new to AR builds/grendel Qs

[saiga12]

Hey guys, I am working up to building a 6.5 grendel and am in the process of reading up and ordering parts. So far I already have a stripped lower and parts kit to build, and have ordered the AA 24" barrel/bolt combo with AA upper receiver. I also ordered an armorers wrench and a DPMS panther claw. My goal for this guns use is mostly for paper and varmints and maybe whitetail deer hunting. My first question to you guys is about handguard length. I want to use a free float, but I'm not sure what length. I assume I need a rifle length gas tube. With a rifle length gas tube won't that limit hand guard length to about 12"? Thanks in advance!

[Sojorboy]

Hey Saiga, Welcome. I'm not expert but I'll share my thoughts.
You can use a low profile gas block that would allow you to use any length tube. I prefer the rifle length or longer tubes on my deer hunting rifles. I sit mostly in ground blinds/tree stands and the longer tubes allow me to rest the weapon on the shooting rails more comfortably than the shorter tubes. If I were walking 'n stalking I would go with the shorter tubes to lighten the weapon for ease of carrying it.
I'm sure some of the more experienced experts on here will be quick to share their knowledge. This is a Great place with Good people or are willing to help each other with criticism.
Again, Welcome, and good luck with your build :-)

[Tailgate]

Ditto to what Sojorboy said. Most low-pro gas blocks will fit under most handguards, and if they have an issue with any particular handguard, they usually will mention that in the description. For better accuracy, you want a gas block that vise-clamps onto the barrel (has screws underneath that pinch it shut) versus the "set screw" type of gas block. This has to do with barrel harmonics rather than any physical operation of the gas block.

[Whelenon]

The guys are right, use a low profile gas block and you can use whatever length handguard you want. Welcome to the Horde and good luck on you build.

[LRRPF52]

Welcome. Since you're ordering a 24" barrel with a rifle-length gas system, you will want at least a rifle-length free-float tube, but you can get extended versions that will go to 13", 14", and 15" if you prefer. If you use a shorter handguard, your gas tube will be exposed, and you won't have the fore-end support that you'll want for that barrel.

The AA G10 Carbone Fiber tubes are awesome, so I would look at them first. If not that, a basic 12" float tube will work fine for you.

[saiga12]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. I think a longer guard would look nice and offer a good balance. I like the idea of carbon fiber as well to keep the weight down. I definitely want a swivel stud to mount a Harris bipod to. I'll have to see what sling attatchment options are out there too.

[LRRPF52]

After feeling a 28" Grendel with the AA G10 handguard, I was really impressed how well-balanced the rifle was. You can customize the G10 handguard however you want, and the picture on the AA site show the rifle and extended-length with sling swivel studs already mounted, so the are ready to go for a bipod if you're using a Harris.

http://www.shopalexanderarms.com/Par...andguards.html

The vent holes look like they will work with at least 2 of the low-profile QD socket sling attachment mounts on the market I have seen. Here's the one I like the most:

http://www.impactweaponscomponents.c...d-micro-mount/

[saiga12]

Thanks for the links. They both look really good to me. I came across these also. I wonder if anyone here has any experience with this brand. http://www.hiperform.com/hand-guards.htm

[saiga12]

They are low priced that's for sure compared to all the others I have looked at.

[LRRPF52]

If you want carbon fiber, you have a few more choices:

Clark Custom

DPMS

PRI

Of all those, I like the AA and PRI models the most, with the AA being the best bang for the buck. Clarks are in the $100 range w/sling swivel stud, and DPMS are in the $90 range, with no sling swivel stud.

PRI offers a triangular Delta handguard made of carbon fiber that is really cool, but in the $300 range.