u/Imaginary-Roof3828

Wanted to share my thoughts on the Imperium handguard for anyone considering aftermarket options for their 1301.

TLDR: it's tits and I reccomend it.

All the aftermarket handguards for the 1301 run $300-350, and I considered several before landing on the Imperium — including Chisel, Briley, and the LTT Heat Shield / Magpul Zhukov combo. What sold me was the single-piece construction that serves as both forend and heat shield, plus the texturing.

The fit and finish is awesome. I don't like super aggressive grip texture, and the Imperium hits the perfect balance — grippy without being aggressive. For those that use push/pull, which is something I'm trying to master currently, the Imperium feels purpose-built for it. I'm able to get a solid, confortable C-grip and there's a ton of real estate for grip placement.

One thing to note, regarding the MLOK slots adjacent to the operating rods that connect the gas piston assembly to the bolt carrier. The handguard sits so close to the operating rods that some longer MLOK bolts hit the rods when fully torqued down, therefore they cannot be used. I had to shorten the bolts for a QD attachment. Not a huge deal, and its something Aridus is vocal about, but it does require a slight adjustment.

Also I couldn't help but grab the matching bolt release and charging handle. Both are awesome quality components.

All that being said, I'm extremely happy with the Imperium and highly reccomend it. If they made one for an AR, I would totally run it.

Picked up the 1301 with the Mesa pistol grip stock. Loved it out of the box, but the following additions have transformed the look and feel into something special:

- Langdon LTT Fastback mount & Super Duty Shotgun Sight

- Holosun 507C X2

- GGG Aluminum mag tube and Barrel Clamp

- Aridus Imperium Handguard, Charging Handle, Bolt Release and SMART follower

Picked up the Beretta 1301 Mod 2 with the Mesa Tactical pistol grip. No Ragrets. The Langdon Fastback mount and Holosun 507C were in hand upon arrival.