Issue 05 Preview – Light Rail Recoil Staff Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More The Latest in Free-Float Handguards In a world where ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain, the weight of one’s equipment can oftentimes be as important as their functionality. Weight adds up quickly; keeping gear functional but light can keep one in the fight longer. In recent years, this line of thought has been applied to everything from armor plates and boots to nylon kits and even ammunition. The modern rifle is no exception. Brimming with Picatinny rail on all four sides, tactical free-float handguards found on many of today’s rifles allow the user convenient attachment points for mission-specific equipment, such as lights, lasers, optics, grips, and more. As the use of fully railed handguards became popular, a pattern started to become noticeable. Many shooters only used certain portions of the rail, leaving most of the rest of the length of Picatinny untouched or, ironically, encased with rail covers or rail ladders — some folks sarcastically referred to these railed systems as “cheese graters.” Manufacturers began to develop the next stage of free-float handguards, which integrated feedback from those in the field. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 5 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
