Grey Ghost Precision. A new name to the game, or a familiar face? Lets look.
Grey Ghost Precision is a custom rifle and custom small arms equipment maker based in Wallace, Idaho (formerly of Lakewood, Washington). They have several offerings, including complete AR-10/AR-15 precision and defensive rifles, as well as precision equipment made for GLOCK and Sig Sauer handguns. Today we will be looking at their GGP AR-15, 15 inch extended rifle length handguard.
I was able to T&E one of these handguards on a Mega Arms GTR-3H ambidextrous set, utilizing an 18 inch Mega Arms 5R barrel. This is not current Mega Arms, but pre-buyout. This handguard, needless to say, feels right at home.
This handguard comes standard on all GGP Mk. II rifles. Grey Ghost Precision proudly produces all receivers in house, with the most stringent Quality Control, from beginning to end, as is the same with all of their machining work. The only thing that surpasses this would be their customer service.
The handguard is produced from a(n) 6061-T6 aluminum extrusion. While many may scoff at the 6000 series aluminum extrusions, I have used numerous 6000 series handguards, including offerings from JP Enterprises, with absolutely zero issues and this is no exception.
The handguard weighs in at 12.8 ounces, making it a lightweight contender for many outside of its price range, uses a non proprietary barrel nut and was a breeze to install, with its two rear locking screws. All mathematics are already done, straight forward instructions, there is no possible way to mess it up.
The Type III hard coat anodizing used is likely the smoothest I've seen and was ultimately like an extension of my original Mega Arms receivers. It felt and looked like they were made together and for each other, even more so than my original Mega Arms/Hodge Defense Wedge-lock. (Which again, is mounted on an original Mega Arms GTR-3H) The finish is just that good.
Installation of accessories was easy, utilizing standard M-LOK equipment. My Harris Bipod installed smoothly and with no issues whatsoever. The interface was uniform and rock solid and has remained so.
I like their forend length options as well. The option for a rail system past 15 inches is somewhat uncommon. I like that they produce a 17 inch rail offering, as this will place the bipod further away, making for a more stable platform. This would work great for gas gun precision rifle shooting or a great platform for precise, long range varmint shooting. I thought this was a well thought out offering from their designers.
As with all of my reviews, a distinct positive and potential negative is always included. A specific design feature that really stands out as a positive to myself and potential users.
The one positive that stood out over all other rail systems I've used would be the precision cut indexing lugs. These lugs have a two fold purpose: first is to make precisely and properly indexing the 1913 rail of the upper receiver with that of the rail system of the free float tube simple, easy, fast and lacking specific tools.
The other is to keep the rail system from moving or rotating, thus making an extremely solid and robust interface. This allows the user to attach accessories such as weapon mounted lasers with confidence.
The only possible "complaints" (and I use that word lightly) that I could forsee from the general public would be: the lack of 7000 series aircraft grade aluminum and the "budget builders" rushing to offerings from Aero Precision. While I personally see this as a non issue, there will be a crowd that will accept nothing other than 7075-T6 and will flock to a pre-determined price point.
Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with Grey Ghost Precision. Their machining work, their quality control, their finish work. It is all reminiscent of the same work I (as well as many others) have grown accustomed to over the years from another Washington based company.
For those who want to scratch that original Mega Arms itch, look no further than Grey Ghost Precision. From beginning to end; the quality, the finish, it's all there and more.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Specifically designed to be strong, lightweight, and a worthy standard for all their complete MKII rifles, the GGP AR-15 handguard is one of the easiest to install and worthwhile forends on the market.
Target Market:
AR-15 builders or those looking to upgrade their existing rifle’s forend to a stronger, lightweight MLOK configuration
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum Extrusion
True Black Type III Class 2 Hard Coat Anodizing
Full Length picatinny top rail with engraved numerical T-markings
Non-Proprietary Barrel Nut and two fastening screws
MLOK attachment slots at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions
Forward MLOK slots at 1 and 11 o'clock positions
Compatible with all forged upper receivers and most billet upper receivers
Weighs 0.8 lbs (12.8 oz)
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Varying AR-15 lengths of 7.25, 9.25, 12.625, 15 and 17 inches as well as AR-10 forends in 15 and 18 inch lengths.
What others are saying?:
5/5 stars on Optics Planet
LIGHT AND SOLID
This is in my opinion a very nice handguard for AR builds. Fit and finish is 10/10. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in this. Super crisp and fast to shoot.
Link to other reviews:
Nothing found at the writing of this
Price point:
MSRP = $219
Retail = $210.24 at Optics Planet
$210.24 at Primary Arms
$210.24 at MidwayUSA
I need it now! Availability:
Primary Arms, MidwayUSA or Optics Planet
Our Rating:
Pros:
Gorgeous anodize
Dual Indexing Lugs
Well Designed
Lightweight but structurally solid
Includes dedicated, non-indexing barrel nut
Cons:
Included barrel nut wrench is cheap (most armorers wrenches will work)
6000 series aluminum (as opposed to 7000 series)
With two indexing tabs, any ‘out of spec’ uppers might not be compatible without modification
