Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
2/2/2014 6:39:19 PM EDT
Pretty dumb question, but here goes:
Building a varmint ar. spikes tactical lower and upper, fde moe stock, fde moe grip, fde pmags, 20" ss bull barrel from woa.

I cannot decide what to put on for handguard. I want to cover the gas block, but getting something good over 14" is over my budget. However, I've found i like the RRA TRO free float, but also like a quad rail with magul fde rail covers.  Both at 14.5".....What do you think would look best? Each configuration would come out to about $125.
Thanks for any input, or jabs....
2/2/2014 7:32:37 PM EDT
[#1]
After playing with a few different setups and spending money that didn't need to be spent; I've learned to look at total cost of hand guard plus any attachments that will need to be added.
For example, if you like a QD attachments at certain places on the rail, look for hand guards that incorporate them into the design. On the cheap the UTG Pro 13" is a quad rail that has QD sockets all down the side and gets great reviews for the money.
If you do not take this into consideration you may be spending more to add rails and various attachment points later.
One of my favorites is the Head Down Provectus. It has QD points front and rear plus rails where i like rails. Many places have clearanced them out and looks like they are gone now. Would have liked to get another 15" for the sale price but was too slow.
2/2/2014 7:35:22 PM EDT
[#2]
you want to know what other people think looks best for your AR, and you will go from there?
2/2/2014 8:13:23 PM EDT
[#3]
Check out the ALG EMR.  Might be just what you're looking for.
2/3/2014 7:57:59 AM EDT
[#4]


This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).

Diamondhead VRS "T" ;








2/3/2014 8:02:02 AM EDT
[#5]
15" Noveske NSR is what you want so don't be a cheap ass, and yes it will look great.
 



ETA: When I go hunting it requires a shit load of walking so a Light rifle is very handy.
2/3/2014 8:05:37 AM EDT
[#6]

Quote History
Quoted:


15" Noveske NSR is what you want so don't be a cheap ass, and yes it will look great.  


View Quote

ETA: When I go hunting it requires a shit load of walking so a Light rifle is very handy.
Did you switch to one, juke?



 
2/3/2014 8:11:05 AM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for the input everyone.
Juke,
yes, i am a cheap ass
2/3/2014 8:13:32 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).
Diamondhead VRS "T" ;


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg

View Quote


THIS!!!  I was looking to drop the $$$ for the PRI III, but $300 was just too steep for my blood.  Soon after saw the Diamindhead VRS-T and fell in love with it, especially at half the price.  Like the PRI it had a triangular shape that was flat on the bottom (great for shooting off flat things like fences, truck beds, sandbags, palms, etc.  The undulations along the "corners" at the bottom make the entire length feel like one long pistol grip in the hand.  Now I went a step further, hand-cut mine to accomodate an Adams Arms piston gas block, then roughed it up with a scratch pad and sprayed a light stippling with bedliner onto it, which made it feel even better and matches the UBR in color and texture perfectly.  Could not be happier.
2/3/2014 8:14:27 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).
Diamondhead VRS "T" ;


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg

View Quote

Hmm, that looks nice, i'll have to check it out. THanks!

2/3/2014 8:15:38 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:


THIS!!!  I was looking to drop the $$$ for the PRI III, but $300 was just too steep for my blood.  Soon after saw the Diamindhead VRS-T and fell in love with it, especially at half the price.  Like the PRI it had a triangular shape that was flat on the bottom (great for shooting off flat things like fences, truck beds, sandbags, palms, etc.  The undulations along the "corners" at the bottom make the entire length feel like one long pistol grip in the hand.  Now I went a step further, hand-cut mine to accomodate an Adams Arms piston gas block, then roughed it up with a scratch pad and sprayed a light stippling with bedliner onto it, which made it feel even better and matches the UBR in color and texture perfectly.  Could not be happier.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).
Diamondhead VRS "T" ;


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg



THIS!!!  I was looking to drop the $$$ for the PRI III, but $300 was just too steep for my blood.  Soon after saw the Diamindhead VRS-T and fell in love with it, especially at half the price.  Like the PRI it had a triangular shape that was flat on the bottom (great for shooting off flat things like fences, truck beds, sandbags, palms, etc.  The undulations along the "corners" at the bottom make the entire length feel like one long pistol grip in the hand.  Now I went a step further, hand-cut mine to accomodate an Adams Arms piston gas block, then roughed it up with a scratch pad and sprayed a light stippling with bedliner onto it, which made it feel even better and matches the UBR in color and texture perfectly.  Could not be happier.


Pics?
2/3/2014 8:17:23 AM EDT
[#11]



Quote History
Quoted:
ETA: When I go hunting it requires a shit load of walking so a Light rifle is very handy.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:



15" Noveske NSR is what you want so don't be a cheap ass, and yes it will look great.  









ETA: When I go hunting it requires a shit load of walking so a Light rifle is very handy.
Did you switch to one, juke?



 
I only have one AR and I prefer it to have a FSB, but if I decide to buy another you bet I'll get the BCM keymod.

 









ETA:Soon I am going to get my barrel re profiled to LW and have my muzzle device chopped and a new one pinned on which will end up costing as much as the NSR.







ETA2: My hunting gun is now a bolt action that is lighter and has better balance.


 
2/3/2014 8:18:40 AM EDT
[#12]

Quote History
Quoted:


Thanks for the input everyone.

Juke,

yes, i am a cheap ass
View Quote
Buy once cry once, and I hope your not so cheap you get the UTG.

 
2/3/2014 8:19:26 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:

Hmm, that looks nice, i'll have to check it out. THanks!

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).
Diamondhead VRS "T" ;


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg


Hmm, that looks nice, i'll have to check it out. THanks!




FYI the Magpul rail sections fit perfectly, just have to use the appropriate screws with the right thread pitch.  Didn't think I'd like the plastic rails but frankly I can't tell any diff with them compared to the original Diamondhead rail sections which do not come with the handguard.  I put a section on the bottom for my Grippod and it's solid as a rock, and the Magpul sections are less than half the price of the Diamondheads, for you, the fellow "cheap ass"
2/3/2014 8:24:33 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:


Pics?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).
Diamondhead VRS "T" ;


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg



THIS!!!  I was looking to drop the $$$ for the PRI III, but $300 was just too steep for my blood.  Soon after saw the Diamindhead VRS-T and fell in love with it, especially at half the price.  Like the PRI it had a triangular shape that was flat on the bottom (great for shooting off flat things like fences, truck beds, sandbags, palms, etc.  The undulations along the "corners" at the bottom make the entire length feel like one long pistol grip in the hand.  Now I went a step further, hand-cut mine to accomodate an Adams Arms piston gas block, then roughed it up with a scratch pad and sprayed a light stippling with bedliner onto it, which made it feel even better and matches the UBR in color and texture perfectly.  Could not be happier.


Pics?


Nah dang it don't have any at work with me.  Did post pics of the rifle in the DIY section a while ago.  IF you can search by my user name maybe they can be found?  Never had a reason to look for such things so not sure if you can do that.


OK found them, page 41, piston thread, most of the way down the page.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_126/463345____PISTON_AR_PICTURE_THREAD_______.html&page=41
2/3/2014 9:02:16 AM EDT
[#15]


Quote History
Quoted:
Nah dang it don't have any at work with me. Did post pics of the rifle in the DIY section a while ago. IF you can search by my user name maybe they can be found? Never had a reason to look for such things so not sure if you can do that.





OK found them, page 41, piston thread, most of the way down the page.



http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_126/463345____PISTON_AR_PICTURE_THREAD_______.html&page=41

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:



Quoted:



Quoted:

This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).

Diamondhead VRS "T" ;




http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg



http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg



http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg







THIS!!! I was looking to drop the $$$ for the PRI III, but $300 was just too steep for my blood. Soon after saw the Diamindhead VRS-T and fell in love with it, especially at half the price. Like the PRI it had a triangular shape that was flat on the bottom (great for shooting off flat things like fences, truck beds, sandbags, palms, etc. The undulations along the "corners" at the bottom make the entire length feel like one long pistol grip in the hand. Now I went a step further, hand-cut mine to accomodate an Adams Arms piston gas block, then roughed it up with a scratch pad and sprayed a light stippling with bedliner onto it, which made it feel even better and matches the UBR in color and texture perfectly. Could not be happier.




Pics?





Nah dang it don't have any at work with me. Did post pics of the rifle in the DIY section a while ago. IF you can search by my user name maybe they can be found? Never had a reason to look for such things so not sure if you can do that.





OK found them, page 41, piston thread, most of the way down the page.



http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_126/463345____PISTON_AR_PICTURE_THREAD_______.html&page=41



SWEET CUSTOM JOB !
2/3/2014 10:09:31 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:

SWEET CUSTOM JOB !
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the handguard that convinced me to buy my first AR. It feels just right in the hand, and has plenty of room for accessorizing. This is a 16” barrel with the 13.5” handguard, it looks longer because of how the bottom is longer than the top. The rear of the handguard has tabs that enclose the upper receiver and prevent ANY rotation (you can see the different color of the separation in the second picture).
Diamondhead VRS "T" ;


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1025.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/fn111557/MyToys/StagArms%203T-M/DSCF1028.jpg



THIS!!! I was looking to drop the $$$ for the PRI III, but $300 was just too steep for my blood. Soon after saw the Diamindhead VRS-T and fell in love with it, especially at half the price. Like the PRI it had a triangular shape that was flat on the bottom (great for shooting off flat things like fences, truck beds, sandbags, palms, etc. The undulations along the "corners" at the bottom make the entire length feel like one long pistol grip in the hand. Now I went a step further, hand-cut mine to accomodate an Adams Arms piston gas block, then roughed it up with a scratch pad and sprayed a light stippling with bedliner onto it, which made it feel even better and matches the UBR in color and texture perfectly. Could not be happier.


Pics?


Nah dang it don't have any at work with me. Did post pics of the rifle in the DIY section a while ago. IF you can search by my user name maybe they can be found? Never had a reason to look for such things so not sure if you can do that.


OK found them, page 41, piston thread, most of the way down the page.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_126/463345____PISTON_AR_PICTURE_THREAD_______.html&page=41

SWEET CUSTOM JOB !


+1, Nice
2/3/2014 10:11:32 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Pretty dumb question, but here goes:
Building a varmint ar. spikes tactical lower and upper, fde moe stock, fde moe grip, fde pmags, 20" ss bull barrel from woa.

I cannot decide what to put on for handguard. I want to cover the gas block, but getting something good over 14" is over my budget. However, I've found i like the RRA TRO free float, but also like a quad rail with magul fde rail covers.  Both at 14.5".....What do you think would look best? Each configuration would come out to about $125.
Thanks for any input, or jabs....
View Quote


I know you want to cover the gas block....but 90% of your rifle will be magpul so you might as well use a magpul drop in hand guard.
2/3/2014 10:33:25 AM EDT
[#18]

SWEET CUSTOM JOB !


TYVM... that was probably 10+ hours of very fine hand filing after dremel initial work.  Could not be happier with how it came out.  It is a bit harrowing to go cutting on a brand new piece like that, but no screwups fortunately and it turned out just as I had hoped.  Of course now Diamondhead is making a piston rail, for Stag if memory serves, but still not available direct.
AR Sponsor