MI Combat Handguard…meh
At first it looked like a competitive alternative for the Giselle Handguard but after receiving it I realized the barrel nut was too short & the build was simply too thin. It all resulted in an unacceptable amount of flex & drift at the front (which is where I put my laser…& my support hand). Overall, not very pleased with it. Returned & bought a Giselle
Barrel nut wrench and clearances for gas block
The machining of the handguard is top-notch, and the handguard itself is designed very well. If you're looking for a *very* low profile, lightweight handguard - This is a great option. This is where my praise ends. This handguard has a few issues that will probably end up costing me more;
1. The internal dimensions (1.3") are not large enough to support a Supurlative Arms .875" clamp-on adjustable gas block. The handguard internal dimensions rub on the top and bottom of the gas block very slightly. Keeping the gas block loose, and rotating it around, I could not find the needed clearances. Since I'm building an "SPR" AR15, with a high-end barrel and bolt, I cannot use this handguard without filing down quite a bit of material from the top and bottom of the gas block and/or handguard - This not something I'm going to do to an expensive gas block and somewhat expensive handguard. For this handguard to fit my gas block, I would probably need the internal diameter to be about 1.4-1.5". If you care about accuracy, you must have enough clearance on the barrel, gas tube and gas block so that nothing will touch (the whole point of free floating) these parts when you fire the rifle.
2. The included barrel nut wrench is NOT strong enough to install the barrel nut - The metal is too soft and the tool itself does not have the tolerances to stay securely on the barrel nut. One of the teeth bent on me, and was almost cut off just before hitting 40ft-lbs per inch which is the specified torque value indicated in the instructions. Luckily I had a Real Avid armorers master wrench, and I was able to use that to install the barrel nut properly. The Avid wrench has a recessed barrel nut slot (you can flip it to have the teeth exposed if you need to) to envelop some of the nut which keeps the teeth safe and secured when torquing it down.
If you want to use this handguard use a very simple, non-adjustable gas block, and make sure you are absolutely sure of the outer dimensions (the height especially) of the gas block you install, and that you have a high quality barrel nut wrench. Avoid the included wrench at all costs.
Good Quality but has a flaw
Quality accessory but be aware this handguard has a cutout in the front which allows your finger to touch the barrel unless you install a stop. Not sure why this cutout is even there but this handguard doesn't work very well with a vertical grip because of this design flaw. Picture enclosed because you can't see this cutout in the photos.
