Proper Rail Length for AR Gas System

[MedicMan218]

I have a 16" mid-length barrel in the works and I was wondering what length rail will properly and completely cover/protect the gas block without any of it being exposed.

From what I have seen a lot of people have 9" rails on their middy's.
Is this the minimum or would a 10" be needed to accomplish what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance!!

-MM218

[LRRPF52]

I always use rifle-length tubes on my carbines, even if they are less than 16" with a pinned muzzle device. I get more real estate to play with for handling the gun, more room to play with on expedient rests, and less chance of impact on the barrel.

On my Grendel and other carbines, almost every one has a rifle-length handguard. The exceptions are the retro carbines that need to be period correct for collection/hobbyist purposes. If anyone makes a 10" handguard, that would barely cover some low-pro gas blocks maybe halfway. Just use a 12" and be done with it is what I would suggest.

[Drifter]

You'll need an 11" or longer handguard to completely cover the gas block on a midlength setup.

9" would be no coverage, and 10" would be partial coverage.

[MedicMan218]

Thanks guys

[mongoosesnipe]

There are quite a few midlength tubes out there now but I like to use low profile gas blocks and rifle length tubes

[Chato308]

+1 for low pro/rifle length combo. Except for my Grendel build, I'm going with a Samson 9-ex due to the Noveske Switchblock