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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,649
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,649 |
Is there a formula you use for determining what handguard length you use? The AR I am putting together will have an 18" barrel. Thinking of going with a 16-17" free float handguard. I like the look and will not be using any irons.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,675
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,675 |
A 15 inch or greater free float handguard should completely cover your gas block, if your barrel has rifle length gas.
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 30,938
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 30,938 |
Is there a formula you use for determining what handguard length you use? The AR I am putting together will have an 18" barrel. Thinking of going with a 16-17" free float handguard. I like the look and will not be using any irons. I like a handguard that ends just before the threads begin.
You didn't use logic or reason to get into this opinion, I cannot use logic or reason to get you out of it.
You cannot over estimate the unimportance of nearly everything. John Maxwell
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,649
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,649 |
Thanks for the information! The barrel I'm looking at is mid-length gas, so it should be covered easily enough.
The "formula" regarding the location of the threads was very helpful. I will contact the barrel manufacturer about that measurement.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,163
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,163 |
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.
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 14,674
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 14,674 |
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.
Politics is War by Other Means
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,000
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,000 |
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.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,163
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,163 |
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. When you get old and can't see the front sight until it's way out there, you'll understand....
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14,653
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14,653 |
When using a barricade for support a longer hand guard also let’s you spread out your points of contact without getting the barrel on the barricade.
I’ve used a 15” rail on an 18” barrel and didn’t feel handicapped. I’m not sure I could take advantage of anything longer.
your flippant remarks which you so adeptly sling
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,000
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,000 |
When using a barricade for support a longer hand guard also let’s you spread out your points of contact without getting the barrel on the barricade.
I’ve used a 15” rail on an 18” barrel and didn’t feel handicapped. I’m not sure I could take advantage of anything longer. 15" handguard on an 18" barrel looks fitting too.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,000
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,000 |
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. When you get old and can't see the front sight until it's way out there, you'll understand.... Ok buddy. You made me laugh. I guess I will wait and see.. Thanks
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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