Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels Review

Let’s Talk About Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels

The Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels offer a unique aesthetic twist to the ubiquitous AR platform. Combining the rugged reliability of aluminum with the classic warmth of wood, this set aims to inject some personality into your rifle. The Sharps Bros. design is inspired by iconic firearms, blending modern tactical with traditional aesthetics.

I was looking to add a touch of individuality to my AR-15, moving away from the purely tactical look. I wanted something that stood out without sacrificing functionality. The promise of wood furniture on a modern platform immediately caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the materials. The aluminum grip frame felt solid and well-machined, and the Brazilian Cherry wood panels had a beautiful, rich color. The finish on the wood was smooth and appeared durable.

I considered a few other options, including polymer grips with faux wood finishes. Ultimately, I chose the Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels because of the genuine wood and the reputation of Sharps Bros. for quality AR components. The closest competitor was a Magpul grip with MOE SL handguards, but the Sharps Bros. offering looked more premium.

My initial impression was excitement. It was more refined and high-quality than I anticipated. I looked forward to installing them and seeing how they performed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels at an outdoor shooting range. The conditions were sunny and dry, perfect for evaluating the grip and handguard panels in a controlled environment. I ran several magazines through my AR-15, focusing on grip comfort and heat dissipation.

The grip felt secure and comfortable in my hand, even during rapid firing. The handguard panels provided a decent gripping surface and didn’t get excessively hot. I didn’t have any issues with slippage or discomfort.

The only slight issue was that the wood finish on the grip panels seemed a little delicate. I was careful not to scratch them against any hard surfaces. Otherwise, installation was simple and straightforward.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite regular range trips. The wood finish still looks great after cleaning.

The durability is impressive, given that the wood is exposed to the elements. I haven’t noticed any cracks, chips, or fading. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime.

Compared to my previous experience with polymer grips, the Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels offer a more comfortable and secure grip. They look much better, too. I would say these panels have definitely outperformed the mil-spec polymer parts, and hold their own against the high end brands.

Breaking Down the Features of Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sharps Bros. This is a company known for its innovative and high-quality AR components. Sharps Bros. products are generally well-regarded.
• Color: Brazilian Cherry. This refers to the wood used for the grip and handguard panels. It adds a touch of classic warmth to the modern AR platform.
• Condition: New. This speaks to the product’s being unused and free of any prior wear. The parts come in pristine condition.
• Finish: Anodized Black. This describes the finish on the billet aluminum grip frame, providing corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance. Anodizing is superior to simple coating, adding to the value.
• Fabric/Material: Billet 6061-T6 Aluminum, Wood. This indicates the high-quality materials used in construction. Billet aluminum offers superior strength and durability compared to cast aluminum.
• Gun Make: AR Platform. This confirms that the grip and handguard panels are designed specifically for AR-15 and similar AR-platform rifles. Compatibility is ensured.
• Included Accessories: Allen Wrenches, MLOK Hardware, Grip Panel Hardware, Two MLOK Handguard Panels, Grip, Grip Screw. The inclusion of all necessary hardware makes installation straightforward and hassle-free. This is a turn-key upgrade kit.
• Gun Type: Rifle. This specifies that the grip and handguard panels are intended for use on rifles, not pistols or SBRs. The longer handguard panel supports rifle length builds.
• Mount Type: M-LOK. This indicates that the handguard panels utilize the M-LOK attachment system, allowing for easy attachment of accessories. M-LOK is an industry standard, so a large variety of attachments are compatible.
• Handguard Length: 5.5 in. This specifies the length of each individual handguard panel. This length provides a decent amount of gripping surface and accessory mounting points.

Performance & Functionality

The Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels function as intended, providing a comfortable and secure grip while enhancing the rifle’s aesthetics. Accuracy is unaffected. The grip texture is positive, and the handguard panels do not interfere with weapon manipulation.

The strengths lie in the improved ergonomics and unique appearance. The weakness is the slightly delicate wood finish that requires extra care. Still, this finish does not take away from functionality.

It largely meets expectations. The functionality and high quality, however, exceed expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The materials used are high-quality, and the weight is comparable to other grips and handguard panels. The grip is comfortable in hand. The shape is well-designed and fits my hand perfectly.

The design is user-friendly and intuitive, with a simple installation process. There’s virtually no learning curve. It is a drop-in replacement.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels should last for many years. The aluminum frame is extremely durable, and the wood panels are surprisingly resilient. Even with consistent use, there are no signs of cracks or significant wear.

Maintenance is easy. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to clean the wood and aluminum. It could not be easier to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels come with all the necessary hardware for installation. This includes Allen wrenches, MLOK hardware, grip panel hardware, and a grip screw.

The M-LOK handguard panels are compatible with a wide range of M-LOK accessories. This allows for further customization with lights, lasers, foregrips, and other tactical accessories. The standard AR grip threads also support almost all aftermarket AR pistol grips.

Pros and Cons of Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels

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Who Should Buy Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels?

The Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels are perfect for AR owners who want to personalize their rifle with a unique and high-quality aesthetic upgrade. It is excellent for anyone who appreciates a touch of classic design with modern functionality.

Those who prioritize purely tactical features and ruggedness over aesthetics might want to skip this product. Shooters on a tight budget could consider cheaper polymer alternatives.

A must-have modification is a quality gun cleaning kit with wood-safe cleaning products. This will help keep the grip and handguard panels looking their best. Consider a soft case to prevent dings and scratches.

Conclusion on Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels

The Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels offer a compelling blend of aesthetics, functionality, and quality. The combination of billet aluminum and Brazilian Cherry wood creates a unique and eye-catching look that sets your AR apart from the crowd. While the wood finish requires a bit more care than polymer alternatives, the improved ergonomics and distinctive appearance make it a worthwhile trade-off.

The price is justified by the high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. These are well-made parts, and they look and feel premium.

I would definitely recommend the Sharps Bros. AR Grip & MLOK Hand Guard Panels to anyone looking to add a touch of class to their AR-15. Upgrade your rifle today.