by Michelle Hamilton
Stngr 15" Rptr handguard
Written by: Zane M.
There are hundreds if not thousands of choices for Handguards and rails for the ar15. Everyone has their own opinion as to what a rail should offer. Personally I like to have as much rail as I can in relation to barrel length, so for a 16” gun that means a 15” rail.
Installation was simple. The low pro barrel nut required no timing, a welcomed feature and the provided tool was adequate. The barrel nut is made from aluminum, while I encountered no issues I would much rather have a steel barrel nut. Luckily, they offer one as an upgrade and I will most likely replace mine should I decide to stay with this hand guard. I feel this should be standard but i understand the need to keep the price and weight down for the casual plinker. It’s worth noting that the anti rotational wings that “lock” the rail in place could need removing for use with a billet upper but I installed it on a forged receiver so I encountered none of that. But more on those wings later.
The 15” officially licensed Mlok rail comes in at 11.64 oz not including the barrel nut and is made from 6065 aluminum. It will require a low profile gas block or in my case a cut down a2 front site base. At 1.35 inner diameter not too many silencers are going to fit under it if that’s your thing but for people with small hands that don’t like vertical foregrips it’s quite comfortable to grab. Two QD sling points at the either side towards the receiver end don’t offer much flexibility in using QD slings. Since I don’t use a QD sling this wasn’t a concern for me.
The gun, a colt 6920, still points good, this rail is much thinner than the previous one I had and, as mentioned earlier, makes for a much more comfortable grip. After a day of shooting I noticed two things: 1, the rail has quite a bit of flex and 2, it heats up quick. Then as the day went on I found I had a tendency to oversteer the gun. Let’s address these one by one.
Flex, the rail flexes. It’s a 15” free-float so that’s to be expected. From the prone at 25yds using only sling tension I was able to move the backup irons enough to shift the strike of the round 5-6” That’s a concern of you’re going to use rail mounted aiming devices like irons or lasers. If your primary optic is receiver mounted, this is obviously much less of a concern.
Now let’s talk about heat, after two quick mag dumps, the rail was almost too hot to hold. Midway through the third mag I put a glove on. I definitely wouldn’t put this on a full auto or bumpstocked lower but since I don’t have either and magdumps aren’t really my thing, this is less of an issue. I don’t know how it would hold up on a full day class as I didn’t have opportunity to run it in a class.
My last minor concern is the weight towards the end. In all fairness I requested the rail with quad at the muzzle, this obviously increases the weight a bit at the muzzle end causing me to ever so slightly oversteer the gun. They offer rails that don’t have the quad rail portion and if I did this over again I would forgo it.
The next range trip I brought some range barrels (55gal drums), barricades and a homemade notch wall along to purposely try to break the little bitty anti rotational wings off. After several hundred rounds and several dozen overly aggressive slams into different positions, I was unable to do so. I’m sure if I beat it as hard as I could on the concrete I could bend or break it but I don’t know much that I couldn’t break at that point. My concerns with the wings seem unfounded judging by the last several months of range trips and they’re still holding up just fine. However, they do seem to have about 1/32” extra space so take care in lining the rail up before wrenching it down. And at some point in the testing process I was able to twist it every so slightly. I am chalking this up to user error since I didn’t use a torque wrench to tighten the clam screws to the recommended 20-30 inch lbs. why? You ask, because I don’t have an inch lbs torque wrench. I realigned it and went hand tight-er and didn’t rencounter this problem.
At $135 it’s hard to beat for a made in America, aluminum handguard. While I’m not sure I would recommend it for duty use, for the hobbyist or for a home defense rifle it seems like a fine choice.
FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS - 8 KEY POINTS
CLAIM TO FAME:
Made in America aluminum freefloat handguard/Rail
TARGET MARKET:
Anyone with an AR-15
FNBS (FEATURES & BENEFITS OF THIS PRODUCT):
- Free floated
- Mlok
- 2 QD attachments
- Full length
- Quad rail at muzzle end
- Lifetime warranty
WHAT OTHER AESTHETIC OPTIONS OR FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE?
They make rails from 7”-15” in Mlok or keymod, with or without a 3slot quad picrail at the muzzle end
What others are saying:
From STNGR’s website
08/07/2018
Jeremy Koop
First AR build
I’m building my first AR, and want everything on this one to be good quality. I’m enjoying seeing it come together, but now that I got this handguard on, it looks amazing. I did a lot of research and was going to spend 300 dollars on a handguard, before stumbling on to STNGR, that being said, it was a perfect fit, everything is so clean, A++.
Price point:
MSRP - $134.99
At time of writing blemish rails are available for $119.99
Other rails and lengths vary in price
I need it now availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Does the job
- Price
- Made in America (if that matters to you)
- Freefloat
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Has a lot of flex
- Gets hot fast
- Very small tolerance issue on the wings
Score: 7.5 Good
Smoke Composites Carbon Fiber Handguard
As many of you know, carbon fiber seems to be popping up everywhere. Smoke Composites is one of those companies. They recently started making carbon fiber parts for AR style rifles and pistols. Their history of making parts for the defense industry, has had a definite benefit for those of us looking for lightweight AR parts. I will take a look at their 12" handguard.
Smoke composites sent me one of the 12" M-Lok handguards to review. The first thing I noticed was how spectacular this handguard looked. It has a cool, non-symetrical, look to it. Not the standard grid pattern one would expect. I also noticed the quality put into the handguard. But then I picked it up, and wow, it is light.
Now it's on to the tech specs. When I said it was light, well, it weighs in at 7.3 ounces complete with all the hardware. It might not be the lightest, but accessories can easily be added by using the M-Lok slots, something other manufacturers don't offer in carbon fiber. Speaking of M-Lok, it uses the standard 5 slot M-Lok rails. The handguard has 4 M-Lok slots on each of the 8 45 degree sides. The slots aren't evenly spaced, they are grouped by 2's and then a space between the 2 groups. Also the slots on the top, bottom, and sides are more toward the front of the rifle. With the 45 degree ones set back slightly from the front of the rifle. Construction is from 35-50 carbon fiber and 7075 aluminum, so as far as I could tell, good stuff. At 1.88 inches outside diameter, it felt really good in the hand. I thought maybe the smooth carbon fiber would be hard to grip, but my hand seemed to kind of dig into the slots to provide grip. Smoke Composites forms a ring at the front of the handguard, I would guess to protect the front from getting chipped, it would be quite thin otherwise. The inside of the ring measured 1.53 inches, so some suppressors will fit inside the handguard. Don't worry about heat when doing this, the carbon fiber mitigates heat great!
Installation of the handguard is pretty straight forward. Make sure the firearm is unloaded and safe. Once you have removed your old parts, take the supplied barrel nut and tighten it over the barrel to normal specifications. Line up one of the threaded holes of the barrel nut, with the top of the receiver. Now put your low profile gas block and gas tube on. Then slide the handguard over the barrel nut. Loosely install the 6 supplied screws into the holes. Line the handguard up, and tighten down the screws. Now your done with the installation.
When using the handguard, I found it worked nicely. The rifle swings fast, but also stops pretty well. If you are looking at getting this type of handguard, I would recommend getting a lightweight stock also because just the handguard alone might throw the balance of the rifle off. I did try this upper on a rifle with a standard M4 style stock and one with a Smoke Composites' stock. The M4 didn't seem to swing as well as the carbon fiber stock did, at least for me. One option I would have liked to have seen is the addition of some QD mount holes built into the handguard. I may drill some myself. When shooting fast, I did notice that the carbon fiber did an excellent job of not heating up.
Smoke Composites is doing some awesome stuff with carbon fiber. This handguard is just one of them. Plus, if you want a custom length, they can do that also. I think these guys are going to be a company to keep an eye on. Great service, great products, and made in the United States of America!
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Lightweight Carbon Fiber M-Lok handguard
Target Market:
Lightweight AR builders, 3-gun, anyone wanting a superlight handguard for an AR style rifle
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- Lightweight at 7.3 ounces complete for the 12" version
- 35-50 Carbon Fiber / 7075 Aluminum construction
- M-Lok slots
- Rapid heat dissipation
- Custom lengths available ($75 extra)
- Thick ring at front of handguard
- Easy installation
- 1.88" outer diameter
- 1.53" inside diameter
- Made in U.S.A.
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Also available in 7.25", 10", and 15.15"
What others are saying?:
Shawn on Facebook: 5 stars
Had a minor issue with a handguard, contacted Smoke for advice- They went above and beyond in getting me a replacement(which wasn't necessary, but they insisted). Phenomenal service! They really take pride in their work, it's obvious not only by their product, but their customer service.
Link to other reviews:
None found
Price point:
MSRP = $289.00 as tested
Retail = $249-299
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
- 7.3 ounces
- M-Lok slots
- Easy install
- Large enough to fit over 1.5" diameter suppressors
- Beautifully crafted
- Not your typical carbon fiber look
- Very strong
- U.S.A. made
Cons:
- Does not use standard AR barrel wrench for installation
- M-Lok rails, when mounted on the top, sit higher than receiver
- No QD mounts built in
Score: 8.0 Great
Guntec 15" Air Lite Handguard
As one can probably guess, this is about Guntec's new 15" Air Lite handguard for the AR15. I received the handguard about 2 months ago and have been using it ever since. Guntec has been around since 1989. They make tons of accessories for AR15's, AR10's, AK's, and even more.
Shown with an extra M-Lok rail on bottom and a rubber M-Lok cover
The Guntec hanguard that I received was in M-lok. For you keymod fans, they make them also. Now the first thing I would like to mention is how thin the handguard is. If you like them thin, you'll love this handguard. It measure 1.5" wide, 1.975" tall, and has an inside diameter of 1.34". It also has a built in full length top picatinny rail. I will mention that although it is M-Lok, it only has 3 m-lok slots each on the sides and bottom, toward the very front of the handguard. This would be 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The rest of the handguard has cut out triangle patterns to reduce weight.
Now, this Guntec handguard is light. On my scale, it weighed in at 9.6 ounces complete with barrel nut and screws. Remember, this is a 15" handguard with a full top rail, so this is quite good. The barrel nut is also aluminum, which helps with the weight.
Installation of the Air Lite was pretty straight forward. Which is good since it didn't come with any instructions. Once all your old parts are off. Slide the barrel nut on and tighten as normal. If the screw holes that hold the handguard on don't line up, remove it and put one of the supplied shims in it and try again. My kit came with 4 shims, I only had to use 1 to get the holes to line up. Guntec also lists a crowfoot wrench for the barrel nut, buying the wrench will make life much easier. Next install the gas block. I only mention this because you will need a low profile one, and smaller is better in this case. Then slide the handguard on. Line it up. Then install, and tighten down, the supplied screws. Thread locker is probably a good idea. And as always, safety check the rifle when finished.
Depending on where the gas block is located, you might run into some accessory mounting problems. Since the handguard is so thin, the screws on the m-lok parts may run into the gas block. On a mid-length or rifle length gas system, one set of m-lok attaching slots will not be usable. The inner part of the handguard is just too close to the gas block. Cutting down the screws won't even work. If you run a carbine or shorter gas system, you won't have this problem.
After shooting this handguard, here is what I found. Being that it is very thin helps if you shoot thumb over bore, or if you have smaller hands (think children). I did notice that it heats up faster than some of my larger diameter handguards, but really this is only a problem after 3 or 4 30rd mag dumps. It has no sharp edges and is flat on the end so it doesn't get caught up on stuff. It is not what you want if you plan on putting a suppressor under it (too thin). It is quite sturdy. And it comes with rubber m-lok inserts.
If you are looking for a light handguard, this Guntec might be for you. I would like m-lok slots all the way down, which they make, just not in the Air Lite version. The price is reasonable. It looks good and even comes in many different colors. Go check out Guntec, they probably make an accessory for you.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
15" really light AR15 handguard
Target Market:
AR15 owners wanting a thin and/or light handguard
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- T6 Aluminum Body
- Proprietary Lightweight Aluminum Barrel Nut Included
- Total Weight Including Barrel Nut Is 8.9 oz. I measured at 9.6 ounces
- 3 M-LOK Slots On 3 Sides of Front End Of Handguard
- Triangle / Diamond Cuts Throughout Handguard to Reduce Weight
- Rail System Slides Over Barrel Nut , And Is Locked Up Against Receiver With 6 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?
KeyMod, Red, O.D. Green, F.D.E., and Blue
What others are saying?:
Google did not find anything
Link to other reviews:
We Like Shooting review of the 12" std handguard
Price point:
MSRP = $129.95
Retail = $111.71 at OpticsPlanet
I need it now! Availability:
Optics Planet, GunTec USA only sells to dealers
Our Rating:
Pros:
Lightweight
Sturdy
Complete top rail
Small Diameter
Free Float
Made In USA
Great Price
Multiple Color Options
Rubber M-Lok "covers" included
Cons:
No Instructions
Only M-Lok slots are at the front
No QD attachment points
M-Lok screw run into gas block
Score: 8.00 Great
Chad's Favorite Link: U.S. Tactical Supply
ODIN Works O2 Lite KeyMod Handrail
Back in Episode 136 of the Podcast, we discussed the Odin Works O2 Lite handrail. I was intrigued by it, so I contacted Odin Works to get one in for review. They responded quickly and sent me a 12.5" KeyMod O2 Lite rail. Odin Works makes a vast assortment of AR related products for you to choose from.
The first thing I noticed about the O2 Lite handrail is how lightweight it really is. When I took it out of the box, it was really noticeable. It weighs in at 8.1 ounces complete with the barrel nut system. Odin did a really nice job of reducing the weight by putting in tons of scallop cuts on the forend. These cuts are kind of hex shaped, with some of them being elongated. I would guess the name "O2" comes from the cut outs looking like an Oxygen molecular drawing. And, of course, it free floats the barrel. If one were to hit the edge of one of these cutouts, you might be able to bend it down. It wouldn't bend far enough to cause any functionality problems, just cosmetic ones.
Now I'll get on to some of the technical specs. The O2 rail is made from 6005-T6 aluminum that is then anodized black. Since they sent me the 12.5" rail, that is how long it is. It has an outside diameter of 1.8" wide and 2.16" high. The reason for it being taller is because it has a small rail section built into the top of the handrail, but only at the front and back. So I would call it a hybrid rail. The top, between the 2 rail sections, does not have any way to mount a rail section between the front and back rails. The inside diameter comes in at 1.6", so plenty of room. Along with the O2 having KeyMod slots along the 3,6, and 9 O'clock positions (MLok is an option also), there are QD attachment points, at the front and rear, at 3 and 9 O'clock. A 5 slot KeyMod picatinny rail also comes with the forend. It is not mounted, so one can use it as necessary. Of course, any Keymod accessory should work also.
Mounting the handguard is really pretty easy. If you know anything about removing AR barrels, you shouldn't have any problems. Basically, remove the old barrel nut, gas tube, and gas block. Then, screw on Odin's forend adapter. align gas tube hole, insert gas tube alignment pin (supplied), put Vibra-Tite (reusable threadlocker) on barrel nut threads, screw on barrel nut, and tighten to 40-50 ft-lbs with a 1-1/4" crowfoot wrench. Odin Works sells a crowfoot wrench, I would recommend getting one with your order. Reinstall the gas tube and gas block. Slide on O2 Lite handrail, tighten on with 6 screws and supplied allen wrench. You now can go put some rounds down range.
Immediately after installing the O2 Lite forend, I could tell a weight difference. I think this is probably my new favorite handguard. It is comfortable to hold on to. The looks are fantastic. It is really light. And it comes in various lengths. Odin Works did a fine job creating this piece of engineering! If you are looking for anything AR related, go visit Odin Works, I doubt you will be disappointed.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Lightweight KeyMod FreeFloat handguard for AR 15 rifles
Target Market:
Those wanting a very light handguard
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Free Floats barrel
12.5" long
Anodized aluminum
8.1 ounces complete
1.6" Inside Diameter
1.8" Wide
2.16" High
Built in QD attachment points
KeyMod attachment points at 3,6, & 9 O'Clock positions
Short built in rails at front and rear
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
9.5", 15.5", and available in MLok also.
What others are saying?:
Ken on Odinworks.com: 5/5 stars
These are a GREAT product. I use to use the Carbon Fiber ones I could get but after getting this one I am going to use them on all by rifles from now on. They feel great and the COOL fact is good also. All that aside they function well and are very lite which make them perfect for a carry rifle especially for hog hunting or any hunting for that matter. Great product you all have. Thanks and thanks for your fast shipping too.
Anonymous on Odinworks.com: 5/5 stars
This rail is incredible. The rail itself is simply too light to believe. The thin cardboard packaging weighs more than the rail itself. Installation was a snap and everything went together perfectly.
Link to other reviews:
None found on the Googles
Price point:
MSRP = $200
Retail = $199.99 @ BMC-Tactical
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Super Light
Easy Installation
QD points
Good Looking
Top Rail Sections
Free Float
Includes Allen Wrench
Includes gas tube alignment pin
Made in U.S.A.
Cons:
Only Available in Black
Easily damaged cut outs (If hit just right)
No mention of needing a semi special wrench for the barrel nut (My AR armorers tool didn't work)
Score: 8.50 Great
Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans FOB
Magpul AK Zhukov Handguard
Another key part of the AK rifle that begs for improvement is the handguard. Formerly just a wood shell to protect the hand of a soldier from the heat generated by the barrel and gasblock/gastube, the modern AK has been outfitted with aluminum and polymer forearms that serve the same purpose but add the modularity of mounted accessories. Aluminum still contracts heat though as well as adding weight, leaving polymer a popular option for upgrading a stock rifle.
Just like the Zhukov-S stock, the Zhukov handguard sets the bar for quality, durability and overall badasssery in its category. The extended length it adds to the support hand is a much needed, and wasn't available unless you paid a very costly and custom aluminum rail. It's pretty well known that a longer support hand grip improves freehanded rifle accuracy and the ability to transition between targets, and the extended length of the Zhukov really transforms the AK into a completely different rifle with improved functionality. Now the forearm can be braced against or ontop of a barrier or shooter's rest which was lacking support before, and its M-LOK slots let you customize where accessories are mounted without additional weight and clutter of unused rail space. Also just like the other Magpul AK products, the Zhukov handguard is available be in all the colors of the tactical rainbow to match your other gear.
Installing the Zhukov is more involved than the standard MOE AK handguard because of the provided clamps that support the structure entirely. MAKE SURE your barrel is wide enough FIRST as it would be a huge bummer to make this permanent modification and your barrel profile was too narrow for the Zhukov's clamps (between 16.75-18.25 millimeters) and your barrel should be at least 13" long for obvious reasons. If you own an AKM or other AK variant that has a factory handguard retaining cap / forward sling mount, you're going to have to permanently remove it prior to beginning the installation. This calls for some commitment on the users part, as you're hosed for most handguards after cutting the cap off. Also, there may be some minor additional fitting required due to the wide range of tolerances of typical AK's. Yugo users need not apply - the Zhukov is not compatible.
After removing the factory or existing hanguard and the gastube, its a smart idea to wrap some duct tape around the barrel underneath and surrounding the handguard retaining cap (assuming you have one that needs to be removed) The tape will help keep that retaining cap from spinning or sliding up and down the barrel, and also help add a small protective layer if you are using a Dremel or other cutting wheel. If you aren't comfortable with the power tool, take it to a gunsmith and they should be able to cut it off easily without much expense to you. If you are removing it yourself, I would highly recommend taking it slow, and not trying to cut completely through the metal of the cap. Stop just shy of a thirty second of an inch and use a flathead screwdriver in the cut channel to pry/twist the halves apart. This will keep you from cutting too deep and marring your barrel. Once its gone, unplug the Dremel and put it away, and enjoy a a cold beverage because that was the worst part.
Now for the easy steps, just remove the heatshield from the polymer outershell, align it below the barrel and insert each of the pair of screws up through the metal and bottom clamp half (the unthreaded half) and loosely tighten into the top half. Next you slide the polymer part back onto the heatshield in the correct orientation, while keeping the clamps loosely tightened. This will help you align the complete hanguard to its most rearward position where the rear screw holes align, and ensuring theres a even gap between the upper lips of the handguard and the gasblock. Alternate tightening each screw to ensure a consistent and level tightening force on each clamp, and then you're set! Just twist off the old gasblock cover and twist on the new polymer part, reinstall and check for function. Поздравляю товарищ (Congrats comrade!)
If you're wondering how the heck you are supposed to add your flashlight, laser, bipod, sling mount, foregrip, bottle opener, and other completely necessary doodads, welcome to the M-LOK side of the fence. We have cake, and even let MOE rail users hang out. So if you've invested in MOE rail sections for previous AR-15 handguards, they are still compatible. You are more likely to find M-LOK rail sections and mounting accessories now on store shelves in the same cardboard and plastic bag packaging that you're used to seeing. Unlike keymod, M-LOK is arguably more secure in mounting, and less expensive and soon to be more prevalent in my opinion.
In case you are partial to modifying your rifle or still want to utilize your AKM's sling loop, or keep that under-mounted cleaning rod, the MOE AK hanguard is for you. It still has M-LOK slots, comes in colors and has an integral heatshield, but is more of a direct replacement for the existing hanguard. I was personally bummed their wasn't any accommodation for the cleaning rod built into the design of the bottom clamps, but its not a tragic loss. Besides, AK's don't need to be cleaned!
Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: The Magpul Zhukov Handguard casts aside traditional AK forearm shortcomings and offers an extended option for modern shooting techniques.
Target Market: AK variant owners with standard length barrels
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- Extended length provides large gripping surface / more real estate for mounting accessories
- Mounts to most AK-47/AKM/AK-74 rifles with barrels between 16.75 - 18.25mm diameter (minimum 13" length)
- Full length hard anodized aluminum chassis provides for flex-free mounting and heat shielding
- M-LOK slots at the three, six, and nine o'clock position
- Includes replacement polymer top cover
- Compatible with UltiMAK Optics Mount top cover
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Stealth Gray, FDE, Ranger Green, and Plum
What others are saying?: "I love this hand guard. It was very easy to install. The heat shield does a great job of keeping your hands from getting too warm. It works well with all the M-Lok accessories. It fitted perfect with my Ultimak gas tube as well. I couldn't be happier with the purchase." Brownells User Review
"You better really want the Magpul ZHUKOV because you are going to be stuck with it. I don't see this as a problem with its features, however you should be aware that the gas block sling mount loop and factory handguard retainer cover must be ground off your AK. Yep, this means you are not going backward from an upgrade perspective at any point in the future. The Magpul ZHUKOV hand guard covers the sling mount point, so even if you do a fairly ugly job, no one will see it. This also means that the ZHUKOV is not a "drop in upgrade", but something easy if you know how to run a hacksaw and file or Dremel well. The main advantage of this barrel clamped configuration is that the handguard is never shifting or moving. One of the reasons some will opt for the ZHUKOV hand guard over the MOE version is that this version is designed to be "more" compatible with various milled receivers since the hand guard is not reliant on a slot in the receiver and handguard retain for stability and is instead just clamped to the barrel. I love what Magpul has done to overhaul the AK47/AK74 rifles from top to bottom to keep the AK current even after all these years." Major Pandemic Review
Price point:
- MSRP: $99.95
- Retail: $94.95 Brownells
I need it now! Availability: Brownells or local gun shops
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Fairly easy to install (handguard retainer needs to be removed)
- Longer forearm= more room for accessory rails, better forward positioning of lights
- Compatible with railed gastubes, ie: UltiMAK
- Design ties well with Zhukov or MOE stock and MOE AK grip
Cons:
- No allowance for cleaning rod
- No interface with receiver for level mounting (you have to eyeball it when tightening)
Score: 8.0 Great
Featured FFL:
For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.
Ryan's Links:
