Welcome from Indiana brother GS455,got a Lar-8 Standard Operator m/20" barrel.I have shot to where I couldn't grab barrel yet handguard was comfortable.Heavy ..Yea not extrodinarily so but allows for a good grip.Waited about 4 mos. for it.They [RRA] has different handguard w/prices on the web site,don't know how that will affect you'r wait?I would assume that your into this for 3+weeks you would have to decide soon.A few of us here have RRA products,I like mine and for the features available on the rifle the value IMO is worth it. :)