doesn't break the bank.

Steve

View Quote

Made in China though.

I picked up the exact type rail from another vendor. It came in a white box and had a china sticker on it.
It's decent but there are better options.

Posted: 11/24/2015 9:03:39 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
No first hand experience, but you said budget:

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/v/vspfiles/photos/MA-FOXTROT-2.jpg

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Matrix_Arms_Foxtrot_KeyMod_Handguard_p/ma-foxtrot.htm

$70, made in USA

View Quote

Reviews so far look good. I'm gonna give it a try. Found a nickel plated one that actually looks matte tan. 94 bucks shipped, but it'll go nice with the color I'm trying to match and save me on cerakoting it. I just hope what I get is the same color as the picture.

Posted: 11/24/2015 10:38:55 PM EDT

[#21]

UTG PRO

Posted: 11/24/2015 10:53:15 PM EDT

[#22]

ALG, no contest.

Posted: 11/25/2015 3:28:52 AM EDT

[#23]

For a little more you can get a Mk8 Geissele rail from their sight $200 - $230ish with the gas block.

Posted: 11/25/2015 7:36:43 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Made in China though.

I picked up the exact type rail from another vendor. It came in a white box and had a china sticker on it.
It's decent but there are better options.

View Quote

I paid $50 delivered direct from Rousch, dealt with the owner directly.

For my use and what I wanted.............this is perfect.

I compared it directly with a Midwest one, and they are virtually identical......except for the huge price difference.

Steve

Posted: 11/25/2015 12:00:29 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
UTG PRO

View Quote

I like mine (13in model/18in barrel)

Posted: 11/25/2015 1:26:45 PM EDT

[#26]

SWFA has Seekins on their Black Friday Sale ad for $125.

http://swfa.com/images/SWFA_2015_Black_Friday_Flyer.pdf

Posted: 11/26/2015 10:13:06 AM EDT

[#27]

ALG all the way. They certainly don't feel like a budget option at all.

Posted: 11/26/2015 11:32:32 AM EDT

[#28]

You can find ALG ones in their black friday sale for cheap

Posted: 11/26/2015 11:32:32 AM EDT

[#29]

You can find ALG ones in their black friday sale for cheap

Posted: 11/26/2015 11:42:00 AM EDT

[#30]

ALG is nice, just wish the V2 and V3 had M-Lok slots at the 3 and 9 o'clock

Posted: 11/27/2015 3:27:28 AM EDT

[#31]

I have no first hand experience with the Guntec rails, but I've been eyeing these for a budget build. They are US made and the 15" M-Lok and Keymod versions are claimed to weigh 10.8 ounces on Guntec's website. Each is $74.97 plus shipping at the links below. CTD lists them both as weighing 9.1 ounces but I'd go with the manfacturer's spec.

Keymod: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/ARR-073-004?td_source=search

M-Lok: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/ARR-073-005?td_source=search

Posted: 11/27/2015 9:53:07 AM EDT

[#32]

Well, I got one of the matrix rails for about 70, then found the seekins/primary arms 15" for 110 shipped. Think I'll keep the seekins and sell the matrix, maybe save it for the next build.

Posted: 11/27/2015 5:55:37 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have no first hand experience with the Guntec rails, but I've been eyeing these for a budget build. They are US made and the 15" M-Lok and Keymod versions are claimed to weigh 10.8 ounces on Guntec's website. Each is $74.97 plus shipping at the links below. CTD lists them both as weighing 9.1 ounces but I'd go with the manfacturer's spec.

Keymod: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/ARR-073-004?td_source=search

M-Lok: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/ARR-073-005?td_source=search

View Quote

When the price difference between made in China and made in USA is 3x the cost, I can see buying from China

When the price difference is $10-20, I just don't get it. I'm gonna buy made in USA.

Posted: 11/27/2015 10:43:55 PM EDT

[#34]

I agree, and since the Guntec is Made in the USA it appears to me a good deal. Reviews I've seen have been pretty good.

I would probably choose the Guntec over the Matrix simply because the Matrix's ID is reported to be problematic for all but the smallest gas blocks.

Posted: 11/27/2015 10:51:51 PM EDT

[#35]

https://www.westernsport.com/product/odin-works-kmod-forend-15-5-fde/

https://www.westernsport.com/product/odin-works-kmod-forend-15-5/

Posted: 11/28/2015 4:18:55 AM EDT

[#36]

ALG 15" EMR V3 ($132) with a Sidewinder brake ($20)....$152 shipped for a nice quality handguard this weekend.

Posted: 11/28/2015 8:13:47 AM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
We sell and install a lot of these. Nice rail for the money, made in Michigan.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leapers-utg-pro-4-15-rifle-15in-super-slim-float-handguard.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=PLA&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D&utm_campaign=%7BOrderItemID%7D

View Quote

yep, i have one and fits really well and looks great too! they were cheaper at CTD.

Bruce

Posted: 11/28/2015 9:38:57 AM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
I agree, and since the Guntec is Made in the USA it appears to me a good deal. Reviews I've seen have been pretty good.

I would probably choose the Guntec over the Matrix simply because the Matrix's ID is reported to be problematic for all but the smallest gas blocks.

View Quote

Eh, I haven't had any issues with gas blocks. These clear just fine. I heard guntec has issues with the screws stripping out.

Aim Surplus Nitrided Low Profile Gas Block

$15 shipped with black friday sale. Usually $20 shipped.

I had one pinned on a Voodoo 14.5" barrel and now it's absolutely bomb proof.

The set screws/Gas block are actually well made and pretty hard as well. IIRC I think they even nitrided those. Aim makes good stuff.

Nitrided Gas Block/Matrix Handguard still comes up cheaper than a guntec rail alone.

Posted: 11/28/2015 1:32:27 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:

Eh, I haven't had any issues with gas blocks. These clear just fine. I heard guntec has issues with the screws stripping out.

Aim Surplus Nitrided Low Profile Gas Block

$15 shipped with black friday sale. Usually $20 shipped.

I had one pinned on a Voodoo 14.5" barrel and now it's absolutely bomb proof.

The set screws/Gas block are actually well made and pretty hard as well. IIRC I think they even nitrided those. Aim makes good stuff.

Nitrided Gas Block/Matrix Handguard still comes up cheaper than a guntec rail alone.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I agree, and since the Guntec is Made in the USA it appears to me a good deal. Reviews I've seen have been pretty good.

I would probably choose the Guntec over the Matrix simply because the Matrix's ID is reported to be problematic for all but the smallest gas blocks.

Eh, I haven't had any issues with gas blocks. These clear just fine. I heard guntec has issues with the screws stripping out.

Aim Surplus Nitrided Low Profile Gas Block

$15 shipped with black friday sale. Usually $20 shipped.

I had one pinned on a Voodoo 14.5" barrel and now it's absolutely bomb proof.

The set screws/Gas block are actually well made and pretty hard as well. IIRC I think they even nitrided those. Aim makes good stuff.

Nitrided Gas Block/Matrix Handguard still comes up cheaper than a guntec rail alone.

I've heard about the stripped screws as well and also about screws breaking off, but apparently Guntec had a bad batch of screws that they claim they've fixed. The ID of the Matrix is spec'd at 1.30 inches but is reported to be closer to 1.28; that means that many of the popular low pro gas blocks that are 1.35 inches won't fit.

Thanks for the tip on the gas block; I may pick up one for my next build. I'll probably order one of the Gunctec's in M-Lok and the Matrix since I also want to try a Keymod rail.

It seems that people keep saying that Keymod is more expensive to produce than M-Lok, but I'm finding that most of the best value handguards are in Keymod with M-lok carrying a premium.