Question about Magpul hand guard for AR-15

[jmbalt]

My nephew is watching my house and taking care of my dog while I'm on vacation. I thought of paying him with some accessories for his AR. He wants the Magpul hand guard but I have no idea what version/size to get. His AR has a 20" barrel. I don't know if I need to get the rifle length? Mid length? I'm not sure if the barrel length determines the length of the hand guard or not. If you can't tell I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to AR's. I appreciate the help.

 

[Carter]

I'd say that'd be a 99% chance of being rifled length. Never hurts to ask though...

Or giftcard to brownells or something.

 

[NG VI]

Where the gas block is located is how you know, if he's got a 20" than I would expect it to be rocking rifle length handguards.

 

[CooterShooter]

Cool idea, but if I could offer any advice, unless you want to surprise him, I'd just talk to him about it. Never know where his preferences might run. Glad to see you're encouraging the art by passing it on to another generation! Good luck!

 

[madcratebuilder]

Most 20" barrels are rifle length gas systems, at 18" you start to see mid length. The GIFT card is a great idea.

 

[Zach S]

I'd bet money on the rifle handguard fitting it. And I'm not a betting man.

Under 20", bbl length has little to do with HG length - for example I have two 16" carbines with rifle HGs (although CAR or mid are more common). If the bbl is 20" or more the rifle HG is a pretty safe bet.

 

[henschman]

Yeah, if it's still in the factory configuration with the delta ring where the barrel meets the receiver, and the handguard ring in front where the handguard meets the gas block, it will be rifle length. The only way a rifle length HG wouldn't fit is if the rifle has been converted to free float handguard configuration, with the delta ring and handguard ring removed. But if he already had free float, he probably wouldn't be wanting Magpul handguards. So I say buy with confidence.

 

[jmbalt]

Excellent thanks a lot. My nephew and I appreciate it

 

[jsimmons]

Why don't you just get him a Brownell's gift certificate, and let him pick the stuff he wants and that fits his rifle?