Description
The handguard is the most visible and most handled part of a rifle: the one you choose will define the style, weight, ergonomics, and performance of your AR-10 or AR-15 firearm. Ultra-lightweight is only the starting point for what our NOAX handguards offer. Aerospace carbon fiber make this guard stronger than aluminum at below half the weight. The lattice structure provides a solid and repeatable grip and allows versatile accessory mounting at almost any angle. It insulates your forehand and provides airflow ensures superior barrel cooling rates for accuracy even in sustained fire. For precision shooting, our free-floating barrel nut puts no pressure on the barrel and will never change your point of impact. We know that’s a lot to promise, that’s why we back these claims with our industry leading warranty. We offer the NOAX handguard in lengths from 7” to 15” to match your shooting style and rifle setup. The carbon lattice material is complemented by our deep-black hard-anodized aluminum end-caps which allow easy mounting to your upper receiver and protect the leading edge from impact.
The EDGE, BLADE, and ATLAS models are all built with our precision NOAX material and vary only in the forward end-cap. EDGE provides a flat cut for classic style or to align with a silencer. BLADE provides an angular cut to help exhibit your barrel or for compensator and front sight clearance. While M-LOK and Picatinny can be mounted anywhere along the handguard with our backing plates, ATLAS provides a quad Picatinny rail and a sling stud for users who expect to always run accessories.
What’s in the box? All Brigand Arms handguard orders include our lightweight barrel nut which replaces your existing barrel nut. We always recommend you talk to a gunsmith about installation, but we have tutorials for both AR-10 and AR-15 installation. If you’re frequently working on your AR build, we recommend our ultra-compact BAAR armorer’s wrench. Like most free-floating handguards, all Brigand Arms guards require a low-profile gas block. We recommend Faxon for a simple lightweight gas block and Aero Precision for adjustable gas blocks.
If you have followed Brigand Arms for a while, you might be thinking “This material looks different than the last time I saw it…” You’re right! In 2021 our fabrication process was re-designed to give our team complete control over the manufacturing process. We call our new material “NOAX” (pronounced “NO-axe”) to differentiate from the former braided “OACS” or “O-ACS” material. Every NOAX handguard is built in Birmingham, Alabama by specialized machines developed for that purpose. This new material is stronger than ever, enables more precise accessory mounting, and now has a sleek dark graphite appearance and smoother texture. All orders placed after December 1, 2021 are built with this new material.
To get the most out of your O-ACS handguard purchase, consider adding our Picatinny or MLOK accessory mounts.
Specs:
- ID = 1.75 in. | OD = 2.00 in.
- Tube: Patented T700 carbon fiber NOAX
- Caps: Aluminum 6061 Hard Anodized
- Barrel nut (included): Aluminum 7075 Hard Anodized
Weight
| LENGTH: | EDGE | BLADE | ATLAS |
| 7″ | 3.7 oz | 3.7 oz | 5.8 oz |
| 9″ | 4.1 oz | 4.1 oz | 6.2 oz |
| 12.375″ | 4.7 oz | 4.7 oz | 6.7 oz |
| 15″ | 5.1 oz | 5.1 oz | 7.1 oz |
*All weights INCLUDE barrel nut. Add 1.2oz for AR-10 model
- Barrel Nut: Free-float barrel nut system (externally threaded alloy aluminum barrel nut and a steel jam nut).
- Threads: Standard Yankee Hill thread count.
- Torque: Recommended torque is 30-40 ft-lbs, as with any aluminum barrel nut. A small spot of moly grease (e.g. aeroshell 64/33ms) is recommended, but not required. If you get to full torque and the gas port is not quite aligned, simply loosen and re-tighten the nut until it creeps into place.
- Lengths: Measured from tip of end cap to end of jam nut (i.e. fully-installed length).
- AR-10 Barrel Nut Installation: Check out the install video for guidance.
Unknown –
I was concerned about the strength of the handguard before i purchased it. No worries now! It is incredibly solid, looks amazing, feels great, and is by far my favorite handguard. The weight this dropped off my rifle has made it feel like a completely different gun. I get compliments on it every time i take it out. Now it’s time to replace some of my other heavier, less comfortable handguards.
-Review provided by Strong Side Tactical Customer 2/11/17
Read the review on Strong Side Tactical’s website: https://www.strongsidetactical.com/brigand-arms-edge-handguards/
Lee Bargeron –
I’ve always been a lover of carbon fiber in all forms (except for splinters in my skin…) This handguard is unbelievable light and rigid. I haven’t been this exited abut a new gun part in a looooong time!
-Review posted by Lee Bargeron (Strong Side Tactical Customer) on 11/27/16
Read the review on Strong Side Tactical’s website: https://www.strongsidetactical.com/brigand-arms-edge-handguards/
Mark993 –
Used the 15″ version in a mid-light build, and it’s incredible! Very well made, strong and stiff (the barrel flexes more than the handguard when squeezed off center), looks amazing, and all at slightly less than 4 oz. Only complaint I have is the overwhelming desire to upgrade all of my other rifles!
-Review posted by MountsPlus customer Mark993 on 2/5/17
Read the review on Mounting Solutions Plus website: http://www.mountsplus.com/AR-15_Accessories/AR-15_Scope_Rings/205-BA-E.html
Jarrod Nelson –
The Brigand Edge handguard is by far the best conversation starter out on the range. Just seeing these handguards in the rifle rack is enough to catch a persons eye and ask what kind of handguard is that or even better you hear people talking saying did you see that guys handguard it’s carbon fiber! Well it’s not all talk either the Brigand handguard performs and holds up to the extreme conditions found within the sport of 3-Gun. From a torqued shooting position to being thrown in a dump barrel in passing, the edge rail has withstood the test going on two years now. Very lightweight, strong and durable, feels great in the hand. With multiple mounting options now available there is no reason to not own a Brigand Arms rail.
jericois –
I started using the Brigand Arms Edge at the beginning of 2016 for my 3 gun rifle. In 3 gun the weapons take a beating, especially the rifle. They dumped hard into dump barrels, slung and even fallen on during a long terrain type stages. Initially my concern was the hand guard looked like it would not hold up, but after my first practice and then match, this hand guard is an absolute beast!
The other thing I love about this hand guard is the weight…it weighs hardly anything.
The Brigand Arms Edge is the most talked about item of all my 3 gun gear…I get more questions and inquiries about the Edge.
Awesome job BA!!!!!
J (verified owner) –
Once I saw this handguard tested by having it being blown up and having little to no damage I knew this was the handguard to buy. Also got the rail section and while that was a little hard to install it works at holding a simple sling holder. No problems with my hand getting too hot as heat dissipates almost immediately. The only con is that I have a rifle length gas system on my ar 10 and the 12″ Handguard is 1″ short from covering the gas block. Would have liked it to cover the gas block entirely for looks and extra protection. Otherwise this is a GREAT handguard!
John Beder (verified owner) –
J , why did you not get the 15″ variant?
Brett –
Very light and Very strong. Happy with the purchase. wish they would make one with a larger inner diameter
RTS –
going on an sbr build
by RTS, Verified Owner from KS, United States Written on August 8, 2021 – via Optics Planet
A great light weight hg for my 9 mil sbr build. A custom look setting it apart from some other projects. Ill buy another brigand product for sure. I bought the last one during a sale when these were hard to find
Pros: light weight, Custom look
Cons: None
Best Used for: sbr build
Would recommend: Yes
J from KS –
Brigand edge
by J, from KS, United States Written on October 20, 2019 – via Optics Planet
Great handguard, stiff and light. Perfect for shooting sticks due to the consistent round profile and also warmer than aluminum for cold coyote hunting mornings. Quality is great. I’ve since ordered another for a different rifle. Pricey! But one of a kind
Victor (TX) –
by Victor, from TX, United States Written on September 19, 2018 – via Optics Planet
someone who’s building a light ar15 this handguard is great, very easy to install and very light weight, also It well look assume on your gun , very easy to handle and get on target . Take my advice just call or look up Brigand arms they’ll help you out that have all the answers, plus I think they have three or four to choose from
Abuce (AL) –
Great product!!
by Abuce, from AL, United States Written on June 23, 2018
I love this product, at first you might worry because of it’s extremely light weight. Don’t! This thing is stout, holds up well to regular abuse, and I love the ability to place a rail basically anywhere you want and any angle.
Pros: light weight, Quality, Strong, Versaitle configerations
Cons: None
Paul Kersey (OH) –
Light and strong handguard
by Paul Kersey, Verified Owner from OH, United States Written on June 8, 2018 – via Optics Planet
The Brigand Arms carbon fiber handguard does what Brigand claims. It is incredibly light. So light in fact, that you would think the box is empty when it first ships! It is also extremely rigid. Installation is straight forward juust like any other free floating set up that uses a lock collar to secure it. Although I didn’t use an adjustable gas block I can see where this handguard would come in handy since you can gain access to it pretty much all round. One thing to watch for though is if you plan to use a front sight you can’t really get the correct height using this handguard. I planned on an optic only so it wasn’t an issue for me.
Black (KY) –
Brigand arms handguard
by Black, from KY, United States Written on April 8, 2018 – via Optics Planet
Super fast shipping. It arrived in a few days and was very well packaged. Once i got it out and looked at it it looks better in person than in picture. It is super light and feels awesome. The carbon fiber has no sharp edges anywhere.
Mixtli (KS) –
Brigand Arms AR-15 Edge Handguard
by Mixtli, from KS, United States Written on January 19, 2018 – via Optics Planet
Form and function are the perfect definition of this handguard. Super light weight, rigid, functional all comes together in a beautiful package. I am seriously pleased with this product. The installation instructions are clear & easy to follow.
Matt (NY) –
extremly light!
by Matt, Verified Owner from NY, United States Written on July 18, 2018 – via Optics Planet
I bought the 9in AR10 variant comes in at 5.3 oz. the barrel nut is very east to put on and uses a standard AR15 wrench. Barrel nut threads on and has an internal jam nut that secures the barrel. My build is only 6lbs, using a 16″ Faxon barrel super handy .308 still looking at getting a smoke custom buttstock to bring it down to 5.75 lbs.