Lightweight AR forearms

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

After having searched the net, I'm finding waay too much information on forearms for ARs. I'm considering building an extremely lightweight AR (carbine) and am looking for an 8" to 10" (preferably 8") lightweight forearm with the capability of attaching probably only one accessory at the muzzle end (flashlight, red dot, etc.). When I search the internet, I find some for $35 (+/-) and some for $350! I really don't think I need to spend $350 for my project. Any recommendations ons? What to get, what to avoid???

baboon · Dec 13, 2018

I have been wanting to change out the one on my dedicated .22 upper as it's to heavy, but was cheap. I keep hoping a cheap sub $100.00 will show up @ Primary. And the one I need is actually a short 9". I've been looking for a few years & have yet to find one I like.

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

Hate to hear about you search for a 9" forearm. That would probably be a good choice for my build. I'll probably end up with a "pencil" barrel or just a "standard". It won't be a heavily shot carbine and won't necessarily try to be a tack driver. More of a "woods walking" firearm.
Key word: "lightweight"

FireInTheWire · Dec 13, 2018

I have a picatinny quad you can have. Not sure it's something your'd be interested in. I think it's 12"

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

Thanks, but that's a bit long. I'd really prefer an 8" but "might" settle for a 10". Trying to get the completed gun to be under 5 lbs. :green:

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

May go with a skeleton hand grip (even thought I think they are ugly) as it must certainly be less than the standard rubber grip.

FireInTheWire · Dec 13, 2018

Charlie said:
Thanks, but that's a bit long. I'd really prefer an 8" but "might" settle for a 10". Trying to get the completed gun to be under 5 lbs.

Ok sure thing. I'll measure it and weight when get home. I doubt it's what your looking for though.

benenglish · Dec 13, 2018

Very light, very expensive, very ugly. Variations available, including ones with a short section of rail.

Less ugly, still light. And less expensive.

I'm not an AR guy. The variety and number of handguards available is really confusing.

I guess choice is a good thing, right?

BRD@66 · Dec 13, 2018

Heck, just carry an M14 for a living for awhile & all AR platforms will be by definition - lightweight.

ScS · Dec 13, 2018

Alexander Arms has a 9ln for about $160. Extremely lightweight carbon, with rows of inserts at 3, 6, 9, 12 to mount pic rails, or remove all of the screws for a smooth tube

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

BRD@66 said:
Heck, just carry an M14 for a living for awhile & all AR platforms will be by definition - lightweight.

I did. It just never wanted to fit my hands. :green:

EZ-E · Dec 13, 2018

I've seen some carbon fiber free float variations that have the m lok on the inter webs. I want to say in the $150 range.

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

EZ-E said:
I've seen some carbon fiber free float variations that have the m lok on the inter webs. I want to say in the $150 range.

Way out of my range for this build! Thanks, though.

Big Green · Dec 13, 2018

JustRails.com has some inexpensive stuff. Not the most heavy duty but might work.

https://www.stngrusa.com/m-lok-handguards-1/

Didn’t look through all lengths.

smittyb · Dec 13, 2018

Aero Precision 9” Atlas S One
Weighs 5.5 ounces, can be had for less than $100 if you catch them on sale at PA.
My buddy has the 12 inch version on a 4.66 pound carbine.

CyberWolf · Dec 13, 2018

The two that come to mind immediately are the Lantac SPADA - cost in mid/upper range (more than some, less than others), feels/looks nice, and <10oz.

Currently running a 10.5" version of this, like it alot...

https://www.lantac-usa.com/product-page/lantac-spada-m-9-freefloat-handguard-1

Here's another from V Seven. Havent used this particular one, but have several other parts from them (barrels, Ti parts, etc.), and while expensive, quality is tops and super light (<4oz.)

https://www.vsevenweaponsystems.com/vseven-magnesium-hyper-light-keymod-handguard-ar-15

Gummi Bear · Dec 13, 2018

I have a YHM on my Blackout. It’s a 15”, and fairly light, but definitely not ultra light. It has taken a beating as my primary ranch rifle, and is still perfect.

I bought a Stngr last year, to put on my ultra light 223. Honestly, I haven’t been very hard on it, but, I have shot with it, and attached a bipod, and it seems very stable. I’ll start using it more, once I put a different scope on that rifle.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

Charlie · Dec 13, 2018

Thanks for the heads up on these, gentlemen! I'll be looking into them.

FireInTheWire · Dec 14, 2018

Ok the one I have is just over 7in. I can't weight it because I don't have a light weight scale. I can weight Monday.

Charlie · Dec 14, 2018

Thanks for the pics! Is it aluminum or composite?

Lightweight AR forearms

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