I wanted some opinions from those of you who have taken carbine classes from EAG, Magpul, Gunsite, etc. Do you feel an extended length handguard on a 16" carbine is worth it? Namely, do you feel a longer handguard gives you more control than you would otherwise have with a carbine length handguard?

When I compared my carbine (7" LaRue) to that of a Noveske with a 9-10" SWS handguard today at a local gunstore, I was completely floored by the improved comfort and ergonomics of it. It had a Magpul AFG as well, and I felt like the AFG was made for this sort of set-up, whereas it is more uncomfortable to use the AFG on my carbine. By the way, SWS's handguard is rock solid. It was the first time I've been able to handle one, and I really liked it.

Thoughts? I'm taking a Gunsite 3 day class later this year. I'm really thinking about dropping the money into such a mid-length set up for this very purpose (along with 3 gun).

Thanks

Yes.  Before I sold my carbine I ran it in a class - I used a VFG and put it as far forward as I could.  That setup wasn't bad at all, but I wanted to be able to put my hand out just a little farther.  

Generally speaking, the farther forward your support hand is, the faster you can transition between targets.  It also seems to make the gun more controllable.  I've switched to a midlength that I've been using in matches for a few months and I just built another AR with a rifle-length V-TAC tube that feels even better.

I would try what you have first. See how it works and adjust fire from there.

For me the longer rail works better, but I am much taller than your average Joe.

I have a BCM middy that I hammered the pins out of the FSB and put a 9" LaRue rail on it, and then reinstalled the FSB.  For me it is perfect.  It gives me the distance out front that I need while still giving me a good solid front sight (I hate folding fronts).

I also have a carbine that I have some non-FF quad rails on and I cannot get my left hand far enough out.

Here is basically what I have (But I did it myself):

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-Larue-p/bcm-urg-mid-16%20lt9.htm


This is my favorite rifle by far.

You really need to see what works best for you and what fits your body dimensions the best.  Get rounds down range in the same manner you intend to use your rifle.  I don't think simply mounting the rifle will give you all of the necessary feedback to make your decision.

I applied this same lesson at a class this past weekend.  I brought a 14.5" middy with a DD OmegaX rail, T-1, BAD lever, AFG, ACS stock and MS2 sling.  By the end of the day, a couple of lessons were learned.  First, although I certainly liked the AFG (and use the same hand position advocated by MD) in limited range sessions, it did not cut the mustard after a full day class.  I didn't achieve a consistent reaction hand position when switching my rifle from weapon side to reaction side over and over throughout drills.  The inconsistent grip led to longer times to get on target.  With VFG's there's more defined feedback for my hand placement so the AFG went back in the box.  Two other points raised by the instructor were that a) a VFG helps with weapon light usage; and b) VFG's are better suited to all day use (versus holding your arm out straight all day).  YMMV