Once you’ve got all that sorted, you have to figure out which of the roughly ten billion manufacturers you want to trust with $100+ of your hard-earned dollars. It’s important to know your gas system length before buying a drop-in There’s also the length, weight, and compatibility issues to worry about. When choosing the right handguard, there are some functional considerations you’ll need to make, such as free-float or not, M-LOK or Keymod, and lightweight and minimalist or quad-rail. The wrong handguard can be seriously uncomfortable and inconvenient. Just like you wouldn’t brave a winter storm in just a t-shirt or wander into the desert wearing a wool coat, you wouldn’t want to put a handguard on your AR that doesn’t look, feel, or function the way you want it to. A good handguard is like the right outfit for your AR–appropriate for the environment and the things it will need to carry. This major component can make a big difference in the look and function of your AR-15. If you’re looking to change out one make-or-break part, we’d say start with your handguard. AR-15s are a versatile rifle and are incredibly popular for custom builds. Whether you’re upgrading an AR-15 you already own or are getting ready to build your own, you want to make sure you find the perfect components for your needs and style.

Never fear – we’ve got all the info you need to pick the perfect handguard for your rifle. Customizing your rifle’s handguard can be a blast, but there is a lot to consider when it comes to parts.

Most durable quad rail handguards