Product Spotlight: Geissele MK18 Handguard

In today's product spotlight, I'm super excited to talk about the Geissele MK18 Handguard. I stumbled upon this handguard while planning an SPR-type AR-15 build and I was specifically looking for something with an integrated ARCA rail. To my surprise, not only did I find exactly what I was looking for, but it also exceeded my expectations!
Why the Geissele MK18 Handguard?: I'll share my initial discovery journey for this handguard and why it stood out to me, especially for its full-length ARCA rail which is perfect for easily attaching tripods and bipods.
Detailed Features: We'll dive into the construction of the handguard, made from 7000 series aluminum, making it exceptionally strong and rigid. This material choice is a step up from the more commonly used 6000 series and offers enhanced durability and stability.
Installation and Compatibility: I'll also touch on its compatibility, highlighting how it pairs with an 18-inch barrel, and the overall build process which we'll cover more in a future video.
Practical Applications: The full-length ARCA rail offers practical benefits for both bipod and tripod use, ensuring stability and ease of switching between different shooting setups without the need to reconfigure or attach additional components.
This handguard is not just about functionality; it also brings a cosmetically pleasing design and high durability to any AR-15 build. If you're planning a similar build or looking for a high-quality handguard with advanced features like a full ARCA rail, the Geissele MK18 is definitely worth considering.
Feel free to leave your comments or questions below, especially if you have your own experiences with the Geissele MK18 Handguard. If you're watching on our website and need further assistance, don't hesitate to give us a call on our tech line. Thanks for tuning in, and I look forward to seeing you in our next video!

[@EM1473]

Looking forward to the SPR build!!!

[@maker_greg]

The name is unfortunate. They're gonna confuse a lot of folks who think this is for a shorty mk18 upper. The rail looks great though. I recently built out a 6 arc upper and used the cmt arca rail and love the functionality of having full-length arca on the underside of my handguard.

[@jz362]

yeah looking to make a 300 shorty with the suppressor in the rail...

[@maker_greg]

@jz362 if you want an arca handguard to tuck a suppressor into the sgt of arms arca handguard might be better for that use.

[@MH_6160]

I would hope people are not as stupid as you make them out to be… Doubt anyone will be confused if they have half a brain and can do some level of due diligence.

[@GeisseleAutomatics]

Hey Guys, just wanted to shed some light on the name. All Geissele handguards have a MK designation. Starting with the MK1 handguard, continuing to the current MK20 on our Border Patrol Rifle. Although there are many recognizable MK numbers, we understand how MK18 is synonymous with the AR platform. We appreciate the feedback though and hope that you can understand our reasoning.

[@maker_greg]

@GeisseleAutomatics I don't mind the naming convention as much as some guys seem to. My only gripe is that y'all don't get these in green ano enough. I was trying to build out a green upper to match my green adm lower but had to go all black with green accessories. Not much of a complaint really in the scope of things.

[@matty_1337-c7u]

Caleb - this has been intriguing. Where’s the completed rifle, cuz?

[@speedyconcretepumper]

In the past month ordered a g2s, ssa-e triggers and super 42 buffer and spring. Great products tho I still lean towards Daniel Defense for mk18. Oh yeah, Geissele could throw a sticker in one there packages for my safe door 😅

[@jluvnklee]

Trying to figure out what the little holes or indentations are along the bottom of the Arca portion of the handguard. Area 419 uses Arca lock technology but that utilizes the side of the rail from what I remember…

[@CombatBuckee]

Can yall PLEASE make a heavy barrel contour version of the BRN180 line? I want to buy the upper so badly but really want a heavier barrel

[@Averagedude73]

I like these handguards for sure but nothing wrong with other Araca rails, my area 419 arca flows very nice and adds rigidity also. Having a integrated arca rail is nice though.

[@Militaristics]

looks like it uses the MK4 and MK8 barrel nut, both bolts at the same level and 2 groves in the nut for the bolts to pass through. can you (browneels) confirm that? I'd like to swap this out for a MK4 that I have if it doesn't mean breaking everything down to do it.

[@scott2228]

Wish there was a 15” option. My 18” uses the MK12 OPS12 collar & break so I need enough exposed barrel.

[@GamePumaAll]

So this rail is best for guns that will be used on a tripod not really good for holding?

[@KevinWood44]

This rail is very cool...and heavy...and thick CMT, Vltor and IWI also make these and they more compact.....but I'd argue that the Geissele rail is certainly the strongest and most robust (if that's the goal) Also adding an aftermarket arca rail (Area 419 or comparable) is 100% an option but 15" is the longest I have ever seen (and those are rare too) This rail was designed for heavy AR hog hunting (tripod use only) in my opinion....and they NAILED IT

[@Snapper314]

Geissele Rails are known for their light weight. So I suspect this one will be fine. Plus SPR type setups are usually not overly concerned with weight.

[@KevinWood44]

@@Snapper314 Lightweight....as in DOUBLE the weight of the BCM or Midwest? And that is Geissele without the arca, with it is another 5-6oz But I somewhat agree SPR's tend to be heavier. Im building a 16" with an off set red dot so Im trying to keep the weight down. But If you're building an 18" SPR mostly for long range I could care less about the weight, in fact a lil weight would help with recoil

[@RobinP556]

Serious question, and I know that Caleb didn’t come up with the name, but how is this a Mk.18? Odd name but it looks like a very nice handguard.

[@theREALdingusMD]

It just follows Geissele’s rail naming scheme. Mk4, Mk8, Mk14, Mk15, Mk18

[@jaydunbar7538]

@@theREALdingusMDand mk20

[@Dmounts]

Would this handguard be good to use on a bull barrel AR build? I’ve seen many that have the gas block out in front of the handguard and I’m guessing that’s because the internal diameter of many handguards won’t allow proper fitment of barrel and gas block if the barrel is around 1-1.25” thick.

[@juniyananajukyu]

All depends, I have a version of this rail that was produced by Geissele a couple years ago. Anyways I'm running a 21" Odin works barrel on this rail and had intended on running Odin AGB, well it was touching the rail. Ended up using an aero low pro gas block. My barrel's gas block journal size is .875 as well.

[@jimmorrison2683]

Why do you refer to this build as an SBR when you also say it will be an 18" barrel?

[@sp00kyd0g]

He is saying “SPR”

[@jimmorrison2683]

@@sp00kyd0g Special Purpose Rifle?

[@sp00kyd0g]

@@jimmorrison2683yes

[@aarc2500]

do a 6mm arc build

[@kensmith8832]

I want to see a handguard made from 2024 Aluminum. The problem with the label, "Aircraft Aluminum" is aluminum is most alloys are used in aircraft.

[@pyeitme508]

Wow amazing stuff! Useful for military M4A1 carbines!

[@koolerthanapolarbear]

G$ mk8 is the best

[@stemerickj]

Caleb Savant, make it 20” you will not regret it.

[@adamburns2452]

Really would help tighten groups if using a steady rest on bench great product

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

A certain frequency Tuning fork, Sterling Silver Black Sun pendant & North side magnet can be used as a weapon against the evil fallen angels (demons) or will it cause a time warp? ⚠️ I do not recommend anyone to try this experiment.

[@William_Charles_Baker]

If you can find one, it'll run you about $400.00 USD.

[@elkbow]

Bunch of handguards with built in arca rails

[@everythingphil9376]

That ain't no MK18 rail.

[@jaydunbar7538]

You’re correct in that it’s not for a MK18, congratulations on knowing unrelated information. If you go look at there website the name makes perfect sense in there lineup.

[@Jimmy.O.]

Odd and unfortunate naming convention 🤔

[@budprepper3811]

More unnecessary Gucci stuff

[@cframe5213]

You don’t use lam’s do you

[@alfredjr2k556]

This is for Mark 18 and it's not for original AR-15.

[@guitarfreak122]

Is this a joke?

[@MavHunter20XX]

are you talking about the CQB receiver?

[@brownells]

This will indeed fit standard AR15's.

[@alfredjr2k556]

@@brownells Oh fine.

[@paullinkins8121]

QD sling mount near the barrel nut is terrible. I'm so tired of this trend. It needs to be nearest the muzzle. Connecting the sling should be at the furthest ends of a long gun as reasonably possible. Otherwise it's an unwieldy mess.

[@peanut2220]

Naw

[@POETCERA]

Question for Brownell's; I have a DiamondheadUSA VRS handguard. Are you familiar with this hand guard, if so do you know how I can get a pic rail attached?