Longshot83 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I am looking at replacing my 15.5" JP hand guard with a carbon fiber one, looking mainly at the Lancer carbon fiber hand guards. For those that have used them what do you think? Pros? Cons? I want to remove a little weight from the front of the rifle and also it will be nice on some of the higher round count stages having the hand guard not get so hot. How stable are they (flex, against a barricade, etc.)? Are they durable? Since the carbon is so smooth do they offer enough grip? For the Lancer round or octagonal? I am leaning towards round but the octagonal one looks pretty cool and I like the QD points built into the receiver extension. Using the search on here I really only found a few guys say they have held up for one to two seasons and they like them, not much more information than that. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
striped1 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I prefer the Octagonal to round for better grip and the flats for barricades. I know Mark from Carbon Arms has written some very interesting things about cutting carbon fiber and the dangers associated with it. Hopefully he will chime in here. It has given me pause about using Lancer or any other slotted Carbon Fiber I have found that you can get lighter than the Lancer. Even the Noveske keymod is lighter than the lancer. at 11.6 v. 14.5 oz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradfromND Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 The Lancer from Ranier is extremely nice but the extension adds all of the weight to it. The weight does sit right up on the receiver so it still balances nice. I have the octagon tube on mine and really like it. Each person is a bit different though. I have a Samson evolution on my other rifle and there really is no discernible difference in weight between the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkCO Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I'll not repeat it in depth, but slotting Carbon Fiber is just a bad idea all-around. The materials strength is defeated and there are very real dangers to exposed raw Carbon fiber edges. I think if you search, you will find the threads. The Feathers are the strongest on the market and actually flex less than most barrels with pressure on them. We have been making them for 4 years and we have never seen one of ours broken, but we have replaced several of other brands that were delaminated and or broken. While our standard Feather has a gloss finish, the fabric does provide a little texture. However, I wanted more and did not want grip tape. We now offer two levels of girt epoxy on the surface, the most aggressive is very grippy, even soaking wet. You can also get colors...red, blue, green, purple, orange...dark or light. I do believe they are the best CF handguard available. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vlad Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Mark can you point us to an old thread discussing slotted issue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkCO Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Vlad, sent it to you in a PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longshot83 Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Mark What options are there for mounting a sling or bipod to the carbon arms handgaurd? Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkCO Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Mark What options are there for mounting a sling or bipod to the carbon arms handgaurd? Thank you. We can drill holes pretty much anywhere. I have been using the Nordic QD sling cup made for 2" OD forearms and the Nordic 3" rails, also made for the 2" OD forearms. Sling studs can also be mounted directly with a hole. We put a plastic plug in the holes, so you can just pop that out and put in the stud or a rail. For bi-pods, better to mount a rail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD383 Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 I bought a Lancer (octagon style)a few months ago for a new rifle build. This is what I've learned thus far: Pros: light weight does provide a good grip despite its smooth finish Does not have noticeable flex So far has held up to one 3 gun match and tough practice sessions with no sign of wear Cons: The attachment requires Loctite to hold it in place and does not have any screws or locking rings. The hand guard is attached by screws like a JP and some other brands. It does look and feel good, but for the price does not provide significant advantages over other brands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoker Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 On my Carbon Arms 15" I sprayed truck bedliner from the end back about 5-6" for where my hand goes.. Provides a little more texture/grip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6brbb Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Mark, What is the internal & external diameter dimensions of your Carbon Arms 15" tubes. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkCO Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 1.875" ID, 2" OD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickoli Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 I have only held the Lancer and AP handguards. I personally like them. The weight of my Lancer is the same as the MI handguard I took off, but it shifted all the weight to the end of the upper receiver which to me feels better. I have not had any issues with flex and it is held up to a lot of abuse from me this season. I like the octagonal profile of mine, and I have never had an issue with grip on it. My hands sweat a lot at matches and I have never had a problem holding on to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jriggs Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 (edited) I run the AP Customs keymod carbon guard and love it! I ended up picking this one up because you can order it in 17" length..which is perfect if you're running a longer barrel like I am. it comes in really handy when shooting prone or bracing on any structure..it just gives me more options for shooting position that a shorter barrel would. the keymod is nice too because it was a nice clean simple way to attach a sling for some of the local matches. if you go to shooters source you can see it there..he sells them. it's identical to the Lancer product...so they both must source the carbon tube from the same manufacturer. I like the octagonal shape..just feels good in the hand and allows me to feel the 'bottom" of the guard. and like I said..that extended length was the selling point for me...not many companies make a 17" carbon guard and it fits the 18.5" barrel perfect! Edited September 5, 2014 by jriggs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jriggs Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Here is a pic for reference.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaticvisions Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I have the Carbon Arms in silver (aluminum powder is bonded to the outermost carbon fiber layer, then clear coated, I think) and it's awesome. No gluing and you can drill a hole or two using a 1/4" diamond bit anywhere for sling mounts, short rail sections, etc. It's the lightest handguard out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jriggs Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I could care less about a fraction of an ounce....the part need to be reliable and work as intended..weight is secondary. that being said...I have not had a chance to see one of mark's guards up close but I'm sure they're sweet as hell..as are all his other products! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug H. Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I have one of the original Carbon Arms tubes that fit the JP nut. I love mine, even drilled a couple of holes with a regular drill after wetting the surface so I didn't get any fumes. The tube is very light weight and very stiff! Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tacticalCOWBOY Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Mark What options are there for mounting a sling or bipod to the carbon arms handgaurd? Thank you. We can drill holes pretty much anywhere. I have been using the Nordic QD sling cup made for 2" OD forearms and the Nordic 3" rails, also made for the 2" OD forearms. Sling studs can also be mounted directly with a hole. We put a plastic plug in the holes, so you can just pop that out and put in the stud or a rail. For bi-pods, better to mount a rail. Can you post a link to the 3" rails you use to install a front sight please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkCO Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Mark What options are there for mounting a sling or bipod to the carbon arms handgaurd? Thank you. We can drill holes pretty much anywhere. I have been using the Nordic QD sling cup made for 2" OD forearms and the Nordic 3" rails, also made for the 2" OD forearms. Sling studs can also be mounted directly with a hole. We put a plastic plug in the holes, so you can just pop that out and put in the stud or a rail. For bi-pods, better to mount a rail. Can you post a link to the 3" rails you use to install a front sight please. http://nordiccomp.com/retail/shop/ar-15-10/picatinny-rail-for-nordic-components-nc1-style-hand-guards/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tacticalCOWBOY Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Mark What options are there for mounting a sling or bipod to the carbon arms handgaurd? Thank you. We can drill holes pretty much anywhere. I have been using the Nordic QD sling cup made for 2" OD forearms and the Nordic 3" rails, also made for the 2" OD forearms. Sling studs can also be mounted directly with a hole. We put a plastic plug in the holes, so you can just pop that out and put in the stud or a rail. For bi-pods, better to mount a rail. Can you post a link to the 3" rails you use to install a front sight please. http://nordiccomp.com/retail/shop/ar-15-10/picatinny-rail-for-nordic-components-nc1-style-hand-guards/ Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now