Ya I have a couple of 13” hand guards on 16” barrels but my last one, I used a 15” and I just really like the extended rail.
I get a longer sight radius and more room to add my light where it needs to be instead of where it has to be. And I do like the way it looks.
I can see how it would help to have room for the light/accessories AND still be able to place your support hand where it needs to be.
Thanks.
Yes, but the part about sight radius is a moot point. Sights mounted on a handguard are not for precision work, so the sight radius doesn't matter. For an 18" barrel like the op has (mid length gas system), a 13"-15" handguard would be ideal.