Need Hand Guard Advice - Please

[FortTom]

Hi. My LMT Mid has centurion rails, a fairly compact 4X20X50 lighted rectical scope and a Burris Fast fire III mounted with a Burris P.E.P.R. Q-release mount, and Arms BUIS. I built it to be a sort of "everything" weapon, since (I hope), the rest of it's life will be spent poking holes in paper and popping any threatening beer or soda cans.

Now I'm in the process of building my last M4 weapon. A big concern is weight. I have a herniated disc, which will require surgery, and I don't know what to expect after that. So starting the build with a light hammer forged Lower, and still comparing uppers for weight.

The big problem is an area I know nothing about. Carbon Fiber hand guards, in conjunction with an aimpoint red dot sight and polymer BUIS. A CRT stock, and that's it. Light as I can think of. What I need to know is if anyone would recommend this for a SD weapon. The model I'm looking at is the AP Custom USA round models that are held on by just three set screws on the stock barrel nut. I know these are recommended for 3 Gun comp, but from the few reviews I've seen, folks use them to build light fighting weapons also. I'm looking at the mid-length since I'll be using a 16in barrel (no hassle NFA stuff), that has a pic rail on top where I can mount the Aimpoint and BUIS.

Would this set-up be practical? Workable? Unworkable, Just plain dumb, or what, in your educated opinion with these type of handguards? Thanks for any help, ahead.

FT:confused:

[zero7one]

I have never used or even held one of these rails, so I cannot give you an assessment on their functionality....however, if you are looking at these solely for their lightweight capabilities, have you considered the Fortis Manufacturing REV? They weigh in around 1.5 oz more comparatively to similar lengths, but also offer more options like Key-Mod capability, Picatinny Rails, and QD Swivel Slots. Not saying one is better than the other, especially since I have not handled what you are looking at, but throwing that out there as an option to consider. Below are the weight breakdowns.

AP Custom Carbon Fiber Rails WEBPAGE (http://www.apcustomusa.com/handguard.php)

7" - 5.4 oz
9" - 6.3 oz
12.375" - 7.8 oz
15" - 9.3 oz

Fortis REV Rails WEBPAGE (http://fortismfg.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59)

7" - 6.7 oz
9" - 7.9 oz
12" - 9.2 oz
14" - 11 oz

[FortTom]

Thanks, looks interesting.

FT

[UWone77]

FT,

Have you looked at the Lancer Carbon Fiber Handguards? The 13" rail (https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3878) is 11oz with the barrel nut. They also offer a 15"