Are you searching for the best AR-10 handguard? If so, then you have come to the right place. That’s because we’re going to talk about some of the best AR-10 handguards that you can currently find on the market as of this writing.
Finding the best handguard AR10 can be a challenge for some people sometimes. However, we have put together a list as a starting point for you on where to find one. A good quality handguard may be what you are looking for in order to protect your hands from accidentally touching parts of your rifle.
Before we start our mini-guide, we’ll discuss why you need a new handguard and how you can choose the best fit for yourself that’s not a low-quality, cheap model. If you want to explore other AR-10 accessories, have a look here.
| Pistols | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Midwest Industries ArmaLite Gen2 Drop-In Handguard | Most Recommended Option 1. No gunsmith drop-in installation | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Midwest Industries SR Handguard | Premium Option 1. Secure fit and ability to provide an unyielding grip. | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | DEZ Arms Keymod Handguard | 1. Gain a superior grip and ample rail space 2. Feature full Keymod sections 3. Can securely attach sights, lights and lasers | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | ArmaLite Tactical Handguard Kit 15 Inches | 1. Perfect combination of light weight and durability 2. Full length MIL-STD 1913 12 O’Clock rail 3. Key-Mod doubles as flush cup sling attachment points | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Brigand Arms Edge Free Float Handguard | 1. Lighter, aesthetically pleasing 2. Utilize a free-float barrel nut system 3. Incorporates a patented carbon fiber braid tube | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Magpul MOE-SL Carbine Length Handguard | 1. Modular flexibility with M-LOK accessory slots 2. Cost-effective 3. Constructed out of heat-resistant polymer | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | J P Enterprises MKill Free Float Handguard | 1. Barrel Nut and Hardware included 2. High Strength Aluminum Alloy 3. Mock Gas Block included | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
Why Would You Need a Better Handguard
There are a few good reasons an AR-10 and Handguard 308 owner will want to upgrade this part of their rifle. In this case, we figured there are a few reasons you may need a new handguard.
The common reason an upgrade barrel nut is needed is to improve the general performance of an AR-10 rifle. You will come across some advantages as soon as you’ve successfully installed a solid low profile handguard. Here is a short list of advantages to expect when you get a new handguard:
Better Accuracy
Some of the best AR-10 handguards are able to give you a slight increase in barrel nut accuracy. On the other hand, that may not matter to AR10 rifle owners. A free-floating handguard has upgraded the accuracy of an AR10 from .5 to .75 below MOA carbon fiber.
If accuracy is one of your main targets in improving your rifle, then you’re going to require a good free-floating handguard to get the job completed. Some other handguards may or may not improve your accuracy at all. So you’ll need to closely watch the type of handguards you’re considering a barrel nut.
Protection from Heat
Your AR10 rifle can get heaty really fast after you’ve fired off so many rounds of the upper receiver. At the same time, some rifle owners have accidentally touched rifle barrels only to get some unexpected experience. A good handguard will have the responsibility of repelling the heat caused by a lot of fired rounds.
Whether it’s an hour or a few minutes at the range, you’ll need a handguard that can resist heat so it won’t cause any impractical problems. A rifle that’s too hot to fire can cause you a lot of trouble.
More Accessories
Some of the best AR10 handguards have rails (eg: Picatinny, M-Lok, Weaver, etc.) that lets you add more accessories to your rifle. The customization can very well be endless. Looking for a new scope? Have an optic you’ve been itching to use? Just make sure that you are able to install it easily on your AR-10 rifle.
As soon as you’ve installed the best accessories you need, you’ll be ready to hit the shooting range or the hunting field. Either way, you have a customized AR-10 that can be the best envy of either use.
Criteria: Characteristics You Should Find In A Handguard
We chose some of these handguards based on some best overall characteristics. We believe these criteria are not only helpful in terms of a handguard’s overall quality but also its overall performance. Here’s what you’ll need to look for in a handguard while looking for a good 1 for your AR-10.
Material
As far as quality goes, the first criteria you’ll need to pay close attention to is the best material used during the development process. Most of the handguards are made from high-quality materials such as steel, aluminum, or even polymer. The material is not only made to be resistant to damage but also impervious to other elements like weather or corrosion. At the same time, some best materials will also be more resistant to heat compared to some.
Installation
Installing a handguard is not a very complicated task. As a matter of fact, most of the handguards we will be reviewing will not be intricate in terms of installation. A keyword to look for while you’re out shopping for a handguard is “drop in”. This, in layman’s term, will mean easy to install.
You will not require any kind of gun-smithing skills. Nor will you need to rely on a professional gunsmith to install it for you. All it will take are a few tools and a small fraction of your time.
Design
The design may also play a part in your final decision making. The reason for this is due to the fact that most handguards are made to allow you to add on any other beneficial accessories to your AR-10 rifle’s overall performance.
For instance, some popular accessories include scopes and optics. Some handguards have Picatinny-style rails or M-Lok rails made to allow you as many customizable options as possible.
Review Guide of the Best AR-10 Handguards
Below are some of the best AR-10 handguards that are currently on the market (as of this writing). One of these may be yours depending on which feature sticks out the most for you. Does it fit a certain preference or liking? If so, look into it further and see what other users are saying.
You should look through each of these handguards carefully before you make a final decision as to whether or not they’re worth the financial investment. With that being said, let’s begin our list.
1. Midwest Industries ArmaLite Gen2 Drop-In Handguard
First on this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the Midwest Industries ArmaLite Gen2 Drop-In Handguard. Like the name implies, this is a handguard that can be easy to install. That means you’re not going to have to rely on a professional gunsmith to help you install it. Nor will you need a wealth of gunsmithing skills to do it yourself in your own time.
This handguard is a 2-piece design made from high quality 6061 aluminum. So not only is it convenient to install, but it’s also pretty tough. And it’s super lightweight too, according to some users. No extra weight on your rifle, but a whole lot of ruggedness. Now that is what you call a superb handguard.
Also included with this handguard are the 4 quick-detach sockets you’ll need if you plan on using push-button wheels. It’s perfect for when you’re giving your AR-10 a tune-up at the shooting range or if you feel like firing off some extra rounds. This handguard is made in America, which means the overall quality of this accessory is going to be pretty good.
If you’re looking for a handguard that is easy to install and will last you a long time while doing it’s intended job, then these receivers may be exactly what you are looking for.
This handguard is lightweight, durable, and easy to install. If that isn’t a good description of this handguard, then we aren’t sure what is. The manufacturer built this product to last in mind. It can do a great job resisting heats and will even give you a solid bit of an accuracy boost.
If you have a swivel you frequently use for range shooting, then this handguard will definitely put up with it. Just use the sockets and make sure that it’s a good fit before you spend the entire day at the range. Other than that, it’s a very reliable handguard made to last you quite a period of time.
This is easily 1 of the few AR 10 handguards that we’d totally recommend to place into the list for comparison because it is pretty excellent while maintaining a low-profile.
2. Midwest Industries SR Handguard
Next on our list, we will be taking a look at the best AR-10 handguard we believe will fit a lot of people’s tight budgets. If you’re a budget shopper who doesn’t want to break your bank, then you may want to give the SR Handguard from Midwest Industries a better look. This is a lightweight, slim constructed handguard that is calculated at 12 inches long.
It is a free-floating handguard made for better accuracy. The design itself makes your AR-10 rifle look more ergonomic and a bit calmer while you’re using it. At the same time, the vents as part of the design can provide quicker cooling.
As soon as you’re done with your rifle after a long day at the shooting range, it won’t be as hot to touch. Even better is that there’s a lesser chance you’ll burn yourself if you somehow unintentionally touch your AR-10 barrel.
The body of this product is made from high-quality aluminum. So expect it to be quite durable and resilient to damage. If you are looking for a handguard that can tough it out and withstand the abuse, then this may be your best option. Not bad for something that is considered reasonable in its price.
If you’re looking for a budget handguard for your AR-10, then this may very well be worth the investment. This exceeds a lot of gun owners’ expectations. In simpler words, you are getting a lot more than what you paid for in a handguard like this. 1 thing we’re happy with is that it’s extremely resistant to heat.
So as soon as you’re finished firing off your rifle after so many rounds, it will feel like you never did. Another thing we like about it is that it’s light as a feather. So you won’t feel like you’re dragging a 500-pound boulder while you are out in the field hunting for a big game target.
3. J P Enterprises MKill Free Float Handguard
If you are a fan of free-floating handguards, you’re probably going to love what we’ve chosen as some of the best among these kinds. Our next choice is the JP Enterprise MKII Handguard. Right off the bat, the design looks pretty cool.
This has vents that allow for faster barrel cooling. So the heat resistance will be quite passable for handguards like this one. Since this is free-floating, you’re going to get little to no difference in accuracy, right? Absolutely not.
Free-floating handguards like this 1 are designed to give you a bit of an increased inaccuracy. So don’t be taken aback if your shot groups are a little tighter than expected if you choose to install this on your AR-10 rifle.
Other than that, this product will be relatively easy to install. So as soon as you have this installed in a matter of a few minutes, then you’ll be ready to go for another day at the range. Only this time around, your rifle will cool off much faster and you may notice some slight differences in your shots. However, we can only promise you that they will be for the better.
What better way to experience the free-floating handguard than giving it a test session at the range before you’re able to hit the shooting range for the main event?
For a handguard, it does a little more than give your rifle a little push in terms of accuracy. This also gives you a pretty good grip when it’s raining pretty hard outside. Yes, the weather can be unpredictable at times. So it’s always good to have a handguard that can handle the elements when the weather takes a turn for the worse, especially when you are out in the field hunting.
Other than that, as soon as you’re able to install this free-floating handguard, you’ll be able to take on better accuracy and even more precise shots. That’s probably what you are looking to get out of your AR-10 rifle, right? If yes, a free-floating handguard like this one may do the trick.
4. DEZ Arms Keymod Handguards
Sometimes, we have those who favor a certain length. If you are 1 of them, we won’t judge you. We’ll be taking a look at the best 10-inch recommendation. That honor goes to the DEZ Arms Keymod Handguards.
If you’re looking for a product that may be the last 1 you’ll be buying for a long time, then you may want to opt for this one. That’s because it’s made from high-quality materials made to provide the best possible durability.
It can also take on all kinds of abuse. Don’t be surprised if it can still hold its own after you’ve fired off several hundreds of rounds. The design is a hybrid Keymod/Picatinny rail made to give you some suppleness as far as customizing your AR-10 rifle goes.
Therefore, if you have some accessories you wish to put to good use for your rifle, you’ll have a rail that can accommodate them. If you don’t have any accessories yet, then find some that will work with Picatinny rails or Keymods.
The installation is convenient and the fit will be relatively tight. So if you’re looking for a product that is easy to install and won’t wiggle at all, then this one can be the perfect option. Super strong and super secure, you cannot go wrong with handguards quite like this.
This is a really good choice for one as short as 10 inches in length. On top of that, it’s strong like a tank. It’s also what we’d expect from something lightweight and small-sized. Aside from all of that, it also allows you the ability to customize your AR-10 rifle.
So if you are looking to maximize your rifle’s customization ability, it starts with top-quality handguards that let for additional accessories. Just be sure to give the DEZ Arm handguards a closer look and decide if it’s the right one for you.
5. ArmaLite Tactical Handguards Kit 15 Inches
The next suggestion we will be taking a look at the best 15-inch handguards for an AR-10 rifle. And that is the ArmaLite Tactical Handguards. Looking at this choice, the design is pretty impressive.
You can expect it to do a solid job of allowing heat to disperse much faster, even after a long day at the shooting range. As a matter of fact, we won’t be surprised if your barrel gets cool to the touch just minutes after your last shot.
Aside from all that, it has a winning combination of being lightweight and very tough. Even with the high-quality aluminum that is used to build this stays lightweight to make sure that your AR-10 doesn’t get heavier once you’ve attached this.
To make it all better, this is a free-floating handguard. It means you’re probably going to get a nice little boost in precision once you take this out to the shooting range.
Don’t forget that this comes with everything you ever need to mount it on your rifle. This comes with your barrel nut and your mounting hardware. The installation process can be easy. And expert gunsmithing skills are not required for this.
If you are looking for a choice that can withstand all kinds of rounds and won’t move around each time you shoot, then this suggestion may be worth the investment. The strength of this choice is quite impressive. And we won’t be surprised if this lasts you many long years or even decades.
As free-floating handguards, you can expect your shot groups to be a little close-fitting below MOA. So it’s a win-win for you if accuracy and permanency are two things you consider important.
6. Brigand Arms Edge Free Float Handguards
From what we have come to know, carbon fiber is another kind of material considered as the best in terms of durability. And there are definitely some good carbon fiber handguards on the market. The one we’ve chosen for this mini-guide is the Brigand Arms Edge Free-Float Handguards.
The design is a minimalist one that can give your AR-10 rifle a performance like nothing else. And as expected, this is going to be one tough customer to put up with. It doesn’t matter if you’re using this for hunting purposes, target practice, or shooting competitions, this handguards will give your AR-10’s performance a much-needed improvement.
Even better is that this free-floating option will give you the opportunity to customize every part of your rifle to your heart’s content, whether it is just an upper receiver or the entire gas system. Find products that can fit your preferences or personal needs then you won’t have a difficult time installing on this handguard.
Furthermore, this handguard is super strong. And it may be the only handguard you’ll rely on for many years or decades to come. If that’s something that you’re looking for, then this may be a good option for you. This handguard comes in 2 different lengths: 12 inches and 15 inches.
For obvious reasons, the length you choose will obviously be based on personal preferences. But regardless of which, you still get the same superior performance and durability.
The Brigand Arms is a great carbon fiber option that stands head and shoulders over the other similar products in this category. It is made to last and to stay in place as soon as it is installed.
Regardless of whether you choose a 12-inch or 15-inch form, you’re going to see this withstand a lot of rounds. Furthermore, it gives you a boost in accuracy (after all, it is a free-floating handguard).
At the same time, heat resistance will be a great addition too. So you don’t have to worry about handling it after a day out in the field or at the shooting range. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised if people start asking you a question at the shooting range. The first thing they’ll probably notice is its design.
7. Magpul MOE-SL Carbine Length Handguard
For our final best AR-10 handguard on this guide, we’ll be looking at this brand. More precisely, we’ll be looking into their MOE-SL Carbine-Length Handguard. What you’ll notice is that the material puts up with maximum durability. Believe it or not, we’re not referring to aluminum. We’re talking about the material of polymer. And it’s just as strong as aluminum.
As a matter of fact, it’s also heat-resistant like most aluminum handguards. If you have an AR-10 gun with a carbine-length gas system, this can most likely fit you better. This can also come in useful if you want to add an accessory or two to make your AR-10 rifles look super cool.
If you have a scope or optic useful, you can attach it to the M-LOK slots and be ready for action in a matter of a few minutes. These slots are situated in the two, six, and ten o’clock positions.
Now we get to the section about aluminum. Yes, this is also included in the building of this handguard. Except that it functions more as a heat shield and allows for even more cooling for your AR-10 rifles. As soon as you’re finished with another shooting session at the range or heated competition, don’t be surprised if the rifle’s barrel is a little cool to your needs.
This handguard is adaptable and will work hard to give your parts the best overall performance it deserves. If you’re looking for this kind of product, then the Magpul may be worth your investment.
Magpul has long been a reliable firearms brand among AR-style rifle owners. Once again, they’ve established themselves to be just that with this handguard. The construction is solid and does a great job keeping your gun in a cool condition even after a long day at the range.
You can customize this to your benefit using M-LOK compatible accessories. Therefore, if you have a scope or sight you are itching to try out, then get a product like this one so you can finally see it in action. M-LOK compatible accessories give you such flexibility that we reckon you should put to full utilization.
Conclusion
Finding the best AR-10 handguard doesn’t have to be a competition. A good product will make a difference in terms of your rifle’s general performance. At the same time, it will also do a good job at preventing your firearms from overheating and prevent any further disasters from happening. Now is the time to find one that’s the best fitting for your rifle. Find one that fits your personal favourites and needs. If you are looking for a good advancement for your gun, the best place to start is to find a solid AR-10 handguard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a free-floating handguard?
A standard free-floating handguard AR-10 can be installed on your rifle’s upper receiver. The product itself will not even touch the barrel. What you’ll notice on firearms with free-floating handguards is that the Delta rings are not present. These will give you more customization choices compared to other rails like the M-Lok.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.