#FreeFloatHandguard

There’s a chance you’ve seen an image or three of an AR-15 railed handguard that’s been split apart from being too close to a muzzle brake. Enter the new Midwest Industries MI-CRM17XR handguard, designed to stretch out flush with a muzzle device, while giving the percussive blast a wide berth. The MI-CRM17XR handguard is 17.5 inches long and includes a wide array of M-LOK mounting points and a full-length Picatinny top rail, all of which allow for a long sight radius for irons and an unhindered weapon light beam. Midwest Industries’ specifications can be read below.

Until I started writing this article I had never really thought about the fact that I actually own no less than three rifles from Ruger. All bought at MSRP, or above, in fact. Two Ruger semi-autos, one in 223 Rem and one in 9×19 mm. And one bolt-action in 308 Win that all sit in my safe, and now serve as a reminder that I should get out and shoot more than I sit in front of the keyboard.

The Ruger PC Carbine has been out for a while. Pete wrote a review of the regular PC Carbine last year back in March. The PC Carbine has been well received as it has a retro Marlin Camp 9 rifle feel but updated for modern shooters. The traditional rifle ergonomics was a bit of a breath of fresh air amidst a cacophony of AR-style 9mm pistols and rifles. For people stuck in backwards states, the Ruger PC Carbine was a way for them to enjoy the fun of having a 9mm semi-auto carbine. Competitors in the USPSA PCC division have taken to the Ruger PC Carbine as a platform to build upon. However, something was lacking in the traditional-looking carbine. The minuscule handguard left you wanting something else. So Ruger came out with a free-floating handguard PC Carbine.

Double D Armory introduces “Victory™”, a Free Float, Modern Sporting Rifle, MLOK handguard.

If I am being completely honest, as much as I like the idea of the CZ Scorpion as a pistol caliber carbine, the aesthetics of the OEM handguard leave a lot to be desired. But like most parts of the firearms industry, if you are patient enough to wait, innovative companies will come along and fill the voids with all sorts of customization products. HB Industries will soon release a series of forends for the Scorpion that offer M-LOK attachment options and varying lengths.

About a month ago I posted a install how-to and review of the Strike Industries Drop-In Free Float Mega Fins handguard. Some of the readers were curious about how well the Mega Fins dissipated heat, so while at the range I did an impromptu test. Admittedly it wasn’t as controlled of a test as I would have liked, but it did achieve the desired result.

The people who came up with the “ New Weapon Lighting System” have gone live. They have a website now. Nextgenhdl.com