The Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15 Made a Bold First Impression
The AR-15 platform is all about modularity, and the handguard is a crucial component for customization. That’s why the Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15 immediately caught my eye; its promise of lightweight durability and versatile accessory mounting piqued my interest. This handguard offered the potential to significantly upgrade my AR pistol build, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its specifications.
My existing AR pistol felt front-heavy, and the original handguard offered limited mounting options. I needed a solution that would shed some weight while providing ample real estate for optics, lights, and other essential accessories.
The Rise Armament RA-905 arrived neatly packaged, revealing a sleek, black anodized handguard. The 6061-T6 aluminum felt robust yet surprisingly light in my hands, and the machining appeared clean and precise. Compared to a similar length handguard from Midwest Industries and a cheaper option from an unknown brand, the RA-905 felt noticeably more premium in terms of material and finish.
I was initially excited by the potential weight savings and the streamlined aesthetic the RA-905 promised. However, a slight concern lingered about the potential for the shorter 7.5″ length to limit my grip options on my AR pistol.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15 to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial range trip involved mounting the RA-905 onto my AR pistol and running a few hundred rounds of various ammunition types. I tested it at an outdoor range, facing typical conditions: a mix of sun and slight wind, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The RA-905 performed admirably, exhibiting no noticeable flex or shifting during rapid firing sequences. The handguard remained cool to the touch even after extended use, thanks to its efficient heat dissipation design, something I appreciated compared to other handguards I have used. Installation was straightforward using the provided hardware and instructions, only requiring a basic AR-15 armorer’s toolset.
The only initial surprise was the limited space for mounting accessories towards the muzzle end due to the shorter length. However, the M-LOK slots and Picatinny rail sections provided sufficient options for my essential gear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the anodized finish, even after repeated handling and exposure to various cleaning solvents.
The handguard remains securely attached to the upper receiver, with no loosening or movement observed during regular range sessions and drills. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is usually sufficient to remove any carbon buildup or residue. It definitely outperforms the previous handguard that came with my AR pistol, offering a more stable and comfortable shooting platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15
Specifications
The Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15 boasts several key specifications that make it a competitive option in the AR-15 handguard market. It’s crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum, known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring both durability and manageable weight.
The 7.50″ length is ideal for AR pistols and SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) builds, providing a compact and maneuverable platform. The handguard features a black anodized finish, which enhances its resistance to corrosion and wear while providing a sleek, tactical appearance. Its attachment system ensures a rock-solid interface with the upper receiver.
The inclusion of M-LOK slots along the sides and bottom allows for versatile accessory mounting, while the Picatinny rail along the top provides a secure platform for optics and other essential components. These specifications contribute to a handguard that balances strength, versatility, and a lightweight design suitable for various tactical and recreational shooting applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard performs its job exceptionally well, providing a stable and comfortable platform for enhanced weapon control and accessory mounting. The M-LOK system allows for quick and easy attachment of lights, lasers, and foregrips, improving the overall ergonomics and handling of the AR pistol.
The continuous Picatinny rail ensures proper alignment and secure mounting of optics, maintaining zero even after extended use. While the 7.5″ length might be too short for some users with larger hands, it perfectly suits the compact nature of my AR pistol. The handguard’s strength and stability exceeded my expectations, providing a solid and reliable shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive, with the 6061-T6 aluminum feeling robust and well-machined. The handguard is lightweight, contributing to a well-balanced feel on my AR pistol, and the black anodized finish provides a smooth, comfortable grip.
The slim profile of the RA-905 enhances ergonomics, allowing for a more natural and secure hand placement. There is a slight learning curve associated with aligning the handguard during installation, but the process is relatively straightforward with the proper tools and instructions.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from 6061-T6 aluminum and the protective black anodized finish, the Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard is built to last. It shows no signs of degradation even after repeated use and exposure to various weather conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a mild solvent and a microfiber cloth. The robust design and durable materials ensure long-term reliability with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard is highly customizable, thanks to its M-LOK slots and Picatinny rail. It allows for a wide range of accessories to be mounted, including vertical grips, lights, lasers, and bipods.
The handguard is compatible with most standard AR-15 accessories, providing flexibility for users to tailor their setup to their specific needs. The included mounting hardware ensures a secure and seamless integration with various AR-15 upper receivers. The M-LOK system accepts Magpul M-LOK accessories and similar attachment systems, further expanding customization options.
Pros and Cons of Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15
Pros
- Lightweight Design: Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, the handguard adds minimal weight to the rifle, improving maneuverability.
- Durable Construction: The black anodized finish provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Mounting Options: Features both M-LOK slots and a Picatinny rail for attaching a wide range of accessories.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The slim profile and smooth finish offer a comfortable and secure grip.
- Easy Installation: The handguard comes with all necessary mounting hardware and clear instructions for straightforward installation.
Cons
- 5″ Length: The shorter length might not be ideal for users with larger hands or those who prefer a longer gripping surface.
- Limited Muzzle Device Clearance: Depending on the muzzle device, clearance may be tight.
Who Should Buy Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15?
The Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard is perfect for AR pistol enthusiasts, SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) owners, and tactical shooters who prioritize a lightweight, durable, and versatile handguard. It’s ideal for those looking to enhance their weapon’s ergonomics and accessory mounting capabilities.
This product might not be the best choice for users with larger hands who prefer a longer handguard for a more extended grip. Additionally, it’s not recommended for those requiring maximum rail space along the entire length of the handguard.
A must-have accessory would be a quality vertical grip or angled foregrip to improve control and stability. A reliable weapon light is also essential for tactical applications.
Conclusion on Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15
The Rise Armament RA-905 Handguard 7.50″ 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized with M-LOK & Picatinny Rail for AR-15 is a well-designed and thoughtfully executed AR-15 component. The price of $169.99 is justified by the handguard’s durable construction, versatile mounting options, and lightweight design.
I would personally recommend this handguard to anyone looking to upgrade their AR pistol or SBR with a high-quality, feature-rich option. Take your AR build to the next level with the Rise Armament RA-905.