So, in a rather stagnant AR-15 market with nothing really standing out as new or innovative comes a veteran owned and family ran CNC shop called SD Tactical. Coming out swinging with some awesome custom designs and making some very bold and patriotic statements. Some such as this one in particular the “FUCK ISIS” handguard as well as other more conservative ones in their line-up. One of the services they offer is they will design and make your own custom designed handguard for you! (I know what you are thinking… AWESOME right?). They don’t charge you out the rear for these services either a custom 1 off design handguard will run you a simple $50 design fee.
Getting to it the process is rather simple, these are made to order so essentially you buy it, they cut it, ship it to anodizing, then to you. I know that seems like a lot of steps but the process really does not take to long, generally just a few short weeks. You will receive it very well packaged with a bunch of love (as well as a bunch of bubble wrap and tape) they include all the hardware as well and the barrel nut size is standard so an armorers wrench will do you just fine while installing. Just be aware that the inside diameter of these handguards measure right around 1.35” when you chose your gas block. I used a YHM low-profile .750 and had absolutely no clearance issues whatsoever.
After a quick install of the handguard on my “FUCK ISIS” build that I done in 7.62×39 out of pure nostalgia of course, I noticed it really set the build apart from the mundane normal builds I have. I did not use a standard M4 profile barrel due to the caliber of the build it was a bit more towards the medium profile barrel. That being said, you have to keep in mind that these are pretty slim handguards so they will heat up rather quick if you are a higher volume/quick succession type of shooter. However, the strength and overall integrity of the handguard is not compromised. It was tossed, kicked, dropped, handled rather rough to say the least but never failed or let me down so it served its purpose perfectly.
In my humble opinion I am going to give the SD Tactical handguards a solid “GO” at this station. They keep their prices extremely reasonable at $200-215 depending on length selected and the quality and features are there to support the price point. They also utilize the MLOK pattern along the entire 6 o’clock position and a full picatinny rail at the 12 o’clock position so you have plenty of accessory space as well. If you happened to be in the market for some totally awesome handguards that will definitely stand out and spark up conversation at the range go check out what they have to offer. If you don’t see something that you like on their line up then simply contact them and get it made your way here is the link.
