I recently received my first Superior Weapons Systems E1 handguard for a DMR rifle I am building. I was so impressed with the design and finish of this unit that I decided to do a review for all the fine folks here at ar15.com.

First off, let me say that the machine work on these tubes is simply amazing. The lines are very crisp, and the finish is perfect. The laser engraved T-numbers are also very well done. The first thing that grabs my eye is the uniqueness of the design. The method used to remove material and make the tube lighter is different than any other handguard on the market, and put quite simply it looks bad ass.

The next thing I noticed right away is the handguard / barrel nut lockup design. I wanted a continuous top rail, which eliminated my other two top contenders, Daniel Defense and Larue. I was considering holding out for the DD Lite Rail, which is supposed to be out in a few months or so. I have the DD on my AR-10, and honestly, the method for mounting the tube to the barrel nut is superior on the SWS. It's really a simple concept.

The nut gets torqued on (mine finished out around 65 foot pounds), and the handguard slides over it, being secured with the 6 screws. One of the reasons this works is because the nut is made of steel, which allows it to have a very thin profile. This allows the handguard to still be very thin in total diameter (2.14"). This configuration is also very sturdy. I would suspect that the steel barrel nut helps to reduce overall flex as well, but did not do any tests. The only drawback to this system is that it's a bit heavier than some others due to the steel barrel nut. For this build, the extra weight was not an issue for me (its really only about 5 ounces).

Here are the specs:
- Length: 12.658"
- Weight: 15.2 oz. (+4.8 oz w/ barrel nut)
- Width: 2.14"
- Price: $289.00

Here is what's included in the package:
- E1 handguard
- 2 barrel nuts (the threads are timed just slightly off from each other, so if one is too tight, the other will fit perfectly. only one shown in picture.)
- barrel wrench (the way the wrench and nut are designed, there is no issue of slipping or breaking a pin when exerting heavy torque)
- 3 swivel studs (only two shown in picture)
- 6 mounting screws
- allen wrench

(Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.)

Shot of the barrel nut (ok so the picture could be a little smaller)



Gas tube is in place



Hanguard slides right on. I used a Larue low profile gas block, but I imagine it would fit over most.



Torque down the mounting screws. I used a little blue loctite.



And a lot of completed pics...




In conclusion:
I am really very happy with my new SWS E1 handguard. I currently own Larue and DD handguards as well, and the E1 is right up there with both of them. I would actually say it is superior to both of them except in regards to overall weight. The DD is obviously the way to go if weight is a primary concern. Larue's method for locking the barrel nut to the receiver is probably better, as the SWS would require you to drill a small hole in your receiver. Although the way I look at it, unless you are a serious operator, this handguard is never going to rotate on you. And if you are a serious operator, you are not going to care about drilling a small hole. So it works out.

Below is a picture of the antirotation pin hole.



Can be drilled on a small mill or with a hand drill with a locating fixture.


If you are looking for a high quality free float handguard at a reasonable price, you should seriously consider the new SWS E1.

SWS can be reached at: