CZ-USA is beginning to send Scorpion Evo Carbine handguards out into the market as a stand-alone product. The likely purchaser will be the Scorp Evo Pistol / SBR owner who wants the longer carbine forend to extend out over a suppressor. Hey, that’s me!
I’m usually so excited to install a new part that I rarely remember to take a “before” photo. So, seen above is a lovely one from last spring showing how the quad-railed pistol handguard stops right at the muzzle of the 7.72″ barrel.
The carbine one doesn’t suffer from that issue, though, of course. The barrel threads end up behind the first M-LOK® slot. Thankfully the carbine handguard mounts in the exact same manner in the exact same place, meaning it works with both the 7.72″ pistol barrel and the 16″ carbine barrel (or a cut-down carbine barrel, should you later turn your carbine into an SBR and would rather cut down and thread than buy a new barrel).
While the pistol handguard nut can be reused, the carbine handguard ships with a new one that accepts a 21mm deep socket. Phew. No proprietary tool needed.
Knowing that many users will be running a suppressor underneath the forend, CZ appropriately enlarged its inside diameter before the muzzle threads. Near as I can measure, there’s about 1.7″ of space inside of it to clear most any 9mm can available.
On the top side of the forend is a near-full-length M1913 Picatinny rail, which flawlessly extends the rail on the receiver.
Thankfully, the sides and bottom are no longer railed. Instead, they’re adorned with M-LOK slots so you can add your own rails, grips, sling sockets, or whatever other accessory suits your fancy. Even the angled surfaces have small M-LOK slots. This rail-less format makes for a significantly more comfortable gripping surface. In the ol’ KeyMod vs. M-LOK battle, by the way, I think the fact that M-LOK also works in polymer is a huge advantage.
Speaking of plastic, the feel of this handguard is really impressive. The fiber-reinforced polymer used here is some of the strongest, densest, and stiffest I’ve come across. The machining (or molding, if they’re molded in) of the slots is sharp and completely clean. Fit is exact, and overall look and feel are top notch.
Ergonomically, it really works for me. The octagonal shape provides secure grip, repeatability, and excellent comfort. I like pointing my support hand thumb at the target, running it along the forend against the top rail (if there is a top rail), and the design of this handguard is perfect for that.
Aesthetically, it definitely has a futuristic look to it. Reminds me a bit of the HK G36, or maybe like something out of a sci-fi movie like Equilibrium.
Of course, if you want your Scorpion Evo to really look like a space blaster, just remove the handguard entirely.
On The Range
Those great ergonomics translate to better shooting. The ability to move my support hand forwards is not only more comfortable, but provides more stability and control over the gun. Don’t be afraid of gripping right around that suppressor, as the polymer rejects heat transfer and its diameter and cooling slots allow for sufficient airflow. After rapidly dumping magazine after magazine of CapArms’ 147 grain subsonic ammo (which shines like jewelry, by the way, but sure isn’t priced like it) through this new setup, I could barely feel the warmth making it to my hand.
I have since installed a QD sling socket in the middle, left-side M-LOK slot and do prefer this more forwards location. It’s more stable when carrying the Scorp on a sling, and I can now better use the sling for stability while shooting. Most likely it’ll be receiving a flashlight soon, too.
Overall, I strongly prefer shooting with the carbine handguard’s ergonomics and increased hand placement options. M-LOK slots in a smooth body is also significantly nicer to grip than a mess of Pic rail. The whole thing just works and feels better in every way.
Conclusions
It’s great.
Specifications: CZ Scorpion Evo Carbine Handguard
Length: 11 and 9/16 inches
Material: fiber-reinforced polymer
Inner Diameter: 1.7″ (however, CZ-USA states it will fit a suppressor of 1.55″ in diameter or less)
Country of Origin: Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $99.99
Ratings (out of five stars):
Ergonomics * * * * *
It’s spot-on for me — wouldn’t change a thing. For those who like angled foreward grips or vertical grips or cheese grater Pic rail, the M-LOK sections make all of that possible, too.
Quality * * * * *
The polymer quality is fantastic. Fit is dead-on. Appearance (hue, sheen, texture) is a match to the Czech parts.
Utility * * * * *
Allows for way more grip options and every bolt-on accessory option imaginable. Helps protect the shooter from a hot suppressor. I’m excited to move my front sling socket forwards onto the handguard now.
Overall * * * *
It’s my understanding that CZ-USA has been swamped with demand for these and will have a hard time keeping up. The $99.99 MSRP isn’t outrageous, but it’s 12% of the price of a complete Scorpion Evo pistol and feels like a big ask for what it is. I’m extremely happy with this forend in every way, but am still dinging it a star due to what I perceive as a somewhat high price tag.
The 147 grain subsonic 9mm ammunition for this review was provided by CapArms. Their sponsorship of most of TTAG’s review-related ammo needs is a huge help, allowing us to review more guns and more gear more thoroughly.