Our friends over at Odin Works have another forend on the market. It is called the Ragna. When I was looking for a 15” handguard, I remembered that they had come out with the Ragna at SHOT 2018. When I contacted Odin, they sent it right out for a review. I received the M-Lok version, but a Key-mod version is also available.
As with the Odin Works O2 lite handguard I reviewed earlier, the Ragna is also really light. When one first picks up the package that the Ragna comes in, you really can’t believe there is a 15.5” handguard in it. It weighs 10.35 ounces complete with the barrel nut and hardware. One reason it is so lightweight comes from a large quantity of organic shaped cut outs. These cutouts give it a unique look also.
Mounting up the Ragna is pretty easy also. If you have installed a barrel on an AR, then you can do this. Take your old handguard and barrel nut off first, if it isn’t a new build. Put some of the supplied Vibra-tite on the upper receiver threads. Take the supplied barrel nut and tighten it to 50 ft-lbs. Install the gas block and tube. Then slide the forend on. Line up the top rail with your receiver and tighten the two set screws. Then tighten the three clamp screws. You now have a new Ragna forend installed. I really liked how easy this handguard installed. The top rail lined up perfectly with the upper receiver’s rail.
As with most handguards, the Ragna is made from aluminum. They use 6061-T6 aluminum and then hard coat anodize it black. This gives it the same durability and finish as the upper receiver it is installed on. It also has 2 full length M-lok slots at 3 & 9 O’clock. These M-lok slots are out at the front of the handguard. M-lok slots also run the full span of the 6 O’clock position (or as I call it, the bottom). It has no top M-lok slots because the Ragna uses a full length picatinny rail. I personally have a love/hate relationship with full top rails. I like the looks of them, but feel like I only need a little rail section at the front and back.
The Ragna is also loaded with other features. The first one that comes to mind is the quick connects at the front and rear. Three of them are in the front at 3, 6, &9 O’clock, and two in the rear on either side. Being a long handguard, it has a lot of flex out at the muzzle end. This flex really only causes a problem if you sling up and are using some sort of sight on the front of the rail. I say “some sort’ because it could be an iron front sight, a laser, or something else. The rearward sloped angle, at the front of the handguard, is also very well thought out. It doesn’t have any sharp edges or angles for things to get caught up on. Most low profile gas blocks will fit inside the rail. It has an inside diameter of 1.35 inches, so other accessories might fit underneath also, especially if you are one to like longer than barrel length handguards.
I had expected a good performing handguard from Odin Works, and the Ragna did not let me down. The diameter isn’t too large or too small for me. I was able to get a good grasp on the rifle. The odd cut out shapes also dig into your hand to allow for a good non-slip grip, but not so much as to be uncomfortable. Most people don’t need attachment slots down the full length of the forend, and I am one of those. So I like only having the 2 M-lok slots at 3 & 6 O’clock, should I choose to mount up a light or other accessories.
Odin Works has done a nice job with the Ragna. I really like the looks and functionality. Having to not index a barrel nut is a huge plus also. If you’re in the market for a new forend, check out the Ragna. It is available in 12.5”, 15.5”, and 17.5” versions.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
15.5” lightweight handguard
Target Market:
Those wanting a lightweight freefloat handguard
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Free floating
Type 2 Hard Anodized
One piece barrel nut that is Black Nitride coated
All mounting hardware included
Continuous top rail
Made from 6061-T6 aluminum
Inside Diameter: 1.35"
Outside Diameter: 2.02" Tall by 1.52"
Key-MOD or M-LOK available at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock
All .750 ODIN Works gas blocks fit inside
Weighs just 10.35oz installed (including barrel nut)
Made in USA
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
What others are saying?:
Ryan H. @ Odinworks.com 5/5 stars
Clean fit
Fits clean and looks amazing. Couldn’t be happier
Link to other reviews:
Nothing found
Price point:
MSRP = $179.00
I need it now! Availability:
Odin Works or Black Bag Resources
Our Rating:
Pros:
Really lightweight
Good feel in the hands
M-lok slots
Top rail
Front/Rear quick connects for sling swivels
Made in USA
Cons:
Flexes
Score: 8.50 Great
Favorite Link: Axelson Tactical
