Are you a proud owner of the AR 15? Looking for a new handguard for your prized possession to protect your hand from the heat while on the range?
You may be asking yourself if the AR 15 handguard is right for you. And if that’s the case, you’ve popped into the right place. This post is going to detail everything you need to know about the Aero Precision handguard.
The AR 15 Handguard: What is it?
AR 15 handguards come in a variety of options and are very adaptable. With all the varying types on the market, it can be a challenge to find out which one is best for you.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s break it down to its easiest-to-understand components.
The handguard is the portion of your weapon that encompasses a section of the barrel being used.
The purpose of the handguard is to protect your hand against the heat that is produced by gunfire, as well as to prop up and buttress the weapon with your non-trigger hand.
The initial handguards for the AR 15 were created for the purpose of being lightweight on the firearm.
The AR handguards make a tremendous difference with each AR 15.
From its appearance to its heftiness, all the way to its look and function, all of these elements will be affected depending on the kind of AR handguard you choose.
What Materials Are the Handguards Made From
There are two types of materials that are most commonly used to create handguards: aluminum and polymer. Both of these materials are very strong and long-lasting.
Aluminum Handguards
Even though aluminum is the stronger material, it can release more heat in a prolonged shooting period than a handguard made from polymer.
Aluminum is more impervious to heat, so if you’re someone who engages in a lot of high-intensity, high-quantity shooting, then this may be a good choice that can match that need.
Polymer Handguards
Generally speaking, polymer handguards tend to possess a heat shield made of steel (or sometimes aluminum), to separate the polymer itself from the barrel of the gun.
This feature is very helpful for quelling the heat produced by the barrel.
Additionally, there are also polymer handguards that can have a steel or titanium substructure to make them lighter and to give the firearm constructional longevity.
But all these good points don’t make polymer perfect.
The material has a low melting point, which means under continual and intense shooting, the heat emitted from your barrel could buckle, bend, or possibly even melt your polymer handguard.
These two options are both great choices for your AR 15 handguard. They are also among the most popular options used today, so either one will do just fine.
The Different Designs of AR 15 Handguards
There are countless designs for an Aero Precision handguard. It’s important to do your due diligence and research each type to determine which is the best fit for you.
But here are a few examples for you to look into:
Drop-In Handguards
One of the primary design groups that the majority of handguards will be placed into is the drop-in category. These are the most common you will see on AR handguards.
The reason is that they are simple to install and made of thin polymer.
Generally, most drop-in handguards made of polymer consist of two pieces. They are locked securely together via a handguard cap at the front of the barrel, and then connected by a delta ring at the back.
The installation process can be done in less than a minute. Start by pulling on the delta ring to detach the present handguard, read the manual of the new one, and place it in reverse, and you should be good to go!
Most of these types of handguards come in different lengths, and generally, they are the most affordable.
But due to their design, they use a handguard cap that touches the forward section of the barrel. The problem with this is that it does have a potential negative impact on precision.
This isn’t always the case; however, it is something that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Free-Float Handguards
Another handguard type that is very popular is the free-float handguard. More often than not, this option will be made with aluminum rather than polymer.
They’re a bit more expensive, but they do provide a benefit over drop-in handguards. They don’t touch the front section of the barrel, which will be very advantageous for accuracy purposes.
This type of handguard will usually arrive with a single piece that will fit snugly around the barrel. A nut should be provided to fasten it in place.
Free-float handguards are typically armed with different kinds of mounting methods and attachments. They also come in a variety of different sizes, lengths, and shapes.
Furthermore, they will usually require a little more effort and elbow grease to put in place, and some will even need certain tools to be installed properly.
It may not be the absolute best AR 15 handguard, but it is quickly rising in popularity.
Keymod
In order to utilize the keymod handguard, you simply have to put the mounting lug in the keyhole and nudge it to the smaller end to secure your attachment to the weapon.
A drawback of the keymod is that you may not be able to find as many attachments that are well-suited to it as you would with other options.
However, if you’re on the market for a lean, slender, and lighter option than some of the conventional alternatives, then keymod might just be what you’re looking for!
Due to its light build and its versatility when it comes to accessories, keymod continues to grow in popularity.
The Lengths of Different Handguards
Now, when you become clear on the kind of handguard you desire, the next factor to take into consideration is the length. No matter the material they’re made from, the majority of handguards are going to have a variety of lengths.
They have a collection of conventional lengths that will correlate with the typical lengths created for the barrel and gas method.
Determine which barrel length and the gas method you will have, then be sure that you purchase the correct handguards that will meet your needs.
Also, think about the length of your AR 15 handguard for precision purposes. The length of your handguard can have a dramatic impact on your accuracy.
By picking the appropriate handguard, you can stiffen up your shooting while also minimizing weight and improving your grip.
The Most Common Handguard Additions
Having a mounting system placed on your handguard serves one purpose: to mount attachments (aka accessories) onto your weapon. What are the accessories that you should install?
There are all kinds of attachments to add. You can accessorize your firearm with lights, grips, bipods, and lasers.
A very well-liked attachment used for the AR 15 is a light. This is advantageous for you if you ever find yourself in a low-lit area. It also helps you to get a clearer view of your target for better aim.
Likewise, having the attachment of a light to your weapon can be very useful in a home invasion.
It would be easy to blind the intruder with the bright light of your firearm.
Another accessory would be the front grip. When handling an AR 15, the majority of people will typically clasp the handguard from under the bottom. Attaching a front grip will allow for better control over the firearm. Additionally, it will also assist in the minimization of recoil.
Moreover, handguards will also provide you with a place to add your attachments wherever you see fit. You can adjust them to match your comfort as well as your own unique style of shooting.
Consider the utility and purpose for your AR 15 prior to purchasing an attachment for it.
There are countless newbie shooters who load their weapons with a plethora of needless additions that just slow them down by adding unnecessary weight. Whatever you decide to put on your weapon should be there for a reason.
Are You Ready for Your Aero Precision Handguard?
An Aero Precision handguard can be a great addition to your AR 15. It can help stabilize your accuracy and even provide more ease of use, which makes it a solid choice for your weapon.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you found it of value, be sure to check out some of our other posts.
