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4/12/2012 10:49:15 AM EDT
Im building my first AR and am looking around at handguards and am a bit confused.  Hoping that someone can offer thoughts and/or guidance.
(My apologies if these questions are basic but I guess you have to start somewhere....)

Im looking for a rifle length handguard (12-13") and noticed that Daniel Defense has one for > $300, Samson has one for about $180, and then I just discovered another for about $90 on sale.  Why the price difference?  What am I getting in the $300 guard that Im not getting in the $90 one?
Is there anything I should be considering when purchasing this part? My upper is a LAR side charging model by the way.

Also, there are handguards that have cutouts at the end.  I think they look cool but dont really understand what the cutout is for.  I read that these are for attaching a front sight but i though that was the purpose of the rail.  Whats up with this design?  

Thanks!
A
4/12/2012 10:51:36 AM EDT
[#1]
Daniel Defense has one for > $300  Which one?
Samson has one for about $180 Which one?
I just discovered another for about $90 on sale Which one?

No one can compare them without knowing which ones you're referring to.

Some quad rail hand guards have a notch cut out in order for the rail to wrap around the fixed front sight. Some people prefer to have a fixed font sight. I don't, but many do.
4/12/2012 12:00:13 PM EDT
[#2]
Most of your price differences are going to be a result of whether or not the system is free float, and the material it is made from which affects the weight.  Some of that cost will also simply be as a result of the name attached to it.
4/12/2012 3:41:58 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks for your feedback.

Just picking a few randomly, here is an expensive one from Daniel Defense:
https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/ar15-lite-railtm-12-0-rifle.html
Here is one from Samson
http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/EVO-12-EX.html
and
here is one from Stanag (i think)
http://combatoptical.com/catalog/NAR-STANAG-4694-12-INCH-2-PCS-QUAD-RAIL-SYSTEM-NATO-STANDARD-839.html

All very different in price.  thats really my question as far as these components go. I know they are not all Exactly equivalent so I get Some price variation but $89 vs $400 is a substantial price difference.

I like the quad rail systems becasue I like all the 'add ons' and the options they provide.  Any suggestions on a decent handguard?

Thanks again!
A
4/12/2012 5:56:29 PM EDT
[#4]
Check out the Troy TRX, super nice, low profile and very light. You can get 10% off using the code NUTNFANCY
4/13/2012 6:30:07 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Thanks for your feedback.

Just picking a few randomly, here is an expensive one from Daniel Defense:
https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/ar15-lite-railtm-12-0-rifle.html
Here is one from Samson
http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/EVO-12-EX.html
and
here is one from Stanag (i think)
http://combatoptical.com/catalog/NAR-STANAG-4694-12-INCH-2-PCS-QUAD-RAIL-SYSTEM-NATO-STANDARD-839.html

All very different in price.  thats really my question as far as these components go. I know they are not all Exactly equivalent so I get Some price variation but $89 vs $400 is a substantial price difference.

I like the quad rail systems becasue I like all the 'add ons' and the options they provide.  Any suggestions on a decent handguard?

Thanks again!
A

Your links are not hot and I'm too lazy to light them up.....

The DD is a finely machined part with a proprietary and very solid lockup to the receiver. $$$

The Samson is an extrusion with some machining. $$

The last one is probably a simple extrusion Chinese $

4/13/2012 8:06:51 AM EDT
[#6]
I swear by the TRX.  Just got the 13.8 inch for my .308 build.  Comes with a barrel nut BTW, so planning your build around that helps.  After shipping its just over $200.
It was lighter and less complicated than other offerings, and I like the one I have on my AR pistol.  Solid.  Decent price.  Light for size.  Only issue is it turns into a pretty good radiator/heat sink during mag dumps.  Since I don't do that, Its not an issue for me.
4/13/2012 2:17:19 PM EDT
[#7]
Good info. Thank you!

One more question.  If Im going to attach freefloat hand rail, what do I need?
As far as I can tell, I just need the barrel, barrel nut, handrail and trim ring. Right?

The delta ring only required for a standard handguard, right?
4/13/2012 3:04:44 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Good info. Thank you!

One more question.  If Im going to attach freefloat hand rail, what do I need?
As far as I can tell, I just need the barrel, barrel nut, handrail and trim ring. Right?

Everything should come with the handguard kit except for possibly a wrench.
If it uses a proprietary barrel nut it will likely need a special wrench.
Some require a strap wrench.
View the installation instructions or contact the vendor with any questions before you buy.


The delta ring, weld spring, snap ring and end cap are only required for a standard handguard, right?

Correct.

4/13/2012 10:43:29 PM EDT
[#9]
Great!
Now I have to get all the parts, hopefully a pic in the not too distant future.  Still want to get a 15" quad rail but having.hard time finding one in stock.  Just a few more prices to go!
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