Ep-5: Which AR-15 Handguard is Best For You? M-Lok, Picatinny, Free Float, Drop-In, Quad Rails?
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Your AR-15 Handguard has two jobs... Everything else is just looks. So how do you choose between Drop-In handguards vs. Free Floated? Hell, how do you choose between M-Lok vs. Picatinny vs. Key Mod for mounting your sweet AR-15 Accessories? Today's episode will definitely help.
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Ultimate AR-15 Beginner's Guide
• The Ultimate AR-15 Beg...
Complete AR-10 Builder's Guide
• The Ultimate AR-10 Bui...
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - AR-15 Handguards
01:07 - Drop-In vs. Free Float
01:50 - Drop-In Handguards
04:05 - Free Float Handguards
04:45 - Heat Doesn't Matter
05:31 - Mounting Options
05:45 - Picatinny Rails
07:04 - Quad Rails
08:03 - Magpul M-Lok
09:35 - Quad Rail vs. M-Lok
10:40 - Handguard Length
11:29 - Ep-6 Upper Receivers
We strive to provide the growing AR-15 shooting community with helpful, fact-driven information about the AR-15 & AR-15 style firearms and accessories to do our part in bolstering a more well-informed community and safer when handling, building or shooting their personal firearm. Let's face it, we all have to start somewhere when it comes to becoming a firearms expert. Our goal is to help you get there one small step at a time.
**The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications on any/all related firearms that strictly comply with all federal, Minnesota state, and local laws. The viewer expressly agrees that AT3 Tactical LLC; its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products and information provided in this video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages. 
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I like the quad rail. It looks cool and I can put more optics on them too.
That quad rail actually looks pretty sweet.
It just looks so much better when the handguard covers the entire barrel, all the way to the muzzle
100% .... sexy factor is really what handguards are all about! 😆
Does that vibration I noticed don't have bad impact??
I agree
I’ve been searching for this tirelessly how do I find an upper like that or do I just get a hand guard the same length as the barrel
i think the opposite lol i like when the barrel sticks out 2-3" inches!
Awesome video, guys!! Good explanation on the difference. Aaah. The delta ring… good stuff!
Another great and informative video in the series. 🙏👍🏼👍🏼
I love quad rails
This is perfect timing! I am looking to change my Handrail right now! Very informative and clear explanation! Thanks!
Great to hear! Glad we could help. We've got a bunch more on the way, so thanks for watching!
I thought i recognized Randy, I used to watch him on BRS. Cool to see him in another hobby of mine
Heyyy! Good to see you over here too. :)
I have really been enjoying this series. For the new AR builder, getting into this hobby, this is a wealth of great information!
Excellent presentation! 👏🏼
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice comparison & explaination.
Glad it was helpful!
Great show. Thank you
Thanks for checking it out!
Good content, I pretty much guessed as much but great to hear it confirmed 👍
Glad you liked it!
Great stuff. Thank you
I still go with the quad rail. All accessories come slotted so there's no extra step, no extra pieces that could fail somehow.
Awesome video.
Thanks!
Just put in a Midwest industry aluminum picatinny rail. The cost was $149 drop in. Removed the polymer no-connect handgard
Quad rail
Hmm was hoping you'd go over specific makes and models
In my humble opinion, you just can’t beat a good quad rail!! I’ll gladly bear the extra weight, to have all of the rails I’ll ever need………And then some!!
I love Aero Precision Atlas S and Quantum, but you do need their BAR barrel nut for the latter.
...good series, my friend...
Glad you enjoy it!
Great video. Deserves more views
Glad you think so!
Thank you for this video
Thanks for watching!
Looks like a gyre to me. 🙂
I gotta say I think the #1 reason Mlok is used is because its so slim and weightless. its basically like cutting weight holes, that can also be used for mounting.
Totally win-win
Guess that explains why mlokers always complain about weight
I head mlok free floats heat up real fast though; and that’s with gloves on.
Not really…
I have free float mlok and never feel any heat while shooting.
Good video brother
Thank you, thank you.
Pick-uh-tin-ee ... killing me.
😂
You can't outspend your ability. If you can't hit targets with a drop in, a freefloat isn't changing that. I do so many changes for guys that hit the range less than once per quarter
WTF….Hey ,, Randy I’m a BRS fan…. Nice to see you here too.
Glad you found me!
I love my m lok slim free floating hand guard on my ruger ar556 no fixed front sight just a slimmer profile all around
thanks
I’ve been running a pic rail drop in for over 30 years on my Bushmaster. I’ve never had a issue with it and since I run heavy barrels no shift in point of impact. Plus I can remove it without tools for cleaning oiling the barrel. But if you run a bunch of lights lasers or kitchen sink then the free float is probably for you.
UTG rocks.
Used to watch you on brs now i get to see you here cool i didnt know you left brs till just now
Hey good to see another salty shooter over here! Yeah, about a year ago now I swapped over...If you ask me, I sorta like guns more. 😅
Love my Daniel defense RIS II. Ultra strong quad rail. Yes it's a cheese grader, but I have extremely large hands/long fingers and like to use thin gloves. Even without gloves heat is not an issue. It's currently on a 10.3" MK18. But I might be switching to a 12.5 soon with adjustable gas block when the ATF quits dragging their dicks around letting me pick up my supressor I've already paid for and own 😠
We definitely feel you on that one! 🙄
i have owned multiple AR's for years. All of them with continuous Picatinny at top and MLOK sides and bottom. I have struggled with MLOK and basically don't like them. From spinning Mlok nuts that refuse to bite the tabs to the barrel heat 'fixing' the Blue LOK-TIGHT to the handguard. Given that, I am leaning towards quad-rails. I know that weight can be an issue but simply, I don't care. Ease of attachment without fighting those pesky mlok pieces makes my change over a no-brainer.
I have keymod handguards on a few older rifles and I like it better than MLOK for attaching stuff. But supposedly keymod rails aren’t as strong in drop tests and didn’t get the military contract so it’s been phased out.
I would love to have a new handguard especially a 15.5" to but up to or over the muzzle device closing that horrible little 1/2" gap left from a 16" barrel and a 15" handguard plus I miss the older version with the larger inner diameter such as 1.5" or 1.75 I.D. with a split top. now those were nice and felt as if you were holding a gun. these newer style slim Handguard 1.35" I.d. just feel, out don't know not right or uncomfortable a little lighter yeah but not worth giving that wider I.D. plus you had the option of if you wanted, to go over a muzzle device or suppressor.
1:50 the m16a1/sp1 is so beautiful
Absolutely!
Try a bushmaster xm15 swat model 90831
Great video, very helpful sincerely so thank you. :) And..mind if ask what that OD green looking swiss army tool is? Looks to be the perfect do it all device with great grip?
Thanks, glad to help! That little field tool is the Real Avid Gun Tool Pro for AR15. (YT won't let me post a link, but we've got all the Real Avid gear on our site).
Great explanations for a newb like me
Glad to help!
This is some great information as I'm trying to decide on which hand graud should I got with and length with my M&P Sport II AR-15 ..... I'm thinking 13.5 in length but not so sure if I should get a free float or Quad Rail. And what's a great website? I've been looking at Primary Arms.
there are drop in handhguards that are longer than the gas block, it just ignores the fixed front sight.
I still prefer a hearty, well made quad rail over m-lok since i've seen plenty bend or disfigure when put under heavy use especially with some form of heavier light or IR device. A Larue, Ris II, or BCM QRF quad rail is my gold standard
Hear! Hear!
Great video, my only confusion is who makes a hand guard that can go around my gas block. I have a M&P Sport II and I don't really want to change the gas block but I can't seem to find a guard that goes around the gas block (I do not have iron sights) other than the one made for models WITH the iron sight up front.
You have to get a low profile gas block if you want a free float hand guard. it’s part of the deal
I need that closet
I need a drop in hand guard that has picatinny rails but goes further than the gas block, looking for something around 10 inches long, any suggestions, I don’t like hand guards that go most of the way of the barrel, I quite like seeing the barrel
Check Out the UTG Pro 12″ AR-15 Drop-in Quad Rail, We have them in stock.
When you have a free float quad rail do you need to change the barrel nut out or can you keep the barrel nut you have for the quad rail
Some manufacturers use proprietary barrel nuts for their free floats (Aero), which many times are not interchangeable with other brands. Our AT3 free float MLok and Quad Rails use the same barrel nut for both, which is most likely the same barrel nut for 80% or so of other brands.
So can you control these with the new Neptune apex;)
There needs to be allot more outer shapes to appeal to the aesthetics the handguard. such as other then round, hexagon, add maybe oval, rectangular even diamond and there are rarely some other shapes such as square and pyramid and then really most lightening cuts are all bland repetitive and lack imagination. some of us aren't in the military and look for aesthetics, when it comes to designing our AR's but we still want it tacticool heck even do a handguard that at least looks futuristic what ever happens to the Blast-AR handguard that needs updated to M-lok it was a 2 piece that was free float I mean come on somebody surely can do something different that doesn't look the same as all the other handguard on the market at least add some new outer shapes like previously mentioned
100% agree. This is 2022...let's explore some shapes and ergonomics! Well, said. Thanks for watching!
If I have a wedge lock system handrail that came installed on my AR can I install a new wedge lock handrail by a different manufacturer without changing the barrel nut?
It could possibly work. Check the outside diameter of the barrel nuts, if they are the same then you should be good to go.
New to guns. Owned firearms since April of 2022. However, I have lots of theory and not enough practice. I can easily sell being an expert on firearms, but I still consider myself a noob. I'm watching this video to learn more, especially since the ar15 I bought (model M15A4 by Armalite) has a free float smooth surface handguard. It's just for grabbing it with your hand and nothing more. Plus a super heavy 20-inch barrel I wanna get rid of. Over sized stock like the one on the M16 and a scope that I think is 3x magnification. It's horrible for indoor use if it ever comes down to it. So I am going to replace all of that.
What do you Rec for a sig m400?
Question does the warranty cover the upper receiver chipping? I love mine just hate the cosmetic issues I'm dealing with atm.
We can definitely help out! Give us a call or shoot an email and let Kevin or Vin know we chatted here on YT. -Randy
@@At3tactical Thank you 🤝🏾
Hey Randy you do reefing videos also for bulk reef supply?
Hey hey! You found me. I left BRS a bit over a year ago now, but I have to admit... I'm a bit more partial to guns.
been looking to swap mine out, show me how, also want to remove the front sight post
We're working on that video in the near future! Got some M&P15 Upgrades coming first. ;)
I tried to put a handgrab on my Handguard on my AR, but the mlok nuts where to small for the holes in my guard. So I need to replace the guard. Any recommendations?
So M-lok is an industry standard size. If you are using products from reputable brands you should be fine. If you have any issues with AT3 products contact our customer service team.
Thank you for the reply. It looks like the original hand guard isn't made from mounting Anything. the holes are just there for aerating so I'm going to replace the hand guard@@At3tactical
Geissele MK 4
Iam in a country where lasers etc. are not allowed
Doesn't it make more sense for me to pick a shorter handguard - just for my grip and sling mount and leave it at that or is it a big difference for the handguard to cover the barrel from impacts?
Most commonly folks install free float handguards that at least cover or come close to covering the gas block. I'd say even more commonly is to have the handguard nearly up to the muzzle device or a few inches back. I wouldn't worry too much about weight difference between shorter or longer, but there's a lot more you can do with that extra handguard space, even if you can't add lasers/lights. :)
@@At3tactical do you think it is important to cover the gas block?
@@17_jager37 There's a right answer for both. Most who are using adjustable gas blocks are more likely to keep the gas block as close to the end of the handguard as possible, if not fully exposed. (Most commonly the first option.)
As for the 80% of the rest of us, using non adjustable gas blocks...and not planning on throwing a suppressor on anytime soon...You'll find that the handguard covers the gas block completely, but not so far that you bury the gassy ports of your muzzle device.
Just remember that if you do ever want to swap out your muzzle device, which is more likely to happen than anything else, you can choose to cover the wrench flats or not...if you do, you'll always have to take that handguard (and everything on it) OFF.
I can get my handguard off no problem. Its the typical plastic 2 piece guard. I measured it and its 6inches. Directly in front of it is that giant front site piece. The issue is most of the aftermarket guards im seeing are 10.5in or longer. How can I make it fit?
There are a couple options here that most folks take when they have that Delta Ring style "drop-in" handguard. First.... Pickup something like the UTG Super Slim Carbine Drop-In Handguard (sorry, YT hates when I drop links, but we carry it on AT3). Here's a video Travis did about that specific handguard that might help: ruclips.net/video/VZsNze6G5pg/видео.html
Secondly, you could do a little bit of easy "gunsmithing" and knock your front sight post off; replace it with a low profile gas block; and now choose any free float handguard your heart desires. Good thing is... We did a video on that process also. Here's the link - ruclips.net/video/lGFzkL1W_sY/видео.html
***Hope that helps!***
-Randy
M-lok geissele MK 4 👍
Can anyone tell me what setup this is in minute 2:30 and again in min 5:30? I'm looking to get that same look on my AR
Here's the breakdown of the little 5.56 AR Pistol...
1) Handguard & Upper Receiver - AT3 Tactical Spear MLok & AT3 Slick Side Upper (Gray)
2) Muzzle Device - KAK Slimline Flash Can
3) UTG 45degree Offset Pic Rail
4) AT3 ARO Mini Red Dot (on 45degree mount)
5) AT3 3xP Prism Scope (Top rail)
6) Hexmag 30rd Mag (Gray)
7) Magpul MS4 Sling (Gray)
8) SB Tactical SBA4 Pistol Brace (Gray, but...wobbler with new impending regulations.😡)
@AT3 Tactical you are awesome! That's more info than what I was expecting. I want that handguard and the muzzle can. Thanks got the info.
Is it normal for a drop in mid length hand-guard to have some wiggle ?
There is alway some wiggle with a drop in.
@@At3tactical Okay thank you for your time sir
Randy from BRS?
My AR weighs over 10lbs with no magazine. No matter what...should it ?
Well it depends on what you are looking to do with it. You will have very little felt recoil but it will be hard to carry for long distances. Travis built a 5lb AR in this video ruclips.net/video/Ov_pq1nJ_8k/видео.html
Longer drop in rails are available on the market, I have one.
Definitely some awesome drop-ins out there, like that UTG Super Slim Drop-in! Such a great concept to get more room, but still keep the front sight post.
@@At3tactical I really like your companies products.
Thanks Gary. That means a lot.
No mention of Key-Lok.
Thank! Yeah, we missed that. Ehh...oh well. PLENTY more videos coming down the road! We're just getting started.
"At the end of the day they're just handguards" okay but what all companies make it without a full top rail? I've been using a BCA upper and prefer it over any other upper I've shot because it doesn't have a full rail on top and is easier for my infant hands to wrap around. What other companies making that style of upper?
That is a great option. We like the STNGR VLCN® M-LOK Free Float AR-15 Handguard
@At3tactical ill look into that, thank you for the recommendation!
Pickateenie lol
😅 Dang northern midwestern accent.... LOL!
Mlok and keymod rails are for 🌈 gucci fad guns. Combat guns, M4s, are issued with carbine length quad rails.
I would guess you don’t use 🌈 civilian ammo either??? Just the much weaker military grade ammo since that’s what combat guns are issued with
Kinda glossed over keymod.
Yeah, saw that too. It's fine, TONS more videos coming in the future. I'm certain we'll cover all of them WAY more in-depth after the "Beginner Series". :)
Free float really doesn't matter unless you're using your sling pulled tightly against your shoulders for stability.
Free float makes your rifle more accurate no matter how you are shooting. Sling or no sling
Lots of freemason shit here, huh?
Not entirely sure what you mean, but...thanks for watching! 🙂
@@At3tactical lol, nah, you know what I'm talkin about
After you have the mlok on the angled sides (6 sides with mlok), it’s hard to go back to just having mlok on the sides and bottom. Midwest Industries, BCM MCMR and Geissele are a few good ones with that.
Check.out bg deffence I prefer both the rails i usually get, have m lock in the middle and picatinny full bottom and top but two inch on the front and one inch pic on the back
Best of both worlds, and they feel great when shooting.