I'm gathering parts to put together an AR for my nephew for plinking and Coyotes. Trying to keep costs down and looking at free float hand guards. Will likely have a 20" barrel, maybe 18" and it will be scoped. Is a 12" the typical length used with a 20" barrel and what if any downside/upside is there to using a 15"?

12" is considered rifle length and thus the original handguard for a 20" upper. Most guys i know run the 15" HG on their 20" uppers.

I like as long of a handguard as i can get as its more length to rest on and I prefer to hold further out then most when shooting off hand. I also happen to like the look of just a little barrel and flash hider sticking out. On my 20" gun

I have a 15" on my 20" upper as that is as long as they come and would run an 18" if they made one, again just because I like that look. Hell I run a 15" on all of my AR'S to include 2 16", 1 18" and 1 20" Ar15's, and 1 16" and 1 20" AR10's

I also prefer the 15".

(That's what she said)




Dave

I use a 15" on my 16" guns.I know there are some 16.5 and 17" tubes floating around...The more handguard the better.

If you want the handgaurd to cover the gas block on a 20" barrel you need a 14" or 15" handgaurd.

20" barrel, 15" tube.



I'd planned on a 12" hand guard but a buddy offered me a ripping deal on the 15" hand guard so that's what I went with.

I like the 14"-15" length handguards on 16"-20" barrels. It gives you more room to rest the forearm on for support and lets you put the bipod further out.

458 Lott.... I like that. I'll be going with a 15". Anyone have a recommendation for decent quality but CHEAP? I know they usually don't go together but I'll buy if I can but I will make one from scratch if I can't find a decent one. A round tube is fine. I can bolt a couple pieces of Pic rail on if he wants them and I can get the material for less than $10. Just would save some time if I can find something in my puny budget.

Midsouth Shooters had some featured recently in the $50-60 range that looked passable. No firsthand experience with them. I favor Midwest Industries handgaurds myself.

As much as it pains me, the UTG Pro rails are very nice, and quite affordable. Even better, the Pro line is made in the US. For my uses, I also like the Midwest Industries rails. Very affordable and excellent quality.

If you are into ultra cheap Chinese junk, just grab one off eBay...I have seen a couple of them, and they seem just fine for occasional use.

I have a Midwest Industries on my 7.62x39 uper and I agree, it's great. He can upgrade when he graduates and has a job.

Yeah - Matrix handguards. Made in the US, and better quality than the cheapo ebay & UTG junk. They are also very slim, more so than anything else I know of, and you don't have to time the barrel nut.

I still like Midwest handguards too, but these Matrix pieces really are a great buy for 1/3 the price.

Buy them from Chandler Hardwoods; their stock varies but I've had good luck emailing to ask when a certain model would be available. They show the 15" Foxtrot model (square front cut) for $64 right now. Here: http://www.chandlerhardwoods.com/category-s/1837.htm

This one is the 9" Charlie model (C front cut)

I have one of these on an 18" barrel AR. It is decent for the price and have had no issues at all with it. I did a lot of research since I'm a cheap bass turn and think this is pretty damn good for the money.
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Nor...rd_Slotted_XL_Length_p/nc-fft-nc1-xl.htm

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This is a 12" on an 18" barrel.