The AR-15 (ArmaLite Rifle Model 15) has seen innumerable changes and upgrades since its introduction into the gun world in the 1950s. Eugene Stoner could have never dreamed of the materials (carbon fiber, extremely high temp rubber, etc) let alone some of the finishing processes we now regularly employ (Cerakote, DLC, etc). Even small incremental changes are a welcomed delight like handguards. The original handguards were hard plastic, not prone to allowing for accessories, and did little to improve the functioning of the rifle apart from keeping your hand from touching a bare barrel and gas tube. Now, like the exact ones we produce here at Tyrant CNC, there are free-float handguards that are lightweight, allowing you to reach further forward on your rifle for greater control and stability, and afford you lots of real estate to add all the accessories to your heart’s content. It really is a beautiful thing. We will walk through some of the reasons why you need a free-float handguard on your AR-15 rifle.
One of the driving reasons people switch from – whatever their current handguard is – to a free-float one is the ability to add accessories. With a free-float one like those we fabricate here at Tyrant CNC, you have M-LOK channels to add vertical grips, angled grips, hand stops, bipods, slings, flashlights, lasers, you name it! If it fits in an M-LOK slot, you can add it to your free-float handguard. A great limitation of plastic, traditional handguards is not being able to add your favorite accessories which increases not only the functionality of your weapon platform but also the curb appeal.
Another great reason to make the switch to a free-float handguard is for greater command and control of your rifle. Like shooting a shotgun, if both of your hands on a shotgun are choked up really tight by the trigger, it makes you shaky, unstable, and inaccurate. Likewise, the further you can reach out on your rifle with a free-float handguard allows you to mitigate recoil, stay on target better, and more properly engage targets. All good things.
The lightweight nature of handguards is also a motive for having a free-float handguard. While increasing functionality and dexterity they simultaneously can decrease the weight on the front end of your rifle. This means less fatigue when holding your rifle extended and it equates to that much less weight you are carrying around on a ruck, at the range, or during a self-defense scenario.
In the end, make sure to get out there training, honing your craft, and getting reps with your rifle, and likely Tyrant can help you along the way with some rad accessories. We have some awesome free-float handguards in varying colors, finishes, and sizes to suit any project you might be working on. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
