The Picatinny Arsenal factory recognized the similarity of the new design to the existing rail design on a 105 mm Howitzer.

Taking measurements from a variety of Weaver rail products, an average set of dimensions was recorded for the new rail design. The design was an adaptation of the Weaver style rails that were on the market at the time. Named after the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, which was tasked in 1992 to develop a standardized mounting system for the U.S. Below is a list of the most popular options and how to identify them.įar from a comprehensive list, hopefully it will help those unfamiliar with the multitude of options educate themselves on what is available. Now that we have the basics out of the way, we dive into the some of most popular AR-15 handguard types. Weight Reduction: Some handguards are made from lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber or aluminum, which can help to reduce the overall weight of the rifle.Īesthetics: Handguards also serve as a cosmetic feature on rifles, and can be customized or upgraded to match the overall style or appearance of the rifle.

Protection: The handguard protects the shooter's hand from the heat generated by the barrel during sustained firing.Ĭomfort: The handguard provides a comfortable and secure grip on the rifle, allowing the shooter to maintain a steady and stable firing position.Īccessory Mounting: Many handguards have attachment points for accessories such as lights, lasers, bipods, and sling mounts, which can enhance the rifle's capabilities and versatility. With the numerous options for attaching accessories to your firearm, it is often difficult to decipher which is the best or which type of AR rail you have on your firearm.įirst, let’s quickly cover what exactly a rifle handguard is and what it’s used for.Īn AR Handguard is a protective cover that is mounted on the front portion of a rifle's barrel and serves several functioning purposes to include:

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