Solid, lightweight ar-10 handguard when choice is limited - Midwest Industries DPMS .308/7.62 NATO SS-Series One Piece Free Float Handguard

Okay this handguard wouldn't be my first or second choice but in this year of extremely limited options, this model turned out to be a pretty nice compromise. It's VERY easy to install and comes with a torque wrench for the included barrel nut. This nut mated with my Aero Precision M5 upper receiver perfectly. The barrel nut does require timing so that the gas tube can fit correctly. Contrary to the other reviewer who said the handguard required fitting, that is not the case. I simply used a pic rail scope mount to line up the receiver and handguard pic rails BEFORE tightening the handguard. This will insure proper alignment. The finish on the handguard is a matte black but it has been applied perfectly. The handguard was a bit dusty upon opening of the package but it easily wiped off. The handguard itself is very lightweight despite the full-length pic rail. It's also very strong. The overall feel is really good and I didn't find any 'sharp' edges on the pic rail. My only negative (which I took off a star) is that the barrel nut is not covered by the rail. In fact, there's a slight gap that exposes the barrel nut -- which is more of a cosmetic issue. That being said, it's an effective design that works to my satisfaction.