Choosing an AR 15 handguard can be somewhat of a confusing task because there are so many different options available. However, selecting the right handguard when accessorizing or building your AR 15. The handguard defines the appearance and functionality of the rifle. In addition, with the right handguard, you can add even more accessories.
Drop-in Handguard
The drop-in handguard is the classic, two piece handguard that the M4 was designed to have originally. As the name suggests, these handguards are easy to install and remove. All you have to do is pull the spring loaded delta ring back and drop in the handguard. The greatest advantages to this type of AR 15 handguard in addition to the ease of installation are their cost effectiveness and the lack of required modifications to the gun.
Free Floating Handguard
In addition to the improved accuracy, the free floating AR 15 handguard offers some fantastic options for customization. This type of handguard is call free floating because of the fact that the handguard does not touch the barrel. Instead, the handguard is mounted directly to the upper receiver. Therefore, the barrel is allowed to float with better harmonics, which leads to improved accuracy.
However, the difference in accuracy is especially apparent with the use of bipods or grips with a free floating quad rail handguard. While the rifle rests on a bipod attached to the barrel or a drop-in handguard, it creates force that may warp the barrel slightly. Although very slight, this warping can lead to some significant issues with accuracy down range. However, with a free floating handguard, it is possible to put all kinds of force on the handguard and you do not have to worry about it affecting the barrel at all.
Another major advantage to the free floating AR 15 handguard is the ability to make them longer than the actual length of the gas system with a low profile gas block. For example, the drop-in handguard on a typical AR 15 carbine is about 7 inches long. However, with a free floating handguard combined with the low profile gas block, it is possible to use rails up to 16 inches. This opens the door wide open for adding considerably more accessories and other customization options.
It is up to personal preference in the end, but the evidence suggests that the free floating quad rail is a favorite of many AR enthusiasts.
