Building a New AR-15-what handguard/rail and why?

Just some backround so you guys know where I'm coming from. I used to shoot IPSC-was B class open and Limited( which quickly became Limited-10 due to law change in Hawaii). I had been on a "break" for a few years and kind of out of touch what is cutting edge and am looking for some knowledge. I'm getting back into things and it appears that our local club has some good 3-gun matchs too. So, I am building a new AR. I have some opinions but hey, knowledge is power.

The gun I'm building will be for some limited class rifle/SHTF/my only AR-15...yes I know of "black rifle disease"...but thats my story for now. I ordered a Noveske N4 basic 16 mid lenth complete upper, taking advantage of thier free cosmetic 2nd lower, building the lower with some help, getting a complete lower kit (Magpul CTR, MAID, DD lower kit, buffer kit) but I have no idea on what handguard/rail to get. I've been told many rails are very "fat" with covers and uncomfortable without. I shot an AR with the JP VTAC-very nice and also a 6520 with a Magpul MOE and that was nice. But I'm having trouble deciding. My priority would be the benefits of a free-float tube over having may accessories.

So gun owners who share my Tacoma enthusiasm...what rail/handguard to you like and why?

 

Are you going to free float it or not? If so, I like the YHM smooth FF hand guard. If not, I'd suggest a Surefire product. Just my $.02.

 

Yes free float for accuracy benefit. I've been told to check out Troys Extreme/ Viking VTAC( similar rail just different cutouts). I was told short of the monolithics they are rock solid. I'm not looking to hang too much on it. I find my self shooting ARs with my thumb pointed foward vs using the vertical grip so the bottom rail is not needed. I'd like to have the ability for a light. Frankly if Fenix ever makes a reed switch and mount for my TK40 i'd mount that! And deal with the weight. I'll go check out those u guys mention. UPS won't be delivering my parts til Monday so I have some time still

 

I went with Daniel Defense Omega 7.0 >> extremely light weight, very strong, free float, lines up with your existing rail, but it comes in two pieces so you don't need any specific tools to do the job.

https://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=109

 

Like I said, I like the YHM smooth FF but Troy, DD and Viking are all top notch.

 

I have Troy, old style Daniel Defense, and most recently Daniel Defense Omega on various ARs.

The Omega rail is, as mentioned above, very nice for an easily installed free float. You don't need to cut off the delta ring or remove the front sight base. They are also easily removed to return your upper to stock configuration, something that I've heard a number of people like for carbines that are issued to them as LE or .mil. It's reasonably light weight and solid, though mine did get a bit loose after some repeated hard blows to the rail. That was easily fixed with a hex wrench.

KAC makes a neat little sling swivel/hand stop that could be a nice tool if you like shooting with a high support hand. It would give a repeatable point of reference without the bulk of a vertical grip.

 

As far as quality vs. price Midwest Industries and Yankee Hill are the best IMO. Shooting with covers on the rails does make it a little fatter but it certainly is not uncomfortable. I shoot with a vertical fore grip anyways most of the time.

 

Thickness of rail covers will also make a difference. Some guys like their rails totally covered with panels.

I tend to run ladders instead of panels. They are reasonably comfortable, much lower profile, and may help a bit with cooling by maintaining more exposed metal surface area.

 

there is alot of good info here

http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/8343/41127.html

it gives you a breakdown of what rails do what and what each is good for

 

These guys make some really great stuff too.

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/StoreFront.bok

 

Hey Keason1* thanks for that link-lots of other good info-looks like im going to finish the build, shoot the thing a few times then figure it out. Kinda sure ill be bitten by the BRD bug n build a 2nd rifle, so ill end up with this a KISS/Limited AR-so the DD Omega looking good, then a VTAC on the open/scoped one. Looking at WOA barrel and Meopta 1-4x scope for that one.

 

NP man. I would love to have 2 AR's. one as a HD gun and one as a 100+ yard gun with a good long range scope.

 

3 is even better than two.

 

you are very right sir or two carbines and two ar pistols

 

or two carbines and 2 ar pistols