User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 12:21:00 AM EDT
I am in the process of building my first AR upper receiver, I have always bought complete but have now decided to build my next upper from scratch. I have all of the upper receiver components as of right now except the free float hand guard.
I would prefer to purchase a handguard that does not have to be timed/indexed, as I have heard it can be a pain to line up everything and I would prefer not to have a head ache on my first build. The build is going to be a 16" Mid-Length with a 12"-15" free float handguard-MLok preferred. So far I have seen Midwest Industries, ADM and BCM all have what I am looking for. Is there any other brands that I am missing out on?? I am also open to suggestion on other handguards, Thanks in advance for the advice! Update: 04/11/17 Finally got the upper assembled, everything went pretty smooth. I was a bit concerned about the flash hider but it turned out to be pretty easy to time. Man those crush washers really do crush lol! Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone! I just need some sights and I'll take it to the range to test it out! Not to bad for my first build!! 
Parts List for those that care: -Aero Precision Upper -Ballistic Advantage 16" Mid-Length Gov. Profile Barrel -YHM gas block -YHM Flash Hider -Midwest Industries Gen3 12" Mlok Rail -Spikes Gas Tube -BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 Charging Handle -PSA Bolt Carrier Group -Holosun HS403gl -Complete Spikes Lower I had from a previous build |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 12:27:24 AM EDT
[#1]
My go-to now is the Aero Precision M4E1 series. But if you've got small hands you may not like the girth of the rail. I personally like them because they fit my hands well and if I wanted to stuff my F1 cans under the rail they'll fit.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 12:44:54 AM EDT
[#2]
Fortis/Rainier Switch the barrel nut does not need to be timed. They have M-Lok & KeyMod.
Fortis Switch Rails Rainier Switch Rails 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 12:45:45 AM EDT
[#3]
Geissele
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 1:20:51 AM EDT
[#4]
Matrix Aerospace and they're cheap in a good way! Chandler Hardwoods carries them.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 1:29:15 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Matrix Aerospace and they're cheap in a good way! Chandler Hardwoods carries them. This. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 1:48:21 AM EDT
[#6]
Diamondhead VRS-T doesn't require indexing.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 3:19:06 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This. This Again 
Faxon is another one and it comes in MLOK. It's a bit heavier though. 
Just installed my SLR rail today. I'm impressed but they cost quite a bit. 
Comes in mlok, keymod, or a hybrid tri rail up front with keymod/mlok Pictures of the Matrix: 
Personally the midwest industries rails weren't too bad of an install. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 5:37:37 AM EDT
[#8]
SLR provides an enormous variety of styles and lengths. Can't go wrong with SLR if you can afford them.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 5:39:03 AM EDT
[#9]
Slr rifleworks
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 5:47:14 AM EDT
[#10]
Centurion cmr
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 6:56:37 AM EDT
[#11]
These are the ones I have installed.
SLR Rifleworks BCM KMR Alpha KAC URX II KAC URX III |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 8:20:35 AM EDT
[#12]
You can add REV arms to the list. Lightweight, no indexing on the barrel nut.
Used one on a build last year, very nice. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 9:43:17 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Geissele Agreed. The easiest and most rock solid rail I've ever installed. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 10:07:57 AM EDT
[#14]
I love midwest industries and have the Gen 2 with are easy to index. But their Gen 3 do not require and indexing so that would be my suggestion to you.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 10:08:42 AM EDT
[#15]
A pleasure to be mentioned. Let us know if we can assist in any way!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 10:10:35 AM EDT
[#16]
Cross Machine Tool. I believe the Seekins NOXs rail also. Not 100% sure about the Seekins but I will know tonight when I install it on the upper I'm building.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 10:30:40 AM EDT
[#17]
Timing is not that big a deal. Pick a hand guard you like, lube the barrel nut, start with a torque wrench at 30lbs and then tighten with a breaker bar to get it timed right.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 12:53:57 PM EDT
[#18]
Thank you all for the information!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 1:04:43 PM EDT
[#19]
Daniel Defense. Not sure of the others, but definitely lite rails.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/17/2017 2:58:45 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My go-to now is the Aero Precision M4E1 series. But if you've got small hands you may not like the girth of the rail. I personally like them because they fit my hands well and if I wanted to stuff my F1 cans under the rail they'll fit. +1 on the Aero M4E1. I am doing this exact same thing with two integrally suppressed rifles. 1.5" OD suppressor tubes fit well underneath the rails and no timing issues.I have gorilla hands so rail size is perfect for my hands although I do like how slim the BCM rails are. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/18/2017 5:50:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Daniel Defense. Not sure of the others, but definitely lite rails. Like this: 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/20/2017 1:07:45 AM EDT
[#22]
Midwest Industries Gen3. Got one of these on my rifle and it was easy.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/20/2017 1:24:50 PM EDT
[#23]
The Seekins NOXS does not require timing. It does however require a special crow foot wrench that hard to find.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/22/2017 8:50:48 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Seekins NOXS does not require timing. It does however require a special crow foot wrench that hard to find. $11 1/2" drive crow's foot wrench off of Amazon and 5 minutes with a bench grinder will do the trick. Forearms that don't require timing of the nut: Geissele Seekins NOXS Noveske NSR, or copies SMOS Timber Creek outdoors BCM KMR/A |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/22/2017 9:33:37 PM EDT
[#25]
Geissele
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/22/2017 9:38:18 PM EDT
[#26]
The MI Gen 3 is a nice rail and requires no indexing.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/23/2017 7:39:24 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The MI Gen 3 is a nice rail and requires no indexing. ^^ agree. MI gen 3 is my preferred for ease of assembly/anti rotation feature/and value. The barrel nut is harder to deform versus the BCM KMR & aKMR, and it's much easier to get the rail seated/unseated on the nut by using a plastic pic/etc to slightly wedge between the ears of the loosened clamp, making alignment of picatinny rails extremely easy. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/23/2017 11:40:22 PM EDT
[#28]
Its pretty much down to the MI Gen3 Mlok rail or the Faxon Rail, I just found a nicely priced MI rail and may just pull the trigger on it. I'll post some pics when I am getting it together! Thank again everyone for the suggestions!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/26/2017 3:01:10 PM EDT
[#29]
I'd suggest looking at the ALG Defense (Geissele subsidiary) EMR (Ergonomic Modular Rail) line.
https://algdefense.com/rails/an-introduction-to-our-ergonomic-modular-rails.html The barrel nut installation is both bullet- and fool-proof, guaranteeing proper torque without the need for a torque wrench and automatically aligning the nut for the gas tube to pass through. The nut is long with a close fit, providing a robust rail mounting. And to top it off, they are not outrageously priced. My last three builds have used EMR-3's (I have one recent build in which I recycled a Troy Alpha Rail, otherwise I would have purchase another EMR). |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/26/2017 6:52:44 PM EDT
[#30]
If those aren't enough choices... you can pick up a lapping tool to square the receiver and then you can time any hand guard you want. Not hard with the right tool.
Lapping tool |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/26/2017 8:40:36 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The original modular float rail 9 and 12. Like this: http://www.ar15news.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/daniel-defense-mfr-12-2.jpg Still my favorite. Many of DD's rails use nuts that don't have the gas tube pass through, and are not indexed. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/27/2017 3:43:19 AM EDT
[#32]
I like the UTG Pro handguards. I have the keymod version and I'm impressed. Quality is great and its US made. They only work on standard upper receivers though.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/1/2017 12:56:17 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd suggest looking at the ALG Defense (Geissele subsidiary) EMR (Ergonomic Modular Rail) line. https://algdefense.com/rails/an-introduction-to-our-ergonomic-modular-rails.html The barrel nut installation is both bullet- and fool-proof, guaranteeing proper torque without the need for a torque wrench and automatically aligning the nut for the gas tube to pass through. The nut is long with a close fit, providing a robust rail mounting. And to top it off, they are not outrageously priced. My last three builds have used EMR-3's (I have one recent build in which I recycled a Troy Alpha Rail, otherwise I would have purchase another EMR). +1. Love my ALG rails. Easy installation. Easy and foolproof timing. You will have to spend $5 on one of their wrenches but that's nothing |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/1/2017 6:56:54 PM EDT
[#34]
ive got one of these going on my next build if it clears the piston gas block im using, no timing on this one, uses a 30mm or 1-3/16" wrench to fit the barrel nut, and it was 111$
https://www.cobratac.com/products/cobratac-ultra-quad-3-gun-series-free-float-hand-guard-system?sp_id=2795053&m=76945&utm_campaign=smartrmail_autocampaign_010317_76945&utm_medium=email&utm_source=smartrmail 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/5/2017 3:56:58 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
ive got one of these going on my next build if it clears the piston gas block im using, no timing on this one, uses a 30mm or 1-3/16" wrench to fit the barrel nut, and it was 111$ https://www.cobratac.com/products/cobratac-ultra-quad-3-gun-series-free-float-hand-guard-system?sp_id=2795053&m=76945&utm_campaign=smartrmail_autocampaign_010317_76945&utm_medium=email&utm_source=smartrmail That's about what I paid for my 13" ALG EMR. I wonder which one is higher quality? (Just kidding, the alg is) |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/5/2017 6:24:27 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's about what I paid for my 13" ALG EMR. I wonder which one is higher quality? (Just kidding, the alg is) those are nice but midway says 145$ and out of stock, AND they do need to be indexed to line up the rail mount holes |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/5/2017 10:36:35 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
those are nice but midway says 145$ and out of stock, AND they do need to be indexed to line up the rail mount holes Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
That's about what I paid for my 13" ALG EMR. I wonder which one is higher quality? (Just kidding, the alg is) those are nice but midway says 145$ and out of stock, AND they do need to be indexed to line up the rail mount holes They do, but it's easy and doesn't require a torque wrench. They mount really friggin solid. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/5/2017 10:55:38 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
ive got one of these going on my next build if it clears the piston gas block im using, no timing on this one, uses a 30mm or 1-3/16" wrench to fit the barrel nut, and it was 111$ https://www.cobratac.com/products/cobratac-ultra-quad-3-gun-series-free-float-hand-guard-system?sp_id=2795053&m=76945&utm_campaign=smartrmail_autocampaign_010317_76945&utm_medium=email&utm_source=smartrmail Ewww you paid $111 for a chinese rail? :/ I can't tell serious; I mean 10 to 20 bucks more could of got you a Faxon. I'd try to return it tbh. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/6/2017 9:30:19 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ewww you paid $111 for a chinese rail? :/ I can't tell serious; I mean 10 to 20 bucks more could of got you a Faxon. I'd try to return it tbh. no biggie to me, I have a diamondhead VRS-T on one AR / an older Daniel defense M4 on another / a SLR on a in progress build / I kinda liked the partial smooth w/a bit of rails / oh, also a Apex gatorgrip on a 308 |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/6/2017 10:13:19 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Timing is not that big a deal. Pick a hand guard you like, lube the barrel nut, start with a torque wrench at 30lbs and then tighten with a breaker bar to get it timed right. Now, with the advent of free float handguards that have a very tight grip on the barrel nut, no need for interference with the gas tube. In other words indexing and/or shims for FF handguards are an obsolete leftover, the sooner they are eliminated the better, IMO. Cost aside, I consider BCM's KMR line to be the very best, with SLR's Solo line a close second. The titanium barrel nut for my SLR ultralight handguard tightens with a simple 1-1/4" crescent wrench. - CW |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/6/2017 8:26:51 PM EDT
[#41]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/15/2017 1:20:19 PM EDT
[#42]
+2 for Diamondhead! VRS-T is the most comfortable handguard I have . Very easy assembly too.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/20/2017 7:32:15 PM EDT
[#43]
Armalite
Unless something really novel comes out, I won't buy a handguard that requires me to index the barrel nut. Huge pain in the ass. Extra plus for the armalite is it doesn't require some funky wrench. If you have a BIG adjustable, it will work. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/20/2017 7:36:41 PM EDT
[#44]
Correct me if I am wrong, but I am seeing pictures of handguards that have screws that go through the rail and thread into the barrel nut.
So even if you don't have to index around the gas tube, you still have to torque, un torque, shim, retorque.... etc.. to get the top of the handguard to line up with the receiver. Some designs, Armalite for sure, and I think the Geissele and BCM KMR, do not require you to do anything with the barrel nut but torque it to the proper spec. There are anti-rotation tabs on the handguard, but it clamps down so snug that it can't move. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/20/2017 8:04:39 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
$11 1/2" drive crow's foot wrench off of Amazon and 5 minutes with a bench grinder will do the trick. Forearms that don't require timing of the nut: Geissele Seekins NOXS Noveske NSR, or copies SMOS Timber Creek outdoors BCM KMR/A I usually use shims when doing those since I'm picky about my torque specs(I never go above 40 ft-lbs just based on preference and past experience) but once you do a few of them, they get a lot easier. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/20/2017 8:37:32 PM EDT
[#46]
I'm really liking my SLR, also have 2 bcm's (1 Alfa, I reg)
SLR. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/21/2017 12:13:04 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Matrix Aerospace and they're cheap in a good way! Chandler Hardwoods carries them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/21/2017 9:24:52 AM EDT
[#48]
I am loving the Strike Industries Mega Fins rails. They have a really good barrel nut design. Its a nut inside a nut and allows you to align the outer nuts gas tube port and then tighten the inner nut.
Good luck! |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/21/2017 10:30:24 AM EDT
[#49]
*edit* duplicate
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/21/2017 11:14:38 AM EDT
[#50]
I have the Faxon Streamline and it does not need to be timed. Very solid and well built for the cost. Faxon produces good stuff.
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
Attached File