17" handguard on a 16" barrel too long?

[Andyh23]

I'm interested in getting the UTG pro super slim handguard in the 17" but do you guys think a 17" handguard on a 16" barrel is too long? It would end up looking like this (not my gun, just found through Google): ARMSLIST - For Sale: 17" Rail on a 16" Barrel AR-15 5.56/.223 AR15 (http://www.armslist.com/posts/5252862/minneapolis-minnesota-rifles-for-sale--17--rail-on-a-16--barrel-ar-15-5-56--223-ar15-)

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[jbett98]

Are you going to install the same slim flash can shown on the Armslist ad?

 

[Boboclown]

You risk damaging the handguard. Depends on the muzzle device really.

 

[Andyh23]

Are you going to install the same slim flash can shown on the Armslist ad?

I'm thinking about this linear comp from MI: Midwest Industries MI AR-15 Blast Diverter Forward AR15 Linear Compensator (http://vtsupply.com/midwest-mi-ar-15-blast-diverter-forward-ar15-linear-compensator.html)

You risk damaging the handguard. Depends on the muzzle device really.

Yeah I know I'm limited to the flash can type and linear comp muzzle brakes.

 

[Quartermaster]

The beautiful thing about this love affair we have with building firearms, you get to do whatever you want. I like the longer handguards, not because I put my hand out to the end like magpul fanboys, but because I like to have options for purchase on a barrier. Plus it can give you a longer sight radius, which all olympic shooters can agree on.

 

[Boboclown]

Yeah I know I'm limited to the flash can type and linear comp muzzle brakes.

Then you're good to go with it. It'll look funny, but you'll get a longer sight radius and more real estate. Plus a longer handguard=You can be further away from a barrier and still be able to rest the rifle on it without touching the barrel.

 

[Diamondback]

Thanks for asking this, Andy, been thinking about doing the same thing. (Well, maybe different muzzle device but same principle--my first thought was a Noveske Flaming Pig.)

 

[mjbskwim]

You risk damaging the handguard. Depends on the muzzle device really.

Yeah right.
I did this with a few pistol builds.
I think it looks good. As long as you have a break like the pig there shouldn't be a problem

 

[Diamondback]

Mmmmm.... fire-breathin', barrel-shroudin' pure EVIL to the Bloomingfascists.

So what would be a good brake/flash suppressor for that barrel/handguard at Bad Breath Range Home Defense distances in low light?

 

[bmtm09]

Maybe I would be wrong but wouldn't the gas and smoke and un-burnt powder just end up in the hand guard???? Extra stuff to clean......Looks very cool though..would be interested in a post shoot inspection and cleaning report

 

[Boboclown]

Yeah right.
I did this with a few pistol builds.
I think it looks good. As long as you have a break like the pig there shouldn't be a problem

Two things, I said risk, so I didn't say it'll break the moment you shoot it. Second, I also said it depends on the muzzle device. Ones that vents the flash forward=no risk. Ones that vents it to the sides=Risk.

 

[mjbskwim]

Risk= how stupid the builder is
If you are smart enough(doesn't take much to build an AR) to build one you are probably smart enough to figure the muzzle device out
No?

 

[Boboclown]

As true as that maybe, there's the reason why I mentioned that it would really depend on the muzzle device. Better to take precaution and provide what could be unnecessary detail than not to.

 

[CHLChris]

I think that's a KX3 Flaming Pig, which only vents the gases and sound forward. Considering that is a UTG branded handguard, am betting that is a Chinese copy of the Noveske muzzle device. But only with a can or a KX3 would i put a 17" handguard on a 16" barrel.

 

[Andyh23]

The KX3 is out of my budget at the moment so I'm gonna go for the Midwest industries linear compensator, which is made of steel and not aluminum like the KX3 copies.

 

[Diamondback]

Depending on diameter, Noveske KX5 works the same way IIRC. But it's still at Noveske prices...

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

i have a 15" utg slim keymod on my 16" barrel. with my muzzle brake my rail is 3" shorter than the barrel. i think you'll be fine as long as you be careful and dont put your hand all the way at the end of the rail when firing. OUCH! lol

 

[clearconscience]

I did this with my AR pistol build. I have a 7.5" barrel with a Kaw Valley linear comp and a 9" handguard.
The comp is just a hair past the handguard.
Puts out quite the flame.

 

[Brutus57]

I've looked at the JP comp...seems best all round for the money for someone on a limited budget.

Brutus Out

 

[MountainBear]

I really prefer the 13"-15" with the 16" barrel. But AR's are like women. Beauty is all in the eyes of the beer holder (or is that beholder?)...