Top 10 Free-Float Handguards for AR

Images sourced from the manufacturers

Aero Precision ATLAS

These handguards feature the Aero Taper Lock Attachment System (ATLAS), which uses two mirrored tapered locking nuts to provide evenly distributed clamping pressure across the barrel nut using a turnbuckle screw. A ratcheting detent helps secure the system and provides positive registration during installation. Two styles are available—R-ONE, featuring a full-length Picatinny rail at 12 o’clock, and S-ONE, featuring Picatinny rail segments at the fore and aft sections. Both feature M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions along the handguard’s length.

6061 aluminum
M-LOK compatible
OD: 1.5”
ID: 1.3”

Available Lengths
R-ONE: 4.8, 7.25, 9.19, 10.3, 12.56, 14.94, 16.6
S-ONE: 7.25, 9.19, 10.3, 12.56, 14.94, 16.6

MSRP: From $140
aeroprecision.com

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Battle Arms Development RIGIDRAIL

BAD’s proprietary RIGIDRAIL design is engineered to strike a balance between light weight and strength/rigidity. It features Picatinny rails at the fore and aft sections and M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, as well as at 12 o’clock between the front and rear partial rails. Additional M-LOK slots are also present at the forward 45-degree quadrants for forward-mounting of lights or lasers, along with four integrated anti-rotation sling sockets—two at the front and two at the rear. It ships with a 7075 aluminum, hardcoat-anodized barrel nut and a barrel nut wrench to facilitate installation.

6061-T6 aluminum
Type III hardcoat
M-LOK compatible
ID: 1.3”

Available Lengths (in.)
6.7, 9.5, 13.7, 15, 17

MSRP: From $235
battlearmsdevelopment.com

Midwest Industries G4M

The G4M is machined from 6061 aluminum with a Type III hardcoat anodize and features five integral anti-rotation QD slings sockets. It’s got a continuous Picatinny rail across the top and M-LOK attachment slots at seven other positions; a 5-slot polymer rail section is included in the purchase. A 4140 heat-treated barrel nut is also included, along with a barrel nut adapter wrench to assist in installation. A titanium barrel nut and titanium clamp screws are optionally available. Each handguard is made in the USA and includes MI’s lifetime warranty.

6061-T6 aluminum
Type III hardcoat
M-LOK compatible
Barrel nut wrench included
Rail section included
Titanium barrel nut available
Lifetime warranty

Available Lengths (in.)
10.5, 12.625, 13.375, 14, 15

MSRP: From $170
midwestindustriesinc.com

Bootleg Inc. CamLok M-LOK

The Bootleg CamLok handguard mirrors the design of the Primary Weapon Systems PicLok handguard for the PWS gas-piston rifle, but is adapted for a standard direct-impingement system. The handguard is extruded from 6061 aluminum and wears Mil-Spec hardcoat anodizing. It employs a simple CamLok system to ease installation and removal and to ensure the handguard stays put. Backed by a lifetime warranty.

6061-T6 aluminum
Type III hardcoat
M-LOK compatible
Lifetime warranty

Available Lengths (in.)
7, 9.2, 13.4, 15

MSRP: From $134
bootleginc.com

Geissele Super Modular Rail MK4

The SMR MK4 features integrated Picatinny rail sections at forward 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions and a full-length rail at 12 o’clock. It also integrates M-LOK attachment sections along its length at 3, 6, and 9 and on the upper 45-degree quadrants. It ships with the company’s proprietary 2.25-inch barrel nut, which is designed to increase surface area where the rail interfaces with the receiver to increase rigidity, accuracy, and zero-repeatability during disassembly and reassembly.

6061-T6 aluminum
Type III hardcoat
M-LOK compatible
Barrel nut wrench available

Available Lengths (in.)
9.3, 13.5, 15

MSRP: From $250
geissele.com

V Seven 2099 Enlightened Handguard

Enlightened handguards use an exotic lithium-aluminum alloy (2099) that the company claims is nearly twice as strong as 6061, as well as offering superior corrosion resistance. They include three integrated QD swivel mounting points and a Type III anodized hardcoat, as well as features like lightening holes beneath the top rail and a top Picatinny rail that’s hollowed down the middle for further weight savings. A grade 5 titanium barrel nut is included and titanium mounting screws are optional.

2099 aluminum alloy
M-LOK/KeyMod compatible
Titanium barrel nut included
Titanium hardware available

Available Lengths (in.)
7.1, 9.2, 11.1, 13.5, 15, 16.5

MSRP: From $289
vsevenweaponsystems.com

Strike Industries GRIDLOK LITE

The GRIDLOK LITE uses SI’s patent-pending Quick Rail Detach that lets you remove the handguard in seconds. The latch on the LITE series has been designed with a new locking button for greater ease of use. The rail features M-LOK slots along its length at 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 o’clock positions. It has a built-in, flip-up BUIS at the front and an integrated 360-degree, free-swivel QD socket at the rear for a 2-point sling setup. Set screws help you center the top rail with your upper receiver, and the rail’s front cut was designed for suppressors up to 1.57 inches in diameter. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with a 7000-series aluminum barrel nut.

6061-T6 aluminum
M-LOK compatible
QD removal/attachment
Integrated front sight

Available Lengths (in.)
8.5, 11, 15, 17

MSRP: From $165
strikeindustries.com

Knight’s Armament Co. URX

The KAC URX 4 Forend is a modular design that uses what the company calls the Integral Barrel Nut attachment system, wherein the rail itself acts as the nut when torqued onto the upper receiver. M-LOK slots are present at seven positions along its diameter and it features a full-length Picatinny rail at 12 o’clock. Each URX rail comes with a wrench for installation, a shim kit, and installation instructions.

M-LOK compatible
Installation wrench included
OD: 1.68”
ID: 1.55”
Weight: 13.8 oz.

Available Lengths (in.)
14.5

MSRP: $302
knightarmco.com

SLR Rifleworks ION Lite

SLR’s ION series handguards include two limited-rotation QD sockets and seven-sided M-LOK attachment points, including at the upper and lower 45-degree quadrants along the handguard’s length. A Picatinny rail runs the length of the top. The ION is designed to work with either billet or forged upper receivers and incorporates a slip-fit locking mount design that the company claims is more secure than a clamp-type mount, requiring no shims or special timing procedures to install. Ships with a billet anti-rotation insert and a 7075 barrel nut.

M-LOK/KeyMod compatible

Available lengths (in.)
2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.25, 5.5, 6, 6.7, 7, 7.5, 7.75, 8, 8.3, 9, 9.5, 9.7, 10, 10.5, 10.7, 11, 11.7, 12, 12.5, 12.9, 13.1, 13.7, 14.3, 14.6, 15, 15.5, 16

MSRP: From $226
slrrifleworks.com

Griffin Armament Low-Pro-RIGID Rail

The LPR rail’s construction incorporates internal “rib” extrusions to provide reinforcement and improve rigidity along its length. Creating a rigid mounting platform for IR laser aiming devices and for minimal POI shift was a critical design concern. The company claims internal testing showed 70% less POI shift compared to other competing rail kits. The rail ships with a heat-treated stainless steel barrel and an included armorer’s wrench. The slip-fit clamp design does not require shims or special timing methods. It also includes a 45-degree Picatinny QD swivel mount and M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.

6061-T6 aluminum
Type III hardcoat
M-LOK compatible
Barrel nut wrench included
ID: 1.35”

Available Lengths (in.)
8.6, 10.5, 13.5, 15

MSRP: From $175
griffinarmament.com