Polymer and Aluminum AK handguards

[GTSteve03]

I'm looking for replacement handguards for my WASR, as I'd like something that will be a little more comfortable to hold and protect my hand from the heat of the barrel as I shoot.

Right now I'm looking at a couple of polymer and aluminum handguards, as I figure they will do a better job of blocking the heat. I wanted to see if anyone out there has used these or similar designs and how you liked or disliked them.

The first one I'm looking at is the KVAR polymer handguard with stainless steel heat shield. Retails around $60:



I would get the upper too, it's just not shown.

The second is a UTG aluminum railed handguard. This one would give me more options for mounting stuff like a light or foregrip. But it's also made in China from what I understand, and originally for airsoft.

There's a polymer handguard with heat shield that just came out by TAPCO, but I'm hesitant to put their stuff on my AK just due to reputation. There's also a railed polymer handguard by FAB that's Israeli, but it has no heat shield so I don't know how well it would hold up.

So, anyone out there use a similar type handguard, and how do you like it?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I own two rifles from Arsenal with the K-Var handguards. They are good to go.

From what I've read, the UTG handguards are made in Taiwan, not the PRC. They are supposed to be pretty solid, but heavy. Hopefully someone with first hand experience will be along shortly.

Unless you plan on using the rails I'd go with the K-Var handguards.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Figure out if your existing handguards are a US-made part and needed for 922(r) compliance before considering the non-US UTG guards. That might make the choice for you...

 

[nalioth]

Hundreds of thousands of troops use the same type handguards as in your top picture.

 

[GTSteve03]

Dave M, how well do the KVAR handguards block the heat? Have you done much rapid firing with them? Are they comfortable?

I'm not sure how much I'll use the rails but I would like to mount a light to my WASR eventually.

Z-M, the WASR comes with a US-made trigger, pistol grip, and gas piston, so it's good to go for compliance parts.

 

[nalioth]

how well do the KVAR handguards block the heat? Have you done much rapid firing with them? Are they comfortable?

All AK handguards will melt or catch fire if you fire enough rounds under them.

Your "comfort" question depends on your rate of fire, local temps, glove usage, etc.

 

[GTSteve03]

All AK handguards will melt or catch fire if you fire enough rounds under them.

Your "comfort" question depends on your rate of fire, local temps, glove usage, etc.

OK, fine, let me clarify it a little more.

Compared to the current wood hanguards that are on my WASR that can catch fire or scorch depending on the temperature of my barrel, how much better will the polymer handguard with steel heat shield protect the handguard and my hands from the heat?

Local temperature for GA, as seen in my profile, ranges from 90+ degrees F in the summer to 40-50F in the winter. Consider 100F as a good max. I do not normally wear gloves to protect my hands but if they are a better investment than new handguards, I will buy them instead.

Rate of fire is nothing crazy, I don't bump fire and I have no 75rd mags. I don't like wasting ammo for the fun of it.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

The K-Var handguards with the heat shield are a noticeably improvement over wooden handguards, or plastic handguards without a heat shield. Note however that the trunnion area gets hot in rapid fire so you have to be careful.

 

[nalioth]

GTSteve03, the K-var aluminum insert polymer guards should work fine for you.

They work fine for the commies (and they do shoot full auto).

 

[dglockster]

The concept for the UTG aluminum railed handguard may have originated with paintball, but the one you will be buying is engineered specifically for either the AK or the AR platform.

As mentioned, the handguard is slightly heavier but I really like the grip it provides for the support hand. The two halves are held tightly together by the four small bolts (two per side). I have had no problem with the bolts working loose and if you like, a touch of blue Loc-tite, will completely eliminate that concern. Heat has been no problem.

In addition, because it is a Picatinny mount, the UTG handguard will also accept most Weaver-mount devices as well.

Here's what it looks like on my Romanian SAR-1:

 

[GTSteve03]

dglockster, your SAR looks a lot how I am trying to get my WASR set up. I currently have a Romanian folding stock similar to yours, except mine has the lever instead of the button. I also have a paracord wrap on mine, makes it a little more comfortable against the cheek. I like the way it looks with the UTG rail. Do you currently use your rail for any devices like a light? That would be my main purpose for it.

I also notice you have what looks like the JTAC compensator on your muzzle. Has that been worth the ~$60 price for you?

 

[dglockster]

I have compared bare muzzle, slant brake, bird cage, and the J-TAC. The J-TAC lives up to its billing for noticeably less felt recoil and it's the most accurate of the other devices, including the "bare muzzle."

I am currently waiting for a red dot holographic scope to use on the UTG rail. I have not yet decided about the side and bottom rails.

If I had a current picture of the SAR-1, it would now show a paracord wrap on both the "arm" of the stock as well as on the buttplate. If you haven't done the wrap on the buttplate, do so because it does make the rifle more comfortable to shoot.