LaRue Tactical 7.0 Free Float Handguard
LaRue Tactical has not only made a name for themselves with their excellent locking-lever mounts, but also their free-float handguard/rail systems. The rails are available in five different lengths (total length of the handguard) – including carbine, midlength, rifle length and some variations. Featured here are the 7.0 (carbine) and 12.0 (rifle) models. The 7.0 weighs 11.2 oz and the 12.0 weighs 16.2 oz.
The handguards are machined from 6061 aluminum extrusions and mil-spec hard coat anodized matte black for a lasting finish. The threaded rear ring portion is machined as a separate piece, then mechanically joined to the handguard part using a proprietary system and also sealed with aerospace adhesive to eliminate the chance of any moisture from flowing between the joints. The first thing I noticed was that they felt slim. Taking some rough measurements, I measured the rails to be 2.0″ across and 2.2″ in height (same as the LMT MRP) – less than all the other rail systems including the KAC RIS and Troy.
I do like the feel of a slimmer handguard as I’ve got small hands and a narrower rail is easier for me to get my hands around, especially with rail panels. There’s always that compromise between radiated heat from a hot barrel and comfort (the closer to the barrel the hotter it can get), but the LaRue handguards are extensively ventilated to allow airflow. The rails have laser engraved “T-numbered” positions, and also the KAC panel ‘cuts’ at each end which enable the KAC panel clip to snap in place.