The AR 15 is jokingly referred to as the “Lego gun” for a reason. It’s so amazingly modular that nearly every component can be swapped out for a part with a different length, size, material, and so on. Ultimately, the goal is to allow any AR owner to customize their firearm and get it set up perfectly for their intended use, whether that use is hunting, range shooting, or home defense. Of course, if you’re in the process of customizing your AR, you’ve probably had a question or two about how to choose the best parts.
In the case of AR upper components, the most expensive option doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best! So, when you toss that metric out the window, how do you choose? Hopefully not based on what you can get for a steal by way of your brother’s best friend’s cousin—that’s no way to find the best parts for your own customized AR! It may sound simplistic to say, but every component on your AR can affect how well it fires, which can in turn impact your accuracy and comfort. Though, some components can have a bigger impact than others.
One easy way to modify your AR-15 so that it will not only look better, but also give you a better grip and added heat protection? RailScales® has you covered! Our HTP® Scales in M-LOK are perfect for every AR enthusiast who is looking to add a unique look to their firearm. These scales are similar to our G10 RailScales but injection molded with a high-temp polymer and come in four different colors. They are also 0.010” thicker than the G10 RailScales and come in packs of three or four scales, allowing you to protect your barrel, add grip to your firearm, and customize your AR-15 to really make it your own. Explore our unique collection of AR mods and accessories, and order your favorites from RailScales today!
Your Handguard Makes A Difference
It might not seem like the most impactful component. After all, the handguard is just there to provide protection when the barrel heats up from repeated firing. It’s not like the gas system, which has a direct impact on the firing process. Except, well, your AR’s handguard can actually have a pretty big impact on your groups. Whether you choose a more basic military-style handguard or you go the route of the free-float handguard with rail system, the choice you make can affect your comfort and grip, which then impacts your overall experience. Even more simply than that, the handguard is there to, well, guard your hands. The means you choose, however, can have a bigger impact than you might think—which is why it’s important to choose your handguard carefully.
Handguard Considerations
The first decision to make when it comes to handguards is whether you want one with a rail system or not. The biggest difference, beyond basic shape, is whether or not you want to be able to attach accessories to your AR. While there are other ways to do so, an AR rail system is generally the easiest and most convenient way to be able to place accessories just where you want them. For example, many AR owners find that an AR 15 rail grip gives them better accuracy than the grip on a rail-less handguard. The other things to consider when choosing a handguard include the length, weight, material, installation. While the AR is designed to be modular, there are an abundance of companies manufacturing some of the best AR accessories and parts, so it’s important to ensure those components will work with each other.
Weight
Another important consideration to take into account is the weight of the handguard. Different handguards will have different weights, and you want to be sure that your firearm still feels good when you hold it. AR-15s were designed specifically so that they would weigh the least amount possible, and there’s a good chance that you bought your firearm because it felt comfortable when you held it. That being said, some handguards are lighter than others, so it’s important to have an idea of how much weight you’re willing to sacrifice for your handguard.
Look
While probably not as important as the look, length, and other considerations, the look of your handguard could be a deciding factor of which one you decide to buy. Some people customize their AR-15s with a specific look in mind. Perhaps you want your customizations to give your firearm a more tactical look, while others may be going for a more military look. Either way, handguards come in different styles, so it’s important to take the look into consideration as well.
Choosing a Length
When it comes specifically to choosing the right handguard length, one of the biggest factors is your AR’s gas system—not necessarily the barrel itself. Most handguards are designed to go from the front of the upper receiver and extend past the gas block. Aside from guarding your hands from heat build-up, one of the other primary functions of any handguard is to protect the gas tube from being bent or damaged. So, while it’s possible to have a handguard that extends beyond your gas block (generally only if you have a low-profile gas block), it’s never a good idea to have a handguard that doesn’t fully cover your gas tube.
Secondary to protecting your gas system is comfort. When making your decision, it’s important to consider how far forward on the barrel you prefer to grip, and at what distance you lose that stable grip, because this will impact firing safety and accuracy. If you prefer a longer grip, you’ll want an AR rail system or handguard that allows you to do so.
Get A Grip For Safety
We’ve discussed this once or twice in the past, but it’s important enough that we’ll reiterate: having a solid but comfortable grip is one of the most important things you can focus on when customizing your AR. Whether you choose a small handstop, a larger forend grip, or a simple AR-15 rail grip, these AR-15 rail system attachments can have a big impact. At RailScales, our AR-15 accessories are designed to provide big impact without the weight. Whether you choose a small Karve handstop or a larger Anchor forend grip, our goal is to provide durable, heat-resistant, and easy-to-install options that won’t add noticeable weight to the front of your firearm—all the better for an improved experience and better control. Learn more about how RailScales patented AR-15 rail accessories can help you customize your firearm for the best experience. Shop online today and experience the difference for yourself!
Listen to Your Gut
Customizing your AR-15 is not something you should take lightly. As we mentioned above, when you decide to customize your firearm, you shouldn’t just settle for the cheapest parts or the parts that are the easiest to come by. Instead, it’s better to take your time and really browse the selection before committing to something. Take your handguard for example. The right handguard not only protects your hand, but it can also improve your shooting. Therefore, you want to make sure that you choose the right one, and there are many options.
The best thing you can do for yourself when customizing your firearm is listen to your gut. Don’t be afraid to try out multiple different options. Install different accessories and parts to your AR-15 and see which ones feel the best. You may even surprise yourself and end up picking accessories that you didn’t expect to like. However, at the end of the day, when you listen to your gut, you’re more likely to be happier with your choice and enjoy your firearm even more!
Let RailScales Set You Up for Success!
Handguards are an important customization to consider, but there are so many different customization options to choose from, including RailScales! Our unique scales are designed with fun patterns that can give your AR-15 a one-of-a-kind look while also giving you a better grip and added heat protection. Our HTP® Scales in M-LOK come in packs of three or four, allowing you to add multiple scales to your rail, whether you’re simply looking for a unique way to customize your firearm or you’re looking for a practical accessory that gives you grip, offers heat protection, and protects your barrel, in addition to looking cool. If our panels spark your interest, take a look at our RSB, the new RSBM-P polymer stubby forward grip, Karve and Anchor offerings for vertical forward grip and handstop needs. Rail length need not apply as any of our offerings will be useful on any length of rail interface and help you as a shooter be comfortable and more confident in your rifle. Explore our website to see even more of our customization options, and start making your firearm your own with RailScales today!
