AR-15 Carbine Length Handguard on Full Length Barrel

[hopps402]

Hi all,
Is it kosher to put a shorter handguard on your ar-15 than originally came on it?

I've got a full length bushmaster, and I want to put a quadrail on it, but the full length quadrails are 3x as expensive (tell me how that makes sense...).

Thanks!

-Dave

[stalkingbear]

The bad thing is you have the full length gas system/gas tube right? That means that the gas tube will be exposed and will be prone to getting bent or dinged easily. If it was me I'd want to keep the gas tube protected.

[hopps402]

Originally Posted by stalkingbear

The bad thing is you have the full length gas system/gas tube right? That means that the gas tube will be exposed and will be prone to getting bent or dinged easily. If it was me I'd want to keep the gas tube protected.

See, this is why I asked! I never thought of that...thanks!

[hillbilly68]

Are you looking to remove the front sight / gas block and put a free float on it? Rifle length free float and leave the front sight post assembly? Or just a two piece non-free float?

Like Bear said, cant put a short one on a rifle length gas system. Well, you can do anything, but it wont necessarily be right . But there are options that you may not have considered that the gang here may be using, just let us know what you want.

regards

[JonM]

Originally Posted by hopps402

Hi all,
Is it kosher to put a shorter handguard on your ar-15 than originally came on it?

I've got a full length bushmaster, and I want to put a quadrail on it, but the full length quadrails are 3x as expensive (tell me how that makes sense...).

Thanks!

-Dave

thas because the part uses more material to make and there isnt as big a market for full length rail systems as there is for midlength and carbine length rails. people that choose full length barrels typically do not buy that type for mall ninjaing their weapon so the market isnt as big. full length buyer tend to either leave the rifle as it came or put on free-floats for target shooting/hunting at long range.

[hillbilly68]

Originally Posted by WalterGA

Quad rail handguards are uncomfortable (think about it!) and are primarily for Rambolistas.

Ummm OK. If you say so.

[Dzscubie]

Originally Posted by WalterGA

Quad rail handguards are uncomfortable (think about it!) and are primarily for Rambolistas.

Out of curiosity could you explain how a quad rail is “uncomfortable”, and also why you consider them, how did you put it “Rambolistas” ?

[lonyaeger]

Originally Posted by hopps402

the full length quadrails are 3x as expensive (tell me how that makes sense...).

More material?

[Dzscubie]

Originally Posted by WalterGA

Just a joke, guys! However, I do find quad rails to be uncomfortable, compared to "smoother" designs. I also don't hang a bunch of superfluous quasi-military crap off my ARs. I really don't need a "battle rifle". I actually shoot my ARs...out to pretty long ranges...accurately.

I won't be clearing buildings, taking out snipers, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah, with my ARs. I'll just be doing a little target and varmint shooting with mine.

Man, I’m glad that was a joke. I can understand the uncomfortable observation if the rails were just left open but I cover mine with rail covers that are hard rubber and are actually very comfortable and lend to a very good grip. I have a tac light, a vertical tac grip and a green laser on mine..but.. wait … oh yeah I do clear buildings, take out snipers (actually I have a sniper of mine own to do that) and use it on duty so guess I need a “battle rifle”.

[Dzscubie]

You know I do catch some flak (good nature ribbing) from other officers on all the “Tech” stuff on my rifle. I started with just the standard carbine, then I fired a friends with a tactical vertical grip and loved it so here came a quad rail and tac grip..

Then I added the M3 light ..

Then my wife bought me the green laser (guys never tell your wife you like something unless you really want her to buy it for you , wives take you saying things like you like something as they need to buy it for you and they do, you know what I'm talking about).

Next thing you know I have this honking AR with stuff all over it, a little heavy but it does shoot nice.