15" Handguards / Rails, What's your favorite and why?

X Navy Chief · Mar 2, 2013

I've been researching them for my latest build while seeking something near 2" or under that will cover the gas block on an 18" barrel. After looking at a dozen brands my head is spinning. Started with Samson, also manufactured by them for Rainer with different cutouts, looked at Vtac, Sti Valkyrie, Clark carbon fiber, JP, Troy, YHM,Stag, Remington & Colt even offer some nice ones.

Is there a benefit to one over the other that I'm not seeing other than weight and style, that you guys who shoot matches all the time are familiar with? The gun will be 223 wylde and set up primarily for long shots but I'll try to make it 3G friendly incase I ever get off my @ss and try it.

Kjdowning18 · Mar 2, 2013

I like the lancer carbon fiber ..... Light and durable

jhjh11 · Mar 2, 2013

I have held the seekins hand gaurd and I think with the flat bottom it would be a nice I e to go for

X Navy Chief · Mar 2, 2013

Both of those look great. The MCSR "mod quad" seekins without the rails looks good, and I do like the look but the flat bottom on the seekins SP3R might take some getting used to. If I got Carbon Fiber I'd be torn about cerakoting it which is the plan for the whole gun.

http://www.seekinsprecision.com/quad-rails-hand-guards/sp3r-mod-quad-rail.html

http://www.lancer-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Handguard1.jpg

Matt1911 · Mar 2, 2013

I'm a huge fan of the Troy Alpha handguard. Really light weight, super strong, free floating, thin enough to easily wrap your mitts around, and they look really good too.

X Navy Chief · Mar 3, 2013

I agree on the Troy's. Almost picked up a used one on OSA yesterday but it was 13" and I don't care for the gas block out front look.

I can't figure out if this Seekins SP3R is retarded or as sexy as socks on a rooster just yet. Vote R for thumbs down, or SSOR for thumbs up.

View attachment 4130

View attachment 4131

View attachment 4132

Wormydog1724 · Mar 3, 2013

Troy trx extreme here. 15" on a 16" barrel. It's what I've been using since I started 3 gunning and won't change. It's light enough, strong enough, I'm able to wrap my hand around it, and it looks atas.

X Navy Chief · Mar 3, 2013

That is sharp! Nice Pmag stippling also. Do many other 3 gunners use a 16"?

Wormydog1724 · Mar 3, 2013

Not very many. A lot use 18"

-Ace- · Mar 4, 2013

I'm running a couple of 16" setups with 12" AP Carbon tubes, and also 12" PRI Carbon setups. The AP is nice and lightweight but not as strong as the pri, so its a durability trade off for weight

CrtsHarris · Mar 4, 2013

Are the Lancer carbon fiber handguards sturdy?

Wall · Mar 4, 2013

CrtsHarris said:
Are the Lancer carbon fiber handguards sturdy?

yes, very solid

RyanReed · Mar 4, 2013

I've run a 15" Troy VTac for the last couple years. Just got a 15" Seekins SP3R - not the easiest install and it is being picky with which lower it likes, but so far, I think I am going to like it.

jtischauser · Mar 4, 2013

I enjoy the Samson and the AP Customs for a carbon tube.

P.E. Kelley · Mar 4, 2013

Seekins SP3 actually HELPS you to shoot betterâ€¦the flat bottom and flats at the sides and even the top, give you choices when approach a course of fire. I am using it here to rest flat on the table improving stability. Yes it was weird at first but damn how I love it now!
Being flat on the bottom puts my hand more inline with the bore. That potentially improves muzzle control.

Plus it is DEAD sexy!

jtischauser · Mar 4, 2013

Damn I shouldn't have sold my Seekins. That flat shape just makes so much sense for support against anything flat or not flat really.

sharpshooter · Mar 4, 2013

Yeah, I've switched most of my rifles out to the 15" Seekins that Pat has posted above. I really like it. It's great on flat surfaces and I thought it might be iffy on irregular surfaces, like rocks and trees, but it works just as good as a round one in those cases.

DoctorJJ · Mar 4, 2013

The Seekins looks sweet! The Lancer is octagonal so it has flat surfaces as well. It feels great on the hand too. Super light being carbon fiber as well. Very easy to tak on and off if needed. If you get the slotted one you can adjust your gas block through one of the slots too.