Light AR-15 Handguard

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OneWound

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I'm in the market for a light AR-15 hand guard that is free-floated. I am very sick of my heavy RRA upper!
 
On the last one, the link doesn't work. On any of them do I have to replace my front sight post?
 
Fixed it. If you go with a longer rail you will need to yes. However they make the NSR and Alpha in 7 inch configs that will fit behind the FSP.
 
I haven't used that MI rail yet but it does look pretty good. My only worry is the Lockup system. It uses the same system as the precursor to the Troy Alpha rail which did have some issue with twisting under stress.
 
I haven't used that MI rail yet but it does look pretty good. My only worry is the Lockup system. It uses the same system as the precursor to the Troy Alpha rail which did have some issue with twisting under stress.
Completely different and won't rotate even before you tighten the clamping screws. I have one and it is a very compact forearm and is incredibly light.
 
My latest build has a MidWest Industries GenIISS handguard.

I agree, it's stupid light, will not rotate (unless you manage to twist off your entire barrel nut) and has decent attachment points. I went with the 15" and a low-profile gas block, but the extra length adds virtually no weight. Aluminum with lots of lightening cuts. Weighs like 11 ounces with all the rails on it.
 
I like the Yankee Hill Machine - Lightweight rail.
I have a carbine and a rifle length version of these and compared to the MI, they're clunky old tech. They have both gotten R^2 over the last couple weeks for more streamlined designs like the MI SS Gen 2 and the Troy Alpha.
 
Sort of off topic, but I found out it wasn't my quad rails that were heavy...it's my barrel. Anyone know of a good way to balance it out w/ a collapse-able stock?
 
You can get a lighter handguard like a MI-SS, but that won't help you all that much if you have a big fat bull barrel on the rifle. The barrel is where most of the front-end weight is. If you already have a gov't or light profile barrel, disregard this comment.
 
Another thing to keep in mind is balance. Even a 6.5lb carbine can be a bit nose heavy and seam heavier than it actually is. You may be able to shift some weight rearward to give it a more lively feel.
 
Jakk, any good way to shift the weight if I have a collapsible stock? Just have an Aimpoint CompM4, really don't have nay idea.
 
It may seam counter intuitive, but adding a heavier stock will shift weight. I'm not talking a.PRS or anything, just a couple ounces. Basically adding back some of the weight saved by a lighter handguard, only to the back of the gun. Switch to polymer BUIS, move your optic to the rearmost position that you can work with, extend your buttstock a notch or two.

A major item is to check your technique. Moving your support hand as far forward as possible will put more of the weight of the rifle between your hands, causing it seem lighter(each hand is holding more equal weights). This also gives you more control over the muzzle, making the front seem lighter, less pendulous.

Remember these are just tips and techniques to make the most of what you got, the expensive bits anyways, and doesn't actually make the gun lighter. Just a bit less nose heavy and a bit more maneuverable.
 
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