A*B Arms MOD1 Handguard: The MOD1 handguard is a two-piece design that incorporate upper and lower heat shields to protect your hand from a hot barrel. It’s also designed to accommodate either gas piston or direct-impingement systems, and it comes in black, OD green or Flat Dark Earth.
A*B Arms SBR P*Grip: The SBR P*Grip is a lightweight, ergonomic pistol grip made from high-heat-rated nylon with high-strength fibers, and it features a weather-resistant internal storage compartment that will fit two AA batteries or one CR123 battery. It’s available in black or Flat Dark Earth.
AAC SquareDrop Handguards: The SquareDrop handguard from AAC features a unique turnbuckle mounting design that allows users to quickly and easily install and remove the rail. This free-floating design provides numerous mounting positions for any KeyMod or SquareDrop accessory. These matte black, lightweight aluminum handguards are available in 8-, 11.2- and 13.5-inch lengths. Each handguard kit includes the barrel nut, turnbuckle and installation wrench.
Accu-Grip: The Accu-Grip is unique because it allows the shooter to adjust the trigger reach, or the distance between the trigger face and the backstrap of the grip. This can make firing the weapon much more comfortable. These grips are available in black, Flat Dark Earth, OD green and desert sand.
Aero Precision M5 Handguards: Aero Precision’s 12- and 15-inch-long M5 handguards are available with either KeyMod or M-LOK slots for mounting accessories. These free-floating handguards are made from one piece of lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum with anti-rotation tabs, and the 1.8-inch inside diameters will accommodate most muzzle devices and suppressors.
AIM Sport M-LOK Vertical Grip: The M-LOK Vertical Grip can be used as either a foregrip or hand stop, and it’s designed for comfort when utilizing a thumb-over-bore shooting stance. This vertical grip has a minimalist profile with a length of 2.75 inches and weight of 1.45 ounces.
AIM Sports AR-15 Free Float M-LOK Handguards: AIM Sports’ AR-15 Free Float M-LOK handguards are made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a black anodized finish and anti-rotation tabs. Available in a variety of lengths, each handguard features a full-length Picatinny top rail for sights and optics, and the sides and bottom sport M-LOK slots for accessories.
BCM Modular Gunfighter Grip Mod 2: This grip from Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) is completely modular with interchangeable backstraps. The ergonomics are tweaked, too. This grip is up to a quarter inch wider than the Mod 0 and Mod 1 grips, and it’s the same width of BCM’s Mod 3 grips. The reduced grip angle keeps your wrist in line with trigger for improved ergonomics and trigger control. Available in black, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green, the grip includes an interior storage compartment.
BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3: The BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 offers a reduced angle for better ergonomics and trigger control. It is wider than Mod 1 and Mod 2 grips and features an extended forward tang that closes the gap between the triggerguard and pistol grip. The backstrap is similar to a high-rise beavertail. The bottom features a small trapdoor to access a small water-resistant storage compartment that is water resistant. Black, Flat Dark Earth, wolf gray and foliage green versions are available.
BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3: Bravo Company offers these compact, low-profile vertical foregrips for both Picatinny and KeyMod interfaces. These grip can also be reversed for additional control. Black, Flat Dark Earth, wolf gray and foliage green versions are available.
BCM KMR-A Handguards: Bravo Company’s KeyMod Rail-Alpha (KMR-A) handguards offer KeyMod slots for accessories and are made from aluminum so they are lightweight and durable. Each KMR-A handguard features a proprietary patent-pending mounting system that mitigates rail movement. BCM offers 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 13- and 15-inch-long versions in black.
BlackHawk Knoxx AR Pistol Grip: BlackHawk is now in the AR furniture game, and the company’s Knoxx AR Pistol Grip has an improved grip angle and palm swell for greater comfort and control. Made right here in America, these grips are currently available in black, gray, olive drab and Flat Dark Earth.
Brigand Arms Atlas: The Atlas handguard uses a patented, open carbon-fiber design that offers strength while being super lightweight. The unique material design rejects heat so it will not get hot under extended use. Brigan Arms offers 7-, 9-, 12.38-, and 15-inch versions that weigh between 3.6 and 7 ounces.
CMMG RML Handguards: The RML handguards are based on CMMG’s RKM handguards but feature M-LOK slots along the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The free-floating RML allows an operator to easily mount a variety of accessories. A variety of lengths are available, and each is made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a matte black finish.
Daniel Defense MFR XS Rails: The MFR XS Rail systems from Daniel Defense are available in 9-, 10-, 13.5- and 15-inch lengths. They each have M-LOK slots to reduce weight and help dissipate barrel heat without sacrificing any modularity or durability. Daniel Defense’s patented Bolt-Up system reduces the overall diameter of the rail while using a standard AR-15 barrel nut. MFR XS handguards can also be used with pinned low-profile gas blocks.
Diamondhead VRS T-308L: The VRS T-308L free-floating handguard will mount on a 7.62mm NATO/.308 Winchester AR with a low-profile gas block. Made of 6061-T6 aluminum, the VRS T-308L is sturdy and lightweight. Its rounded triangular shape is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time, and the Picatinny rail offers numerous mounting options for optics. Diamondhead offers 10-, 13- and 15-inch models.
Ergo SuperLite Modular Free Float Rails: Ergo’s SuperLite series handguards come in 12- and 15-inch lengths with either M-LOK or KeyMod slots along the sides and bottom. The top is a Picatinny rail for sights and optics. The 12- and 15-inch versions weigh a mere 9.2 and 10.6 ounces, respectively. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, these handguards also have 1.8-inch external diameters, making them sleek and comfortable to hold.
Ergo Tactical Deluxe Grip With Palm Shelf: If you have medium- to large-sized hands, this grip might be the best choice for you. It features Ergo’s overmolded SureGrip material with heavy texturing, and the adjustable palm shelf supports a user’s firing hand for more accurate shot placement. It fits all AR-type rifles and comes in black, olive drab and Dark Earth finishes.
FAB Defense AGR-43: The AGR-43 incorporates three different textures: ribbing along the backstrap, grenade-style checkering along the frontstrap and subtle marble-like texturing along the sides. These textures work together to prevent slippage with wet or sweaty hands. In addition to the multiple textures, the grip incorporates a finger groove and an extended beavertail for better control and a higher hold. A sealed storage compartment is also built into the grip.
Hexmag Tactical Grip: Hexmag has taken the proprietary HEXTURE design pattern on its magazines and incorporated it into the Hexmag Tactical Grip (HTG). The overmolded rubber HTG also has wide ribs and finger grooves along the frontstrap, and users can easily add Hexmag’s Grip Tape. Black and Flat Dark Earth versions are available.
Hogue 15-Degree Vertical No Finger Groove Grip: The AR-15/M16 15-Degree Vertical No Finger Groove grip from Hogue is all business. The grip features Hogue’s cobblestone texturing on the sides and smooth front- and backstraps. The 15-degree grip angle makes shooting an AR rifle, carbine or pistol more comfortable in a variety of shooting positions, including prone. The top portion of the grip is dished so there is a more comfortable transition to the trigger. Black, olive drab and Flat Dark Earth versions are available.
Lancer LCR5 Handguards: Lancer’s free-floating LCR5 handguards are round forends made of lightweight yet extremely rugged carbon fiber. Aluminum receiver extensions ensure they attach solid securely to the upper receiver. Carbine-, mid- and rifle-length versions are available, and Lancer’s LCH5 handguards incorporate full-length top rails.
Luth-AR Chubby Grip: I like larger pistol grips that fill my hand and offer a lot of surface area. The Luth-AR Chubby Grip is designed with a full palm swell for consistency. It also features a thumb rest and a palm shelf, plus plenty of texturing to keep your shooting hand in place. Black and Flat Dark Earth versions are available.
MFT Engage Grips: The original Engage pistol grip from Mission First Tactical (MFT) is designed with finger grooves and texturing to provide a positive grip. A watertight storage compartment is built into the bottom. The company’s V2 renditions have 15-degree angles for improved control and handling ergonomics. Both grips are available in black, Scorched Dark Earth, foliage green and grey.
Midwest Industries G3 M-Series: Midwest Industries’ free-floating G3 M-Series rails are known for being slim in hand due to their 1.5-inch outside diameters. Available in a variety of lengths and configurations to fit your favorite AR, each G3 M-Series rail features a full-length top rail and seven sides with M-LOK slots. These handguards are made of hardcoat anodized 6061-T6 aluminum.
Spike’s Tactical Spider Web Rail: Available in 12- and 15-inch lengths, each Spider Web Rail from Spike’s Tactical features a round profile, spider web lightening cuts and Spike’s iconic spider logo. Made from hardcoat anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the sides are also drilled and tapped for the addition of rails.
Strike Industries Crux M-LOK Handguard: The Crux M-LOK Handguard is designed for HK416 and MR556 series rifles and comes in 9-, 13.5- and 15-inch lengths. This rail is extremely lightweight and features M-LOK attachment points at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. An adjustable folding front sight is also built into the top rail.
TangoDown BG-FG Flip-Grip: The Flip Grip can be quickly adjusted to offer a 24-degree rake or a vertical grip angle. To adjust the grip style, just pull down on the grip and rotate it 180 degrees. It automatically locks in place. The grip is made of an ultra-tough polymer with an aggressive, non-slip texture. Black and Flat Dark Earth versions are available.
TangoDown BGV-QDK Stubby Vertical Foregrip: This “stubby” vertical foregrip is short so it is less likely to snag on gear or your surroundings. It attaches to any Picatinny rail via a quick-detach throw lever. The grip is grooved for a sure hold, and a small storage compartment is located in the butt. Available in black, foliage green or Flat Dark Earth, the grip is made of impact-resistant polymer.
Trinity Force Argon KeyMod Rail: Built with a slim profile and oversized cutouts, the Argon KeyMod Rail from Trinity Force is a super-light rail system. The top rail is optimized for mounting optics while the sides offer multiple KeyMod slots for adding accessories. To reduce weight even further, the handguard uses a proprietary barrel nut. This model is currently available in 12-, 15- and 16.5-inch lengths.
Troy Control Grip: The Troy Control Grip has a grip angle that places the operator’s hand close to the receiver for a proper shooting position. With aggressive scale-pattern texturing, the Control Grip offers a good grasp no matter if the environment is wet or dry, and it also features a convenient storage compartment. Black, Flat Dark Earth, coyote tan and olive drab versions are available.
UTG Pro M-LOK Super Slim Handguards: These handguards are designed for .308 ARs like the Smith & Wesson M&P10, the DPMS LR-308 and other similar variants. These handguards are ultra-lightweight and have an octagonal profile and scalloped edges for the easy snag-free mounting of accessories.
YHM SLM Competition Length Handguard: Ready to get your 3-Gun game on? The 15-inch SLM Competition Length handguard from Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) is bred to help you win matches. And even though this forend is 15 inches long, it only weighs 11.36 ounces. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, this free-floating design features a full-length Picatinny top rail and M-LOK slots along the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock axes.
As you know, shooters come in all shapes and sizes, and with different needs. What works for one person may not work for another. Thankfully, grips—whether they’re pistol grips or vertical foregrips—make a real difference when it comes to weapon control and shooting comfort. And more control means better accuracy. Handguards offer shooters a place to mount accessories—lights, lasers, slings and bipods, to name just a few—in just the right location. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best grips and rails to consider adding to your favorite AR.
