Not all AR-15 handguards are created equal! In this video, we break down the key differences between budget-friendly and high-end handguards—materials, rigidity, barrel nut systems, fit & finish, and weight considerations. Whether you’re building on a budget or looking for the best-of-the-best, we’ve got the details you need to make an informed choice.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:43 – Material Differences (6061 vs. 7075 Aluminum)
01:14 – Rigidity & Why It Matters
03:25 – Barrel Nuts & Hardware: Stability vs. Ease of Install
05:19 – Fit & Finish: Type II vs. Type III Anodizing
06:38 – Weight Considerations & Lightweight Handguard Options
7:47 – Price Breakdown
8:10 – Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Key Takeaways
More expensive handguards use stronger materials (7075 aluminum, steel inserts, or carbon fiber) for better durability.
High-end handguards feature robust barrel nut systems that enhance stability and prevent shifting.
Budget handguards can still perform well but may sacrifice rigidity, finish quality, or long-term durability.
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Do you think high-end handguards are worth the extra cost? Or do budget options get the job done? Let us know in the comments!
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We strive to provide the growing AR-15 shooting community with helpful, fact-driven information about the AR-15 & AR-15 style firearms and accessories to do our part in bolstering a more well-informed community and safer when handling, building, or shooting their personal firearm. Let’s face it, we all have to start somewhere when it comes to becoming a firearms expert. Our goal is to help you get there one small step at a time. The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications on any/all related firearms that strictly comply with all federal, Minnesota state, and local laws. The viewer expressly agrees that AT3 Tactical LLC; its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products and information provided in this video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages. AT3 Tactical LLC is a Federal Firearms Licensee.
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Wherez Randy?
I love my midwest industries
Spending 800 for a piece of aluminum is called stupid.
Excellent segment, this was really well done.
YIKES! So t6 6061 has a "rigidity" (modulus of elasticity) around 68.9 GPa, or roughly, 10,000,000psi. T6 7075 for example (there are multiple 7 series aluminum alloys out there, but all have similar modulus of elasticity) has a "rigidity" of 71.7 GPa (Or roughly 10,400,000psi). This is actually a rather small difference, and in the context of a handguard, won't be something you will actually notice.
The 7 series alloy is a little denser, but significantly stronger. It costs slightly more for say 7075, or a whole lot more, if they're using a more exotic 7 series alloy like the tougher 7050 or super strong 7068.
A lot of the people in the gun world, especially on the internet, love to open their mouths about alloys, heat treats, etc and haven't done their due diligence on what they preach. This would be one of those cases.
Generally speaking, aluminum alloys don't change very much at all in terms of rigidity, even though they change dramatically in terms of strength. All aluminum alloys have a lot of "reverberation." For these parts a 7 series alloy is great, and stronger than a 6 series, however, ultimately what matters most is the part design (shape) in terms of rigidity. If the design is significantly more difficult to machine, then you will see that reflected in the price. However, the idea that you need a Giessele to maintain a good front sight, is utter up selling bullshit.
Just takes one hard fall to find out lol
One is 30x more because its branded with a fancy name.
I currently own a V Seven 2099 Ultralight , Geissele MK8, Aero Precision Enhanced Gen 2, 2A Armament Balios Lite, and Fortis Night Rail. I also have owned several others in the past and have handled several other handguards that some of my buddy's have on their AR's(including installing several of them on their AR15's for them due to me owning all the correct tools to easily do so). The Aero Precision Enhanced Gen 2 has been the most affordable that I have purchased and the V Seven one is by far the most expensive one, and from my experience I will admit that there are some very budget handguards that honestly surprised me in the quality especially for their price point and I wouldn't mind having some of them on my rifles, but besides those exceptions, I personally can feel and see the difference in the quality on most of the very budget friendly ones compared to even the Aero enhanced handguards, many of them literally just feel and look cheaply made and some of them had a more than acceptable amount of flex or play in their lock up design. If anyone is looking for a good budget friendly handguard I would recommend aero precision, next level armament, some of Midwest Industries are priced pretty affordable and are quality, or even Nemo Arms is now making the builder set handguards that 2A Armament previously made before being purchased by nemo arms that are affordable and I assume are as good or maybe better than when 2A made them. Sure there are cheaper handguards and I haven't handled every one or every brand but those are the ones I would have no issue with at all that are pretty affordable and are good quality.
People couldn't believe the stupid cheap price I paid for ohunt handguards for a 1/3 of what they paid.
I know some more expensive ones are sturdier but for larping and home defense they work just fine.
STNGR handguards are nice, super simple and light, and solid ..
I like the hogue but have you ever used there barrel nut wrench it's a joke it's a cheep plastic strap you have to use the German torque method when Tightening.
Blem sale Geissele FTW
Point of fact. Both 7075 and 6061 aluminum stock are aircraft grade, they both meet certain specifications. While one is stronger, I submit that both meet the requirements of non weight bearing/ non torque load structures. The practical difference between the two in regard to rifle handguards is negligible. That which matter to me is quality of machining, finished specs, and fit and finish. While a low end handguard will likely not " beat " the high end offerings, there are a number that are more than sufficient and won't cost $500.
It's your money, do as you like.
only difference in these handguards are the length and design, they use the same material, aluminum alloy with a heat treat. while there should be a difference on price because of design a design alone does not warrant the cost being high for example the geissle handguard is only that expensive because they make it for the military and they must have the price be the same for civilians to buy it otherwise it would be considered defrauding the us government. that is the only reason they cost 3-4 hundred dollars, it takes them probably 50$ in stock to machine down and maybe only takes an hour to machine with the cnc machines they have, no doubt its a high quality handguard but that high quality should not justify them making 200+ dollars on every one. they are no the most common handguard for that reason
The $140 Aero will be absolutely perfect for 99% of end users. The high speed operators who operate operationally in various operational environments aren't paying for gun parts out of pocket.
I have a love/hate relationship with BCM live that they purposely machine parts small for that tighter fit but hate getting a workout in while installing them.
If it doesn't have a steel barrel nut you should've be buying it.
I wish i could send you pictures of my builds you helped me with
6061 will soak up more heat than 7075 and act as a heatsink getting warmer faster than 7075. For a precision rifle 6061 would be better to draw more heat out of the barrel but 7075 would be better if you are doing strings of fire and do not wear gloves.
The $400 handguards are really worth $200 because there's a lot of dick eaters. The sub $100 handguards have corners cut somewhere.
A fl oz is by volume not weight like the handguard would be.
If you scoff at the price of a handguard dont worry the more expensive ones are not marketed to you anyway.
I use troy, midwest industries and centurion because I like using the milspec barrel nut.
You need to do this video but for budget vs expensive optics
I’ve got a few AT3 rails. But mainly buy R1 aero they do great work on machining but have the absolute worst customer. Service anybody has ever dealt with.
I know your 150$ RMSc red dot can beat out most 300+ red dots
wish we could standardize barrel nuts for more modular platform
Im confused AT3 is calling utg budget when the AT3 handguards are cheaper on their website. I have used AT3 and UTG never had a problem with either.
I have one of your guards on my 12.5. It's solid and functional. Not exactly going on pipe hitter missions as a civilian. Or need KAC quality.
Short story. If you’re mounting aiming devices like lasers or iron sights or if you care about long distance accuracy. The expensive handguard worth it. If you just want a gun to have fun at the dealer and don’t really care about accuracy that much and not mounting any aiming device on it. The cheap ones will do just fine.
Dats disthpicable
I’m a huge fan of STNGR and the lifetime warranty is a bonus!
I have Aero Atlas R1's on all of my builds, and they're phenomenal handguards.
I’ll just hang with my STNGR hawk hand guard. Does what I need and I think it looks awesome.
Yeah there's a purpose, they look a little more expensive to the people at the range, too lol
(sarcasm btw)
What a piece of crap. There is so little difference between the two aluminum pieces it's ridiculous. Not to mention you are holding it in your hand! Get real!
I really want to watch the videos, but I can't listen to mush mouth. You found the worst speaker in your company to do videos. WTF???????
Just bought an odin works ragna. Just because it is the cheapest 17" rail I could find. Musket gang, living 18" AR life
There’s so much BS in this video lol. And this is coming from a guy who only shoots HK’s, and I still think there’s a lot of BS in here
The only two things you shouldnt cheap out on are the bcg and barrel. Everything else can literally be whatever.
my handgaurd is only a few oz and was 20 bucks everysingle gun part is overpriced
Should I buy a built ar pistol or build it? Trying to make the cheapest from psa
I can't even remember how much I spent on this palm grater that I'm currently dry firing in my living room. But it wasn't much, and it looks better and is way more functional than that GI style round one
just buy aero on sale
PSA quality is the top quality for me. Price is a scam
My utg is perfectly fine and was under $150
My 60 -70 NBS handguards run just fine!
