Aero Precision Quantum Handguard - Anybody Touchy?

[Sackett]

Has anyone had hands on the new Aero Precision Quantum handguards? Pricepoint is nice and Aero Precision is well-respected. Want to pull the trigger but wanted to see if anyone had firsthand experience first.

Thanks

Sackett.

[ray1970]

Is it like some of their others where you have to buy the barrel nut separately?

[Sackett]

Yes. Same interface.

[SA Friday]

Yes. Same interface.

The Quantum handguards come with their own proprietary barrel nut that will fit any mil-spec upper. It's a timed barrel nut with gas tube holes and made out of aluminum. The handguard diameter is the same as the Aero handguards for their monolithic upper, but these will fit any upper. They come with a piece of rail to attach to the top front of the handguard to mount a front sight on. Since the diameter is larger, the rail is designed to make the front sight the proper height. This is great for sighting it, but it causes problems with some of the folding sights. the rail isn't deep enough to accommodate the Magpul MBUS front sight it might not fit some others. We have them in stock at Bowers if you want to see them.

[Sackett]

Just to close this loop, I did end up buying one of these, a 12" for a 16" barrel. Very nice finish and fit. I assembled it this past weekend and everything fit together very nice; tolerances were nice and snug. It's nice and light but heavy enough to maintain a front-heavy weapon, which I like.

One thing to note: what you give up with this handguard is continuous top rail accommodation for rail mounting. As SA mentioned above, there is a piece of attachable rail at the front for a front sight but that is it. So, whatever you can pack onto the railed section of your upper is the real estate you are left with. I'm okay with that on this rifle. That just means I'll have to build another one... :D

[archangel]

They have been running deals on the gen 1 hand guards price point very close to the quantum hand guards

[osok-308]

I have not used their quantum hand guards, but their gen 2 hand guards are solid on my 308. I'm assuming that the same level of quality and craftsmanship went into building the quantum. Buy with confidence.