The Brigand Blade.
To learn more, visit the Brigand Arms website.
Overview
The design concept is built on a platform of braided carbon tube.
At SHOT Show 2017, I ran into the folks from Brigand Arms, and yes that is Brigand (brig-uh nd) n. – A renegade or outlaw; member of a well-armed band. They were a happy band because they have changed the game in lightweight AR forearms.
The BA handguard concept is built on a platform of braided carbon tube; technically called ‘Open-Architecture Composite Structure’ or O-ACS for short. The O-ACS geometry is computer designed T700 carbon braided composite yarns in a lattice to minimizes weight and maximize stiffness and strength.
It is then shrouded within a protective jacket. This jacket prevents cracking, splinters while also ensuring all-weather durability and abrasion resistance. Solid metal end-caps provide rock-solid mounting on the receiver and protection from impact on the forend.
They make their own barrel nut and jamb nut from 7075 Aluminum and Chromalloy steel. It weighs a total of 1.4 oz.
The result of all this engineering is a super lightwieght but strong handguard. To make its point, the folks at Brigand hung a 40-pound dumbbell from the end of BA handguard. The even swung it around to demonstrate its toughness. There were ino signs of bending!
40-pound dumbell helps to iterate the point that this is indeed a durable forend.
The Blade can withstand the heat of sustained fire, partly because it rejects barrel heat faster than most handguards. The open-architecture guard will warm up to operating temperature faster. However, under sustained firing the barrel will be cooler and the handguard will cool faster after firing than with any enclosed guard. This improves barrel life and decreases heat signature duration.
Specs
Specs and Pricing for the AR version.
- All weights below are the TOTAL INSTALLED WEIGHT. It includes both the weight of the handguard + barrel nut + jam nut.
- Lengths: Measured from tip of end cap to end of jam nut (i.e. fully installed length).
- Angle offset is 60 degrees from the axis of the tube
- The top side is 1.15″ shorter than the longer side
Not only is it light and tough, but it looks cool as well.
Impression
The Blade is a really intriguing development in handguard realm of the AR. I look forward to the possibility of getting one in for review.
“Light.” Might be an understatement.
Price and Availability
You can purchase a Brigand Blade now by visiting the website. Prices are listed above and vary based on the length handguard you choose.