AR Sponsor
Posted: 10/14/2016 12:14:05 PM EDT
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Hi everyone, I am in the process of building up a full-length AR-15 and keeping the weight as light as possible (20" Faxon ultralight barrel and A5 tube with Rogers Super Stoc), and was originally thinking on just going with the standard barrel nut and using one of RRA's excellent A2 handguards (theirs are about 3 ounces lighter than mil spec, but I have found them to be exceedingly durable), with which I am so pleased on my midlength. However, I was just delighted to find out that Lancer makes a carbon fiber handguard, that actually weighs less when installed (taking into account both pieces' mounting hardware) than even the RRA A2. Although the price is orders of magnitude higher, money is not really an issue with this build, so I am seriously considering going with the Lancer LCR5 (their lightest option). First, however, I need to address some of my concerns about durability. I have previously always stayed away from carbon fiber free float tubes like the plague, because of their perceived weakness, and the fact that one actually attaches many of them with glue, which is a non-starter for me. I have an ArmaLite aluminum tube on my full-length AR-10, and it does not add much weight (only 3 ounces more than if I stayed with the A2 setup), but I have come to despise aluminum handguards because of both how very hot they get in sustained fire or the summer sun, and how frigid they feel when hunting when it is cold out. Even when it is not cold enough to need gloves (40 degrees or so), a bare aluminum handguard feels like ice. I solved this problem on my ArmaLite handguard by wrapping it in paracord, but this option is not possible for the lightweight aluminum free float handguards out there, that have all those lousy holes or cheese-graters on them. Basically, I am hoping to hear from folks whether, in their experiences, the Lancer free float tube has durability on par with its ultralight aluminum counterparts. I do not need it to be necessarily as tough and durable as the round free float tubes like my ArmaLite, but I do insist on it being stronger and more resistant to breaking than a standard A2 handguard, since with those if I break one I can reinstall it myself and it only costs $20. If I break a lancer tube, I would be out a huge amount of money and would not be able to install the new one myself. Thanks in advance!  |
AR Sponsor