Keymod system has mounting slots resembling keyholes. And while it is still preferred by many firearm owners, it’s losing its popularity because it's heavy and has sharp edges that can cut your hands or get caught in the clothes. This system is often used for a quad-rail handguard design where there are 4 rails placed on each side of a handguard. It features dovetail angles and grooves for mounting compatible accessories. Picatinny rail system is the standard in military and law enforcement. Free float design is available in different lengths, and the longer the handguard, the more surface there is for attaching accessories.Ĭompared to a drop-in, a free-float handguard is more expensive and may require special tools for installation. Also, they are lightweight and more robust due to their monolithic nature. First of all, it doesn’t contact the barrel which results in higher accuracy. The disadvantage of such a system is that it contacts the barrel which can potentially affect accuracy.ĪR-15 free-float handguards are booming today, gradually driving drop-in handguards from the market because they offer much more advantages. You can find cheap drop-ins, but be mindful of the quality of such products. One more advantage is a broad price range. The parts of the most drop-in handguards are fastened together by a cap in the front and secured by a delta ring in the rear. Free-float HandguardsĪn AR-15 drop-in handguard is very easy to install.
#How to install a free float rail ar15 how to
So the question is how to choose a handguard that is right for you and your rifle? Let’s dig in.
Today, the market carries lots of AR-15 handguards of different types, lengths, and materials. Handguards also protect your weapon from damage and allow for the attachment of different mounting accessories like sights, foregrip, laser, lights, and other stuff. During long-lasting shooting sessions, the barrel gets hot, and if not for handguards, it would be impossible to use a rifle for a long time. A handguard is needed to protect your non-dominant hand from the heat coming from the barrel.