Guntec Usa sent me their new compression M-Lok handguard for review. They were also kind enough to send an extra one that we gave away on the podcast. This particular handguard is a 15” free float and anodized black. Guntec has been making AR accessories in the US for decades.
I noticed a few new things about this compression handguard. Guntec put some QD mounts at the rear of the handguard. In my opinion, this is a great asset. It also came with 1 QD swivel. This handguard also has M-Lok slots all the way down both sides as well as the bottom. That was one of my complaints with their Air-Lite that I reviewed some time ago. This one also has a full length top picatinny rail. As well as diamond cuts throughout to reduce weight. The black anodizing is also a little dull looking, more of a matte finish as compared to a gloss one. It doesn’t scratch off or anything, so there is no need to worry about it.
You can see the slight misalignment of the rail to the receiver
Installation on the compression handguard is super easy. All you really need to do is install the barrel nut and tighten to manufacturers specifications (standard AR15 barrel nut torque). There is no need to index the barrel nut. Slide the tube on. Line up the top rail with the receiver rail. Then tighten down the 4 clamp screws. I put some medium threadlocker on these 4 screws, but it probably isn’t needed. That is really all there was to it. One slight problem with this particular handguard, is that the rail on the handguard sits a little bit lower than the receiver’s rail. Not enough that flip up iron sights won’t zero, but enough to notice.
At first I was a little hesitant about the compression style of handguard. But after crashing it up against some 2x4 barricades, I’m not worried about it twisting or not lining up. The clamping force around the barrel nut seems more than enough to hold everything lined up. I really liked the feel of the handguard. It is small enough for me to get my hand around. This makes it very easy to drive the muzzle from target to target. It is just under 2” from the top of the rail to the bottom of the handguard and 1.5” outside diameter everywhere else. The inside diameter measures 1.34”, so don’t expect to put a suppressor under it. And you will definitely need a low profile gas block. The whole combination of screws, barrel nut, and handguard came in weighing 10 ounces on my scale. So pretty lightweight.
As mentioned earlier, I like how this handguard feels. It does however get warm after 3 or 4 mag dumps. That’s pretty normal given the diameter and how close it is to the gas block. As with a lot of long handguards, there is some flex out at the end by the barrel. Not as much as I have seen on others, but a little. This leads into the location of the QD mount. Because they are located by the barrel nut, any force put on them doesn’t appear to flex the handguard any. Guntec also sent some rubber M-lok plugs with the handguard. These plugs just kind of push into any unused slots and give a rubbery grip to the handguard.
If you’re interested in some quality, value priced AR parts, go check out Guntec USA. This particular handguard is pretty decent. It feels good in the hand, looks decent, and won’t break the bank. Plus, if it’s not your style, they probably have something that is.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
15" Compression handguard for modern sporting rifles
Target Market:
Users wanting to upgrade to a 15" handguard
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- T6 Aluminum Body
- Proprietary Lightweight Aluminum Barrel Nut Included
- Total Weight Including Barrel Nut Is 10 oz.
- Triangle / Diamond Cuts Throughout Handguard to Reduce Weight
- Rail System Slides Over Barrel Nut , And Is clamped on with 4 clamp screws
- Monolithic Top Rail
- 15" Length
- Internal Diameter: 1.34"
- Outside Diameter: 1.50"
- Made in USA
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
10" and 12"
What others are saying?:
Nothing found
Link to other reviews:
Price point:
MSRP = $150 approximately (Not on website at writing)
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Lightweight
M-Lok
QD points
QD swivel included
Easy Installation
Made in USA
Rubber M-Lok covers included
Small Diameter
Cons:
Rail doesn't line up with receiver
Dull anodizing
Lack of instructions
Score: 6.5 Okay
Favorite Link: AR15 Podcast
