AR Handguard Recommendations

I'm looking to replace the 12" quad rail on my rifle with something slimmer/lighter/smoother. Guessing either Keymod or M-lok. Is there an advantage to one or the other? Anybody got any recommendations for a specific one, under $100? I don't know a whole lot about them, but my understanding is that the barrel nut is the difference between "cheap" ones and "good" ones....

The quad rail is just overkill. The only attachments I have are a flip up iron sight and a light, so I figured I could just put individual rail pieces where I need them instead of having 4 full-length rails. Hopefully making it a hair lighter and more comfortable to shoot.

Aero has some simple/light ones around that $. Bear Creek has some for less $, just not sure how light or sturdy they are yet. I like a full length top rail and M-lok for other stuff....but that’s just because I use the top rail a lot. I do have a JP 12” that I’d sell for $100 with a new/unused barrel nut. It’s simple and slim/smooth. You can ad what you want, or keep it slick. Not sure if I have a section for the front sight. I might have an Aero 15” with a front sight rail section I can sell cheaper. I’ll check.

Cool, check and see what you got and pm some pics.

Also, how difficult is it to swap handguards? any special tools or know-how needed?

Not bad to swap. You may need the handguard removal tool.

I like the Troy Alpha, as it has an integral flip up front sight.

Depends on the brand of the guard. Most will work with a simple AR Armors wrench. Do you have a vise block? A kit like like this is a wise investment. Linky to clicky

I don't, but I got a buddy that's built (assembled) a couple rifles that has quite a bit of tools/hardware. I may just bribe him with a beer or 3 to come do it

PM

I would recommend m-lok over keymod. M-lok accessories are more readily available.

Yup, Mlok won that war.