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AR-15 Suppressor-Ready Handguards in 2025

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AT3 SpearXL Handguard with Griffin Armament Can and AT3 MLOK Handstop

Suppressor-ready handguards, also known as large-diameter handguards, are becoming increasingly common in the AR-15 world. There are a few reasons you may want to tuck your suppressor, like if you are running a 11” barrel but want a full length handguard to mount accessories and gain some additional stability. Another perfectly valid reason would be that you want to achieve a specific look with your rifle.

Now, there are some differences in the diameter of silencers depending on the model you go with. Most suppressors out on the market rated for 5.56 or .30 cal will have an outside diameter in the range of 1.5” – 1.8”. The largest inside diameter of a handguard on our list below is the AT3 Spear XL that is just north of 1.7 inches. 

The handguards listed below should work with most K-cans and a majority of what I would call, full-size suppressors. Just be sure to double-check your suppressor’s outside diameter and the handguard’s inside diameter to ensure compatibility. Another key factor to consider is the clearance between your suppressor and the handguard if you plan to use M-LOK accessories, as the T-nuts and screws will require additional space.

AT3 Spear XL Handguard ODG with Suppressor

UTG PRO Suppressor-Ready SD Free-Float AR-15 Handguard

Best Budget Suppressor-Ready Handguard

Inside Diameter – 1.67″

UTG Pro Suppressor Ready SD Handguard

Let’s be honest — how hard are you on your guns? If you’re anything like me, most of your ARs go to the range and then back into the safe. The UTG PRO Suppressor-Ready SD Handguard gives you everything you really need. It free-floats, has M-LOK slots on all sides, and features a full-length Picatinny rail on top. No frills, but for your average range AR-15 that sees a few hundred freedom seeds a year, this is a budget-friendly option that lets you save money for more ammo.
One thing to ensure you note about the UTG SD Handguard is that the barrel nut may require you to use shims to get the gas tube lined up. Unline the AT3 Spear XL handguard, the teeth on the barrel nut that comes with the UTG has a lot more spacing which means to stay within the torque range, you may need to add a shim to get everything lined up.
However, if you plan on adding M-LOK accessories toward the end of the handguard, you’ll need to ensure there’s enough clearance between the suppressor and the handguard to accommodate mounting hardware.

AT3 Spear XL M-LOK Free-Float Suppressor-Ready Handguard

Largest Inside Diameter Suppressor-Ready Handguard

Inside Diameter – 1.74″

AT3 Tactical Spear XL Handguard with Red Tail LPVO and Dead Air Lazarus Suppressor

Who doesn’t love M-LOK accessories? Depending on the diameter of your suppressor, some other suppressor-ready handguards may not be large enough or may not provide adequate clearance.That’s where the AT3 Spear XL comes in. It has the largest inside diameter of any AR-15 handguard we carry, measuring 1.74 inches. While that’s only about a tenth of an inch larger than some other options, that extra space can be the difference between your M-LOK screws getting jammed into your suppressor versus having proper clearance.
Another advantage of the AT3 Spear XL is its finish options. It’s available in traditional black anodized, as well as Cerakote options in ODG (Olive Drab Green) and FDE (Flat Dark Earth)—perfect for dialing in that “50 Shades of FDE” look.

Midwest Industries SP Suppressor Ready AR-15 Handguard Free Float M-LOK

The Modular Winner

Inside Diameter – 1.67″

Midwest Industries Suppressor Ready Handguard

The Midwest Industries SP Handguard offers the most length options, allowing you to fine-tune how far your suppressor protrudes from the front of your AR-15.
Similar to the UTG, the inside diameter of the Midwest Industries SP Handguard is slightly smaller than the AT3 Spear XL. However, it remains the most popular suppressor-ready handguard we offer. Midwest Industries notes that their handguard may have compatibility issues with some billet upper receivers, but if you’re running a forged M4-style upper, you’re good to go.
Like the other options, the Midwest Industries SP Handguard features M-LOK slots all around and a full-length Picatinny rail with T-markings on top, allowing you to mount all the lights, lasers, and grips you desire.

Final Thoughts

Suppressor-ready handguards are becoming more popular, and for good reason—they give your AR-15 a clean, integrated look while providing clearance for full-size suppressors. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option like the UTG PRO, maximum clearance with the AT3 Spear XL, or modularity and length options with the Midwest Industries SP, there’s a suppressor-ready handguard out there for you.
Just remember to measure twice and buy once—ensuring your suppressor and handguard are compatible will save you a headache down the road.

AT3 Tactical Spear XL with AT3 Slick Side Upper and Aero M4e1 Lower

One Last Tip

If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.

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