At JAG Composites the most common questions we get are as follows:
- Can you tuck a suppressor underneath your handguard?
- Can you make something that bolts directly to the Aero Precision M4E1 enhanced upper or my BAR style barrel nut
For our Bertha handguards we didn’t just make a bigger handguard and stop there. We came up with an innovative new locking mechanism that utilizes tapered fittings to align the handguard. This system also is flush to the outer profile of the handguard. We also kept the same composite layup from our popular SFH handguard and used our test and analysis skills to optimize the lightening cuts for that layup. The Bertha features a larger 1.80″ internal diameter that is compatible with a wide array of suppressors on the market.
System Weights in Ounces:
| Length | Handguard Weight | Hardware Weight | Total |
| 15 | 5.06 | 0.32 | 5.38 |
| 13.5 | 4.62 | 0.32 | 4.94 |
| 10.5 | 2.31 | 0.32 | 2.63 |
| 9.5 | 3.18 | 0.32 | 3.5 |
| 7.5 | 2.71 | 0.32 | 3.03 |
Note: These weights do not include either the BAR barrel nut or the Enhanced Upper weight.
Please email us prior to using the custom work option the charge at checkout is a deposit.
Ash (verified owner) –
I purchased the 15” version to go with a 16” barrel. It is rock solid. M-Lok works well.
Only two wishes for it:
First is that the fourth side was complete M-Lok instead of just two slots at the end so I could at some point add a full length picatiny rail on top if desired and still have the ability to have a fore grip and bipod. Custom option I guess?
Second is that there was torque specs included or on the webpage for the attachment screws. I went with 15 in-lbs and crisscross tightened them with the included Vibra-tite threadlock gel like it was an optic, but no idea if that’s how it should be done and there was no documentation.
Overall those are small things that don’t color the fact that this is a stellar piece of kit that extremely well made and half the weight it feels like of the Aero quad-rail.
Andy Glidewell –
Yes we can definitely do mlok slots on all sides as a custom option or if someone just puts it in the comments of their order. Also point taken. We do need some Bertha instructions on the website. Thank you for your business!
Thomas (verified owner) –
I got the 13.5″ for my 14.5 p&w, overall I like it a lot.
My only issues are that mine was ever so slightly too long at the base so if I mounted it to the upper before connecting the upper and lower, they wont fit. HOWEVER this does technically increase rigidity by bracing it against the lower receiver so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.
Additionally, simply tightening the screws as you go may result in it being lopsided so you kinda have to tighten, check where its offset, adjust on another end, and so on and so on. But once you do it right it holds its position properly.
One thing I would do different I’d rather have the angled style cuts at the 45 degree positions replaced with additional mlok slots or keep them solid for additional durability.
Despite my critiques, I’m very happy with it, I think it looks better than most other CF handguards. I would love to see a version for the Aero M5 Enhanced upper, though I recognize it would be a small pool of demand.
Andy Glidewell –
Thank you for your purchase! Yes you are correct. The taper mounts do allow a little bit of float on install in which you could make your upper not connect to your lower when installing them. We recommend installing the handguard when your lower is pinned up. That way when you join them it will mount up perfectly.
Also point taken. We do need some Bertha instructions on the site. Look for an M5 compatible version sometime early next year.