[AR15] Short handguards vs long handguards... what do you prefer?

[halfmileharry]

However long it needs to be to cook a strip of bacon.

Then you need floss.....

 

[EricG]

Im starting to see a trend of long handguards. All the way up to the flash hider. The logic is to decrease chances of barrell harmonic in case youd have to brace your gun against an obstruction.

Im in the lightweight, short handguard camp.

 

[Bfish]

If the cal is centerfire rifle, I know heat will be an issue so with a 16" or longer barrel, I like a 12" handguard. For my SBRs, I like the handguard to be as long as possible without covering the muzzle. I mainly shoot suppressed and even then the handguard can get very hot after a long string. I'd never try to tuck one of my suppressors on any of my 5.56 or .308 SBRs. If only shooting .22lr or a pistol caliber, by all means, tuck the suppressor.

Why is it you won't tuck a suppressor on a rifle??

Im starting to see a trend of long handguards. All the way up to the flash hider. The logic is to decrease chances of barrell harmonic in case youd have to brace your gun against an obstruction.

Im in the lightweight, short handguard camp.

I see what you are saying here and its what I think the draw is for people who aren't doing it for aesthetics. Then they can rest the guard not the barrel on a barrier.

 

[sgreen3]

Anymore I prefer the longer 12-15" slim handgaurds. Get nice weight savings from the slim design with the added sight radius with the longer hand gaurd.

 

[hmaverick]

long gives you more control and options. adds weight in many cases though unless you spend the money

 

[JollyMon]

I can say, that my 15" BCM KMR handguard is the bomb diggity and light weight.... I actually like it more then most of my other rifles that have shorter Daniel Defense rails.

 

[Tangero]

Mid-length is my preference. I think handguards in the "carbine" length range are uncomfortable, and longer rails add unnecessary weight to the front of the weapon. I have no complains with just a Magpul middy on my PSA upper

 

[Phoenix1]

Short. IF I'm using the AR then I'm humpin' it and don't want the weight.
I have a sling and fixed A2 front sight, folding rear and red dot cowitness.
I can make the shots with the short guard and sling that the caliber excels at. Farther away I go to my AR10 or bolt guns. They're all tools to me.
IF shtf I will be totin' what I'm used to. I'll use the weight and space savings for bacon or dental floss.

Well said! Just out of curiosity, what's the farthest you shoot with your AR?