At a Glance: Best Drop-In Handguard

Cheap Ar15 Handguards Free Float
9 Inch Free Float Handguard
Free Float Ar 15 Handguard Installation Tool

The AT3 SPEAR™ is our best, most secure handguard. Simple to install, lightweight, and easy on the wallet. The slim free-float design enhances accuracy while minimizing the weight of. ( 435 ) 12 Options. From $ 99.99 from $ 79.99. Upgrading from a standard to a free-floated handguard can increase your AR-15’s accuracy potential, and it isn’t difficult following this procedure. How to swap out for a free-floated handguard: Remove upper receiver and pull back delta rings to remove standard handguard. Remove retaining pins from the A-Frame — after the gas tube is removed.

OUR TOP PICK: Midwest Industries AR-15 Two-Piece Drop-In Handguard
RUNNER UP: Brownells AR-15 Retro Drop-in Handguard Set
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Knights Armament AR-15 M5 Drop-in RAS Handguard

Comparison of The Best Drop In Handguard

PRODUCT	DETAILS
Midwest Industries AR-15 Two-Piece Drop-In Handguard	Quick and easy to install 15 mounting slots that accept all types of attachments Durable but lightweight aluminum build Large vent holes to reduce heat from the barrel
Our Top Pick	Brownells AR-15 Retro Drop-in Handguard Set	One of the most aesthetically pleasing handguards for AR15s Looks similar to the original M16 handguard Aluminum heat shields protect your hand from heat Available in 3 colors
Knights Armament AR-15 M5 Drop-in RAS Handguard	Rugged and durable RAS handguard made to military standards Includes three KAC 11 rib rail panels Unique design – securely locks to the barrel nut via a clamp and screw Holds securely with minimal movement or flex

Like many AR-15 users, you may choose to customize your rifle to improve its comfort and safety. One upgrade that enhances both these qualities is the handguard. A top-quality AR-15 handguard can give you a better grip and provide a safer hold by reducing the heat from the barrel. If you’re looking to upgrade your handguard, you first need to understand the difference between the two types available, as well as the features to look for. In this article, we will explain just that. Read on to learn all about the drop-in style and what makes the best drop-in handguard.

Our Guide To The 8 Best AR-15 Drop-in Handguards On The Market

To assist you further in your search, we’ve scoured the market and narrowed down the best drop in handguards to test and review. We’ve also uncovered the best free float handguards available and evaluated these too. Below you will find our thorough reviews with a list of pros and cons included for easy comparison.

The Best Drop-In Handguards for AR-15’s

Midwest Industries AR-15 Two-Piece Drop-In Handguard

Cheap Ar15 Handguards Free Float

The Midwest Industries AR-15 two-piece drop-in handguard is a versatile, Carbine length handguard that snaps in easily with no gunsmith drop-in installation. It is constructed with four 1913 Picatinny rails that contain 15 mounting slots for all kinds of accessories, including optics, lasers, and lights.

The handguard consists of two pieces that can be removed easily for cleaning and maintenance. The bottom piece can be removed to install a grenade launcher or shotgun. The design includes large vent holes to allow plenty of air circulation and reduce the heat from the barrel.

The Picatinny rails are laser etched with white alphanumeric position markings, helping you quickly mount your attachments. This drop-in handguard is 6 inches long, weighs 7.5 ounces, and fits AR-15/M4 16-inch carbine-length barrels with a round front handguard cap. It is machined from 6061 billet aluminum and features an anodized black matte finish.

I was able to install this AR-15 handguard in just a couple of minutes and was super impressed with the durable yet lightweight build. It is a shorter length handguard with large vent holes that do a great job of keeping the barrel from getting too hot.

Another plus of this model is that it can accommodate all types of accessories. This makes it one of the best drop-in handguards for versatility in customization. In summary, it’s a brilliant option for those who want a shorter handguard with maximum customization options.

Pros

Quick and easy to install
15 mounting slots that accept all types of attachments
Durable but lightweight aluminum build
Large vent holes to reduce heat from the barrel
Position markings on rails to help with mounting
Troublefree to take apart for cleaning

Brownells AR-15 Retro Drop-in Handguard Set

The Brownells retro drop-in handguard set is modeled directly off the original M16 handguard to give AR-15 users the chance to recreate the classic American rifle. The set consists of left and right handguard halves with aluminum heat shields to protect your hand from barrel heat.

Brownells have created this model in three different colors; brown, green, and black, to create an aesthetically pleasing result on your rifle. While this handguard looks great, the construction is not of the highest quality. Made from Polymer rather than aluminum, it does feel a bit flimsy.

Moreover, the fit wasn’t perfect, and I did need to sand down some sharp edges. This was a bit disappointing as for a drop-in, you expect to install it with no modification required. That being said, as a replica, it does fit pretty good compared to the real thing.

The unique selling point of this handguard is undoubtedly the retro look it gives. For AR-15 owners looking to customize their rifle to look as original as possible, this is a great choice. It’s just unfortunate that the handguard lacks strength and durability.

Pros

One of the most aesthetically pleasing handguards for AR15s
Looks similar to the original M16 handguard
Aluminum heat shields protect your hand from heat
Available in 3 colors

Cons

The construction feels flimsy and lacks strength
Issues with the fit may be present, which could require modification

Knights Armament AR-15 M5 Drop-in RAS Handguard

The Knights Armament drop-in RAS handguard is an easy to install, drop-in handguard that utilizes the KAC M5 RAS (rail adapter system). Previously used on the US military’s M16A4, this is one of the most battle-proven systems available for the AR-15 platform.

It features Picatinny Rails along its entire length and securely locks to the barrel nut via a clamp and screw attachment. This gives it a much more stable hold than most other drop-in handguards and minimizes movement even with multiple accessories mounted onto the rail.

This handguard upgrade will fit all AR-15s that have a standard 2-piece, A2-type handguard with a rifle-length gas system and delta ring assembly. The handguard includes three KAC 11 rib rail panels and is made from strong aluminum. However, it weighs 1.145lbs, so it does add a bit of weight to your rifle, but the upside of this is that the additional weight minimizes recoil impulse.

This is one of the most rugged and well-designed handguards on the market, and it’s clear to see it is made to military standards. It installs smoothly and easily and gives a secure hold. If that’s not enough, it offers plenty of rail space to install all the accessories you could ever want, making it one of the best drop-in handguards for your AR-15.

Pros

Rugged and durable RAS handguard made to military standards
Includes three KAC 11 rib rail panels
Unique design – securely locks to the barrel nut via a clamp and screw
Holds securely with minimal movement or flex
Smooth and easy installation
Gives lots of rail space

Yankee Hill Machine AR-15 2-piece Drop in Handguard

The Yankee Hill Machine 2-piece handguard is a tough, drop-in forearm that serves as a strong but lightweight aluminum upgrade to a standard mil-spec, Polymer handguard on a Carbine AR-15 model.

The four fixed Picatinny rails provide solid mounting for all kinds of accessories, and the ove

Free Float Ar 15 Handguard Installation