M4 or Carbine handguards?

[Dennis in MA]

Which do you prefer on a 16'er and why?

I've got a 16" upper with carbine handguards. Just got a new M4 upper with M4 handguards. Not sure if I like em or not. But I gotta decide at some point so I can sell the other upper to fund this one. ;)

[Sierra]

The handguard options on the 16 inchers are several. For the M4 you get double heat shields and a fairly fat diameter. There are single heat shield versions also. The Carbine handguards are a thinner diameter. There are also different dimensioned handguards from various makers. I guess the preference would be decided by the intended purpose of the Carbine and the size of your hands. For example, one of my 16 inchers is set up with a fairly powerful light and I kept to the Carbine handguards because I did not want to go to a rail system and they allowed me to manipulate the light switch much easier than the fatter M4 handguards, the handguards are a little lighter because they have a single heat shield and I have medium sized hands.

My other 16 incher is set up with an Eotech and the M4 handguards just seem to be better for my grip.

[Bushw@cker]

My Bushmaster came with carbine handguards, but I liked the look of the M4 handguards better along with the feel, so I got a pair made by RRA. They are single heat shield. The only company making dual heat shield handguards is Colt. Bushmaster tried doing it a couple years back, but it violated Colt's patent so Bushmaster had to stop doing it. The patent ends next month though. :cool:

[DJ Niner]

Tried the M4 handguards; they seem just a little too big for my hands (size 10 glove). That, and the upright oval shape makes it feel like they are trying to slide upward, out of my grip. Much prefer the stock carbine handguards, a small 4-rail system with ladder-type covers, or a knurled free-float tube (in that order). All are small enough to get my hand AROUND, so I can grip it well.

[RMTactical]

M4 for me.

[MrMurphy]

I use M4 handguards cause that's what's on my M4 when it comes out of the armory. :)


However, soon it should be wearing a KAC rail and vert foregrip and laser.

[SKeefe]

For the newbies, anyone have any pictorial comparisons?

[Dennis in MA]

Holding them is a whole different story, but here are some pix from Bushy:

M4
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/uppers/pre-ban/bura2b-14.5m4.jpg

Carbine
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/uppers/pre-ban/bura2b14.5.jpg

THey are probably the same width, but the M4's are oval in shape so they are taller. I've just always had round handguards so this is a new experience for me.

[strazz]

Originally posted by Dennis in MA
Holding them is a whole different story, but here are some pix from Bushy:

M4
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/uppers/pre-ban/bura2b-14.5m4.jpg

Carbine
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/uppers/pre-ban/bura2b14.5.jpg

THey are probably the same width, but the M4's are oval in shape so they are taller. I've just always had round handguards so this is a new experience for me.

Same handguards, different barrels;)

[Dennis in MA]

ratzafratza! I never looked to compare. Just assumed Bushy would put on the right ones on their M4. Sheesh. Win a lawsuit, do something different anyhow.

[Dennis in MA]

Let's try RRA

Carbeen style handguards
http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/ucara4.gif

M4
http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/utasc.gif

The difference in size is only on the vertical, not horizontal. So the M4's are ovular. (Can you say ovular on this board?)

[jonathon]

I prefer the carbine handguards... feel nicer to me.

And I have huge hands.

[blahblahblah]

What's the difference between the two?

[blahblahblah]

They look almost identical.

[RMTactical]

Originally posted by blahblahblah
What's the difference between the two?

The M4 handguards are bigger.

[Zagger]

I prefer single shield M4 to CAR or double shields. I wouldn't buy a 16" gun with the short gas system though. I like midlengths.

[XYZsniper]

I like the carbine HG's on my A3 upper only because it allows my Eotech to be mounted further forward.

[SKeefe]

Originally posted by Bushw@cker
My Bushmaster came with carbine handguards, but I liked the look of the M4 handguards better along with the feel, so I got a pair made by RRA.
I'm assuming those are the ones that they call "R-4?"

[RMTactical]

Originally posted by SKeefe
I'm assuming those are the ones that they call "R-4?"

RRA calls them R4 handguards because they didn't want to get sued for using the term M4.

[dbrowne1]

I have long fingers, but still prefer carbine handguards over M4 ones. I don't need the extra heat shields on a semiauto gun, I don't need the extra weight or bulk, and I like being able to wrap my hand around the handguards more.