ar15 handguard confusion

[w103tws]

I just picked up a stag model 1
http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_22&products_id=205

All of my AR's in the past have been free float aluminum handguards. I noticed while fondling the other guns in the shop, that the S&W had a narrower forend than my stag, and some of the bushmasters did too. Same length, same config., just a tad bit narrower handguard. I really liked this. What do I look for to get the narrower handguard? Thanks

 

[longdayjake]

Go find one that is the same length and then put it on your rifle.

 

[w103tws]

Maybe you don't understand what I'm asking.

There are no shops around that carry accessories. I want to find one online, but I don't know what they're called, or what to look for. How do I make sure I'm getting the skinnier one? Is there a difference between CAR and M4 guards?

Maybe somebody with knowledge of the ar15 style rifle can help out.

 

[DMK]

Is there a difference between CAR and M4 guards?

Yes. The M4 style handguards are fatter, the better quality ones have double heat shielding. The CAR handguards taper so that they are skinnier towards the front sight. They are completely interchangeable (as a set that is).

If you order online make sure you get to see a picture of what you are buying. A lot of folks don't know the difference between various AR15 parts and you might get anything if you just go by what they call it.

CAR handguard

M4 Handguard

Brownells appears to have the CAR handguard in stock (you want the short one for a carbine), and here too (C3).

 

[W.E.G.]

Cavalry Arms handguards are getting a lot of good press lately.

http://www.cavalryarms.com/furniture.html

 

[taliv]

i'm a big fan of the narrow, low profile handguards. noveske's low profile, daniel defense lite and kac's urx2 are all suitably small diameter for me. VTAC/JP's is quite small, but of course, not a quad-rail.

 

[DMK]

Cavalry Arms handguards are getting a lot of good press lately.

CavArms does make good stuff. I have some of their furniture on my ARs.

Just keep on mind that their C3 stuff is the skinny CAR type and their C4 stuff is the fat M4 type.

 

[franconialocal]

My Bushmaster O.R.C. had the "heavy oval" shape M-4 handguard and switched out perfectly to a Troy Industries quad rail. It fit really tight, but this was expected to minimize movement. Then the two halves screw together and is rock solid. I just shot for several hours the other day and it stayed true-to-zero....no movement at all. Not bad for a drop in replacement.
LOTS of options out there for you...just make sure you get the LENGTH right and decide if you want to free float the bbl. (more "gunsmithing" work and cost) That should be your only concern.