Hi there,

I'm going to build a new AR, but I have a simple question that I haven't been able to find a clear answer for.  I'm debating either a CAR or M4 build, but I can't quite find out how long the M4 handguards are when compared to the CAR ones.  I am going to put some YHM handguards with rails on it, but if the M4 handguards are really short (not having much room for accessories), I might go with a CAR build.

Does anyone have the measurements for the two?

Thanks a lot!
-Parke1

They're the same length.  

Well, now, don't I look silly?  Ok, that makes sense.  Are the M4 ones typically a different profile or something?  In most pictures they look different to me.

So I can buy CAR style handguards and put them on an M4 upper, right?

Thanks!
-Parke1

They're interchangeable.  The difference is that proper M4 handguards are a bit wider and have double heatshields while the standard carbine handguards are narrower and taper a bit.  

The YHM carbine length handguards will fit an M4 upper.