So you’re finally doing it. You’ve saved, researched, and found the proper upper and lower receiver to build your very first AR. Congratulations! It’s a big day and an exciting one, but there is still one piece left to figure out — what kind of handguard should you use on your new system? Free float handguard vs drop in? Drop in handguard vs free float? Learn more from RailScales now!

Like any other element of your AR-15 platform from receivers to optics, you’re going to face an overwhelming number of choices. The first thing to do is understand the basics, so when you go and talk to local gun shops or gunsmiths, you can actually understand what they’re talking about.

The goal of today’s blog is to help provide you with some fundamental knowledge about the difference between the two primary styles of handguard — free-float handguards and drop-in handguards. Read on to learn more, and make sure to visit us online at RailScales® to shop for high-quality AR accessories like sights, grips, and of course, our nationally famous RailScales®.

What Is A Handguard And Why Do I Need One?

A handguard is a rail, a sheath, or a protective layer of some kind that surrounds the barrel of your AR-15. When shooting correctly without the aid of a rail-mounted foregrip, your hand will be in contact with the handguard, regardless of how you are holding the weapon.

The purpose that a handguard serves is to give you a stabilization platform for controlling the weapon without having to touch the barrel of the gun — which will heat up rapidly, especially if you are dumping a lot of rounds. Additionally, rail-style handguards — which are almost universally used for AR-15 systems due to the tactical add-ons they allow for — can give you the option to add custom sights, advanced optics, rail grips, and many other options. With the advent of Keymod and MLOK systems over the last decade or so, the components that can be added to the handguard can be some of the most important accessories on the weapon. 

What Is a Drop-In Handguard And Who Are They Good For?

Drop-in handguards are simple systems that are easily installed and removed from your AR-15 system. Essentially, a drop-in handguard is two pieces of rail or shielding that are held together around the barrel of your AR by a device called the delta ring.

The delta ring is the only portion of the drop-in handguard that will touch the barrel, or rather the barrel nut, of the AR. Its spring-loaded tension can then fix the drop-in handguard in place, and you’re all set to start shooting or adding accessories.

Drop-in handguards are a great choice for those just getting into the sport or tactical shooting due to their relatively low cost and ease of use. If you decide you don’t love your current drop-in handguard, it’s pretty easy to remove it and replace it. You can also upgrade to a higher-quality free-float handguard that meets your needs whenever you have the desire and budget.

What Is A Free-Float Handguard and Who Are They Good For?

A free-float handguard varies from a drop-in handguard in a number of respects, the most immediate and obvious of which is the difficulty that installation requires. Although they offer significantly more options and much greater versatility, installing free-float handguards requires more knowledge, tools, and patience than most novice shooters possess.

However, just because the free-float style handguard is trickier to install, doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth it. Free-float handguard systems allow for many different kinds of rail systems including Picatinny rails, MLOK rails, KeyMod rails, and more. These rails, in turn, give you the ability to mount hardware like advanced optics, forend rail grips, and more.

Another important aspect of free-float handguards is that they allow for rail systems that cover the entire length of your AR-15 barrel.

Free-float handguard systems are ideal for more advanced shooters looking to add various pieces of advanced equipment for tactical or sport shooting. They’re also the right choice for anyone who has the budget and passion for owning and collecting very nice firearms, regardless of how they are used.

In this day and age, the firearms industry has whole-heartedly moved to easy to install handguards that are free float from the start. Things have gotten lighter, with better aesthetics and more usability across the spectrum from manufacturers. The only downside to all this is the heat sink that the free float handguards have created by removing the internal shields and extra material. This is where RailScales comes in and saves your hand and gives you back the grip and heat protection that was sacrificed. Designed with both functional and aesthetic improvements in mind, and using heat-resistant materials which provide additional texturing for a sure grip. Whether it be the XOS, HTP, or the original G10 RailScales panels you are well protected and now have a better grip on your free-float handguard. 

Once You’ve Got Your Handguards, Get Your AR Rail Grips and Accessories at RailScales®

Once you have settled on what kind of handguard system is going to be right for you, stop by the online store at RailScales® and check out our high-quality inventory of AR rail grips, hand stops, sights, and more.