Apex Handguard

[michaelmew]

Anyone ever used an Apex Handguard before?

http://www.apexcncmachine.com/

[tx4guns]

I haven't used one before (Currently the Troy TRX Extreme is my fav), but I did inspect them closely at SHOT Show. They are very tough and solid, and as an engineer I was very impressed with the design. I would recommend them if you have that amount to spend on a handguard. The sales brochure is sitting right here on my desk as I type this.

[Malchira]

Yep, have one, very happy with it. The "GatorGrip" is comfortable yet grippy, and the mounting method is excellent. The field may have changed since, but when it was new I believe it was one of the few (only?) tubular handguards that didn't require red Loctite to mount.

[LRRPF52]

Gents,

I just got one a couple of weeks ago. My handguard preferences have basically gone like this since I started shooting more seriously: GG&G Modular Free-float, JP/VTAC Rifle-length, VTAC/Troy TRX 13", and now I am playing with the APEX to see how it holds up.

Things I like: The main selling points for me were....

* Provisions for QD sling swivel sockets integral to the handguard in two locations on both sides
* Clamps on to a standard barrel nut
* Lightweight
* Price point

So far, everything looks really great with the Apex handguard. The QD sockets actually work, despite how it first looked when I took it out of the packaging. I'm going to Cerakote it before installation, and have been thinking about a Front Sight Base pocket cut into it. Those are a pain to do, but it solves a lot of reliability issues to go with a standard gas block/FSB, and you have a front sight without needing to buy an extra rail and flip-up. I still haven't decided on how I will incorporate illumination onto it. I want to go minimalist with it though.

LRRPF52

[michaelmew]

your points are what attracted me to it as well, so please post if actual experience is otherwise. From what i can tell online, the muzzle end of it is open and free floats around the barrel. Can you confirm or explain otherwise?

You mentioned cutting a pocket for the FSB.... I believe Apex offers an extended model that has that very same pocket already cut into it. If thats what you want instead of what you have (assuming you can;t return the one you have), PM me and maybe i'll buy yours from you so you can get the other one.

[LRRPF52]

michaelmew,

Yes, it's a standard tube as far as the handguard is concerned, and totally free-floating. It attaches to the standard AR barrel nut with two separate pieces from the tube that clamp onto it with 4 Allen screws. Then the tube slides over those clamped pieces, and allen screws onto them like a JP handguard. It's very simple to install versus others.

The FSP I'm talking about is for a rifle-length handguard with carbine gas. I first saw this done by guys in a certain unit in the Army with the Model 727 Carbines, which were right before the M4A1 they received shortly after. Basically, they took a standard rifle-length Aluminum or carbon fiber free-float tube, had a pocket cut for it for the carbine-length gas system of the 727, and cut the bayonet lug and sling swivel ears off the bottom so it would fit.

They also would use reflex-type suppressors that extended well over the barrel fore-end, under the float tube, so it looked like and MP5SD. Then small sections of Weaver scope rails meant for Mauser-style actions were drilled and tapped into the free-float tube to mount PAQ-4's, Surefires, and vertical grips, and you had the makings of a Gerry-rigged modular handguard system. Add bowflage, an Aimpoint 5000, CAR-stock cheek piece, enlarged pistol grip with storage compartment, and a rubber butt plate zip-tied onto the older tele-stock. This was in the early 1990's. Here's one example without the can or rubber butt plate:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]182[/ATTACH]

As far as I know, Apex doesn't offer a rifle-length tube with FSP, although I did see their carbine and mid-length tubes with Front Sight Pocket cuts that are open in the front. VTAC has a JP system that accommodates this with two handguard sections, and Daniel Defense has quad-rail system with an FSP.

LRRPF52

[michaelmew]

Dammit LR, that sounds like an awesome setup. Now I want that. If I am understadning correctly, a 16" barrel and carbine length gas system and a suppressor would have a rifle length handguard that went around and covered some of or most of the suppressor.

#1: what's the standard O.D. of a suppressor for 5.56 and will the handguard I.D. clear it?
#2: if you were to use a low profile gas block, the handguard would go around it and you wouldn't need to cut out a slot for the fixed post? I think the Apex handguard sells short rail segments to add a flip up style sight. Did you say earlier that you don't want to use a flip-up sight?

[Bob Duncan]

LRRPF52 "I still haven't decided on how I will incorporate illumination onto it. I want to go minimalist with it though."

I've used these for mounting illumination on a slotted handguard. I have extras. PM me if interested.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?pr...ber=574124

[LRRPF52]

If I am understadning correctly, a 16" barrel and carbine length gas system and a suppressor would have a rifle length handguard that went around and covered some of or most of the suppressor.

#1: what's the standard O.D. of a suppressor for 5.56 and will the handguard I.D. clear it?
#2: if you were to use a low profile gas block, the handguard would go around it and you wouldn't need to cut out a slot for the fixed post? I think the Apex handguard sells short rail segments to add a flip up style sight. Did you say earlier that you don't want to use a flip-up sight?

Yes, some of the reflex suppressor is covered with a rifle-length float tube. As long as the tube is concentric to the barrel, you shouldn't have problems installing a 1.5" diameter can. It can also be done with shorter barrels and standard cans, but you lose QD options, which I'm not a fan of anyway.

If you use a low-profile gas block, you don't need to make any modifications to the tube, and this is the preferred method for most. Yes, Apex does sell short and long 12 o'clock rail sections. I still haven't decided which front sight set-up I will use. I might just follow the path of least resistance and go lo-pro. This is for a high-volume gun in 5.56 right now, with a 16" barrel.

LRRPF52

[LRRPF52]

Bob Duncan,

I also have one of those extra polymer Streamlight rail sections laying around. They're not durable enough for a beater. Thanks anyway. I've had plans for years to incorporate a dedicated recess for a light on a free-float tube, but haven't found a smith brave enough to do it yet. I've been playing around with the new Cree LED modules, and they are allowing much smaller profile lights with more lumen output than a P60 or G2 with traditional bulbs, plus they are more durable under recoil.

LRRPF52

[Malchira]

Since carbine-length configurations are generally considered overgassed on 16" barrels and suppressors increase back pressure, I'm guessing that combining the two would be extra fun. And with the gas block buried under the handguard, using an adjustable or Switchblock would presumably be difficult or impossible.

[LRRPF52]

Malchira,

Roger that. This is one area that a gas block could be accessed via a Front Sight Pocket cut on a rifle-length handguard, but most people I know like to use suppressors on SBR's anyway, since a 16" barrel with a can is pretty long, in addition to the excess dwell time of a 16" pipe plus carbine length gas system that is exacerbated by the additional back pressure of a can filled with baffles.

LRRPF52