What is the best AR-15 handguard type?

Free-float handguards are ideal for improved accuracy and customization. Drop-in handguards are great for quick installs and budget-friendly builds.

Is M-LOK better than Picatinny?

M-LOK handguards are lighter and allow for direct accessory mounting. Picatinny handguards offer full-length mounting and are preferred for traditional setups.

What AR-15 handguard length do I need?

Match the handguard to your gas system: 7” for carbine, 9–11” for mid-length, and 12”+ for rifle-length or extended builds.

Are carbon fiber handguards good for AR-15s?

Yes. Carbon fiber handguards are ultralight, extremely strong, and resistant to heat—ideal for high-performance AR builds.

Can I install an AR-15 handguard myself?

Yes. Drop-in handguards can be installed with basic tools. Free-float handguards require more tools, like a vise block and torque wrench.

AR-15 Handguard | Free-Float, M-LOK & Drop-In Rails

Pistol Length Handguard - 4"-5" Handguard

Carbine Length - 7" Handguard

Mid-Length - 9"-11" Handguard

Rifle Length Handguard - 12" Handguard

13"- 14" Handguard

15 Inch Handguard

17" Handguard

Carbon Fiber Handguard

Keymod Handguard

Handguard Accessories

Drop In Handguard

Angled Handguard

Quad Rail

Skeletonized AR-15 Handguard

Best AR 15 Handguard For the Money

AR15 Triangle Handguard

A2 Handguard

**VISM AR15 M-LOK Handguard - Carbine Extended - VMARMLCE** $74.99

**Coda Evolution AR-15 Lightning Carbon Fiber Handguard** $251.99

**Aim Sports M4 Drop In Quad Rail - AR 15 Handguard** $34.95

**Timber Creek Outdoors 13" M-LOK Ultralight Enforcer AR 15 Handguard** $174.95

**Magpul MOE M-LOK AR15 Handguard - Carbine-Length** $35.10

**Magpul MOE SL AR15 Handguard, Carbine-Length** $37.95

**Samson Evolution Rail System - AR15 Handguard** $124.50

**Brigand Arms EDGE, AR15 Carbon Fiber Handguard | NOAX** $246.05

**Timber Creek Outdoors 15" M-LOK Ultralight Enforcer AR 15 Handguard** $199.95

**Timber Creek Outdoors Enforcer Complete AR-15 Build Kit** $599.00

**PRI GEN III AR-15 Carbon Fiber Handguard - Rifle Length** $338.00

**Samson M-LOK SXT Series - AR-15 Handguard** $142.50

**VISM M-LOK Triangle AR-15 Handguard - Mid-Length** $67.99

**Samson Evolution Series Keymod Rail System - AR-15 Handguard** $133.00

**Timber Creek Outdoors Enforcer 9" M-LOK AR 15 Handguard** $149.99

**JL Billet Angled AR-15 M-Lok Handguard - Free-Float** $174.95

**Brigand Arms Carbon Black BLADE Handguard w/ M-LOK mounting slot** $227.05

**Brigand Arms Carbon Black EDGE Handguard w/ M-LOK Mounting Slots** $217.55

**Timber Creek Outdoors Enforcer 13" M-LOK AR-15 Handguard** $169.95

**Timber Creek Outdoors Enforcer 15" M-LOK AR-15 Handguard** $199.95

**PRI GEN III AR-15 Carbon Fiber Handguard - Carbine Length Free Float** $320.00

**PRI GEN III AR-15 Carbon Fiber Handguard - 9.5" Intermediat Length** $325.00

**PRI GEN III AR-15 Carbon Fiber Handguard - 14" Free Float Forearm** $364.00

**PRI GEN III AR-15 Carbon Fiber Handguard - 15"** $368.00

AR-15 Handguards – Free-Float, Drop-In & M-LOK Rails for Custom Builds

The right AR-15 handguard transforms your rifle from basic to battle-ready. Whether you're building for home defense, competition, or tactical training, Mounts Plus offers a complete selection of free-float, drop-in, M-LOK, KeyMod, quad rail, and carbon fiber handguards to match your mission.

From lightweight and modular to rugged and rail-loaded, every handguard we carry is carefully chosen for its quality, compatibility, and reliability under pressure.

Why Upgrade Your AR-15 with a New Handguard?

🔧 Customize Your Setup – Add lights, foregrips, bipods & lasers with ease
⚖️ Improve Rifle Handling – Choose lightweight options to reduce fatigue
🎯 Boost Accuracy – Free-float rails improve barrel harmonics
🔩 M-LOK, KeyMod & Picatinny Options – Accessory-ready formats
🌡️ Heat Shielding – Protect your hands during sustained fire
🇺🇸 Made by Top Brands – Troy, Magpul, Samson, Timber Creek & more

📦 Choose the Right AR-15 Handguard

Type	Best For	Pros
Free-Float	Accuracy builds, low-profile setups	Improves accuracy, stable
Drop-In	Easy installs, budget builds	Simple to install
M-LOK	Lightweight, direct-mount accessories	Cleaner look, fewer tools
Picatinny	Classic mounting system	Maximum compatibility
Carbon Fiber	Ultralight setups	Strong, heat-resistant
Quad Rail	Tactical, heavy-duty use	Mount multiple accessories

✔️ Available in 7" to 17" lengths
✔️ Compatible with AR-15, M4, and other MIL-SPEC platforms

🔥 Best-Selling AR-15 Handguards

Magpul MOE M-LOK Handguard – Carbine-Length
Timber Creek Ultralight Enforcer M-LOK – 15”
Samson Evolution Series – KeyMod & M-LOK Rails
PRI GEN III Carbon Fiber Free-Float Handguard
Brigand Arms EDGE Carbon Handguard w/ M-LOK Slots

💬 FAQs – Choosing Your AR-15 Handguard

Q: What’s the difference between free-float and drop-in handguards?
A: Free-float handguards attach to the barrel nut and don’t touch the barrel, which improves accuracy. Drop-in handguards are easier to install and work with standard delta ring assemblies.

Q: Should I go with M-LOK or Picatinny?
A: M-LOK is modern, modular, and lighter. Picatinny offers more mounting surface. M-LOK is ideal for clean builds; Picatinny is great for tactical gear-heavy setups.

Q: How do I choose the right handguard length?
A: Match your gas system:

7" for carbine
9–11" for mid-length
12–15”+ for rifle builds or extended setups

Q: Do I need special tools to install an AR-15 handguard?
A: Drop-ins require basic tools. Free-float models may need a barrel nut wrench and vise block.

Q: Are your AR-15 handguards made in the USA?
A: Yes! We stock handguards from American brands known for top-tier manufacturing and tactical performance.

🔗 Related Categories

🚀 Why Mounts Plus?

✅ Authorized Dealer of Trusted Brands
📦 Fast U.S. Shipping & Secure Checkout
🧠 Expert Support from Real Shooters
🛠️ AR-15 Builders Since 1994

🛒 Shop AR-15 Handguards at Mounts Plus

Whether you’re going for ultralight, ultra-tactical, or ultra-custom, Mounts Plus has the AR-15 handguard that fits your build. From carbon fiber to quad rail, we’ve got your rail covered—literally.

👉 Order now and elevate your AR build today.

AR-15 Handguard | Free-Float, M-LOK & Drop-In Rails | Mounts Plus