08-08-2011, 01:41 AM
Peck,
I usually steer people towards rifle-length free-float tubes for barrel lengths 14.5" and higher. It really depends on what you're doing, but rifle-length tubes and handguards cover everything for me. They allow you more options when shooting from supported and unsupported positions, while carbine-length guards originated from the 10" barreled Colt Model 607, and became standard on the XM177E1 and E2's, even though they had increased the barrel length to 11.5" on the XM177E2. If you are closer to 6' or taller, then I would definitely move towards a rifle-length tube.
I have been using the following handguards since 2003:
I seem to lean towards the 13" Troy/VTAC handguard overall, but I like the integral QD sling sockets of the Apex. I also like the 12 o'clock rail and how easy it is to install the Troy/VTAC & Trx Extreme, as well as the price. The Apex is a few dollars cheaper, and easy to install as well.
I usually steer people towards rifle-length free-float tubes for barrel lengths 14.5" and higher. It really depends on what you're doing, but rifle-length tubes and handguards cover everything for me. They allow you more options when shooting from supported and unsupported positions, while carbine-length guards originated from the 10" barreled Colt Model 607, and became standard on the XM177E1 and E2's, even though they had increased the barrel length to 11.5" on the XM177E2. If you are closer to 6' or taller, then I would definitely move towards a rifle-length tube.
I have been using the following handguards since 2003:
- Viking Tactics/JP 12" Free-Float Handguard
- MGI QBC Upper w/ rifle length extension
- Troy/TRX Extreme/Viking Tactics 13" Handguard
- I just got a new Apex Machining 12" Free-Float Handguard w/ Gator Grip that I kinda like
I seem to lean towards the 13" Troy/VTAC handguard overall, but I like the integral QD sling sockets of the Apex. I also like the 12 o'clock rail and how easy it is to install the Troy/VTAC & Trx Extreme, as well as the price. The Apex is a few dollars cheaper, and easy to install as well.