JP VTAC Handguard

[Anschutz]

Does anyone have an opinion of these?

[LR1955]

Does anyone have an opinion of these?

I have them on three rifles.

They are lighter than most and are fully ventelated. John Paul sells rails that fit into their slots if you want rails and the slots allow for offset such as 1 oclock for those who put microdot sights on the forends as a optic back up. It is a pain in the ass to affix those rails so be prepared for a real treat when putting them on, particularly if you want them close to the receiver.

All in all, no real issue with them but they are intended for Three Gun competition more than anything else and when you buy something that is pretty purpose specific, it may not suit your real requirements as well as something that is probably much cheaper to buy and easier to install.

LR1955

[mlmiller1]

I've got one & like it fine. I'll echo the other poster on good & bad. I do however like the handguard Jim at http://WWW.firebirdprecision.com sells. Actually, I would have his if they would have been out when he built my first ar. Every bit as durable as the jp but more aesthetically pleasing.
MLM

[RStewart]

I have one on my 20" upper. Very comfortable and streamlined.

[ofreen]

I have a couple, one on a rifle length, the other midlength. They are very solid and have a good feel. I agree it is a little fiddly attaching the rails the first time you try it, but it gets easier as you figure out a technique. I like them because they are simple, but versatile. I don't like a lot of stuff hanging off the rifle, so never considered a 4 rail type handguard. Yet you can attach anything on the VTAC that you can a 4 rail. Just add rails. The price still isn't too bad. One thing some guys don't like is that you are supposed to red Loctite the receiver nut to the upper receiver. It's nothing a heat gun won't take care of if you ever want to remove it. I doubt I ever will.

[BlueOvalBruin]

I have 3 of them. It's not the lightest but it's very solid and comfortable. They are intended for 3gun competition like Gene said, but have slots for attaching rails if needed. You'll find in 3gun things tended to get snagged easily so a nice smooth handguard is definitely a good thing. The price isn't too bad either, cheaper than a lot of the cheese graters for sure.

[JohnOD]

I have two and like them as well. My AR's are more set up for hunting rather than "tactical" so I don’t need or want 4' of rail on my hand guard. With the VTAC you can add rail sections where you need them but the rail sections are overpriced IMHO. Some guys don’t like the loctite installation method but it is rock solid. The aluminum does tend to get cold. On my last two uppers I went with carbon fiber handguards and have come to prefer them. One suggestion... do not use red loctite on the little screws that hold the handguard to the collar

[Rootshot]

The aluminum does tend to get cold. One suggestion... do not use red loctite on the little screws that hold the handguard to the collar

I have 2 VTAC handguards. I totally agree on the "little screws". Be careful, even with blue loctite, you can strip the heads trying to remove them without heating. I had to have JP send replacements.

For hunting, I wrap the handguard in McNett camo from tape. Easy on and easy off. Aside from providing insulation and camo, it also protects the handguard from bangs and scratches.

Another little thing I have on both is a Mount-N-Slow QD Swivel mount (http://store.impactweaponscomponents.com...ofor2.html).

--Rootshot

[rasp65]

I realy like my VTAC hanguard. Like Rootshoot I wrap mine in the McNett camoform tape http://www.mcnett.com/Camo-Form-Protecti...p-P44.aspx It is really a great product. I also made a 3" wide aluminum plate that attaches to the bottom of the handguard with the predrilled and tapped hole and the included swivel mount for shooting off a rifle rest. I did not use any locktite at all on the little handguard screws.