I’ve done a lot of retro AR builds over the past year or so. Where possible, I use surplus GI furniture, but that isn’t always practical. That’s why I was excited to see B5 Systems announce some additions to their Retro AR furniture recently. They’ve had a CAR stock in the lineup for a while, but now they’ve added six-hole skinny CAR15 handguards and the LS2—a Lonestar-style A2 grip.
CAR15 Handguards
The CAR15 handguards are a good match up to the CAR15 stocks that B5 Systems has had available. They’re the early style skinny, six-hole design. Later CAR handguards had 7 holes, which is fine unless you’re building a retro military clone. B5’s handguards have aluminum heat shields and are made of a durable polymer. They’re also US-made, unlike a lot of the other retro furniture currently on the market. MSRP on a set of CAR handguards is just $25.00, and they’re available in black or OD green.
The LS2 Pistol Grip
More exciting is the LS2 grip, which is the B5 version of the old Lonestar grip. The Lonestar grips were A2 style, but with an arched backstrap and fatter profile. They were more ergonomic and hand-filling than a GI grip, or commercial A2 grip. They also had a storage compartment in the grip with a hinged cover. Lonestar grips have gathered a cult following with retro AR builders. Originals grips are hard to come by, and generally sell for $100 or more when they do pop up.
While there have been some other clone versions offered they were either expensive, made for airsoft or paintball guns, or 3D printed. The B5 Systems LS2 grip is injection-molded just like the original grips. They’re also made right here in the USA. The best part is that they’re only $20.00. Which is probably close to what Lonestars originally sold for back in the 1990’s. Like the CAR15 stock and handguards, the LS2 is available in black and OD green.
Hands-On with the B5 Systems Retro Furniture
I picked up a set of OD stocks and tried them on a CAR-15-style build and on my H&R clone of the Colt 635 9mm subgun. I’m impressed. The CAR15 handguards are solidly made with excellent fit and finish. I’ve had to fight with some imported clone furniture to get it to fit and line up correctly. The B5 Systems handguards dropped in and fit perfectly on multiple rifles that I tried.
The LS2 grip is excellent. It looks good and is comfortable in the hand. It does have the A2 finger nub, which not everyone likes, but the point of this is that it’s a clone of the original grip. Lonestar did make an A1 grip with a similar profile without the nub, so maybe we’ll see a B5 version of that down the road?
If you’ve been hunting for one of these for your retro build, $20 is a heck of a lot better than $100 plus. It’s a good grip for any AR build, too, if you like the basic A2 style but want a little better ergonomics.
For more information, please visit B5Systems.com.
