I am building a DPMS pattern AR10 in .308. I have the 20" Ballistic Advantage Premium Series Rifle length gas system barrel already which is soon going to have some fluting added to it and ceracoated black. The barrel will sport a Seekins Precision adjustable gas block, the one that requires an allen wrench to adjust. I want to go with the Midwest Industries rail with an ID of 1.5" due to the built in QD point locations and possible future can usage.
My indecision is with the handguard length. At first I was thinking to go with a 15" guard so as to not require such a long allen wrench to reach the adjustment points but now I am thinking I should go with an 18" to give more barrel coverage and have a bipod mounted further out. This will be my first adjustable gas block and I am not sure if it would be possible to get to the adjustment points from the side of the rail if I go with the 18". Also the hand guard will also be getting some time on the CNC machine to remove a little weight from the rail area in the way of drilling a hole through every other rib of the rail. So, what are your thoughts/experience.
My indecision is with the handguard length. At first I was thinking to go with a 15" guard so as to not require such a long allen wrench to reach the adjustment points but now I am thinking I should go with an 18" to give more barrel coverage and have a bipod mounted further out. This will be my first adjustable gas block and I am not sure if it would be possible to get to the adjustment points from the side of the rail if I go with the 18". Also the hand guard will also be getting some time on the CNC machine to remove a little weight from the rail area in the way of drilling a hole through every other rib of the rail. So, what are your thoughts/experience.