So I want to replace my standard AR plastic handguards with something railed. I am just trying to figure if I should go free float or not. The barrel is a 16" milspec LMT chrome lined barrel. As I understand it, the chrome lined milspec barrels aren't built for superb accuracy, so would there be any point in free floating it or should I just find a drop-in railed handguard?
Free Float Milspec Barrel
- Thread starter kingdarb
- Start date
F22_RaptoR
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
A free float handguard can add quite a bit of extra consistency (not necessarily accuracy, but no point of impact change with different pressure).
Even with a chrome lined barrel you would probably find extra accuracy gained from a free float handguard. Some like the Troy offerings, use the factory barrel nut so there is no need to get an armourers wrench to remove the barrel nut. Just cut the delta ring off with a dremel or small saw, and remove the front sight base, then either add a low profile gas block, or if you get a short handguard and want to use the front sight, just re-install the front sight base once the handguard is back on.
Even with a chrome lined barrel you would probably find extra accuracy gained from a free float handguard. Some like the Troy offerings, use the factory barrel nut so there is no need to get an armourers wrench to remove the barrel nut. Just cut the delta ring off with a dremel or small saw, and remove the front sight base, then either add a low profile gas block, or if you get a short handguard and want to use the front sight, just re-install the front sight base once the handguard is back on.
- Location
- big sky country
Quoted for truth.
The accuracy of free floating your barrel is small, but very real and consistent.
More importantly, when free floating your barrel.... knowing your point of aim won't change by 9 MOA when you shoot off a bi-pod vs. off hand vs. sand bag is piceless.
To me consistency is the main benefit.
- Location
- big sky country
As long as it is free floated, brand is not a huge deal.
Now I just need to figure out a good free-float handguard to go with.
Take a look at the Troy Alpha rails... They use a standard barrel nut (which is nice), are very nicely priced (My last one was ~$120 IIRC), light weight, and a nice slim profile.
Daniel Defense also makes some nice slim profile/light weight rails... But expect to pay a lot more. I personally like them better than Troy's, but they're also like $300-$400 (local prices). Also, some (as in not all) of the DD rails use a proprietary barrel nut/wrench... I had to buy the wrench separate for my first DD rail.
I would also suggest looking at NEA's rails... There's some good stuff there, Canadian manufacture, very reasonably priced and absolutely worth looking at.
Canadian eh!
Regular
Depending on which model you go with.
Some are drop in, some require barrel removal and reinstallation. Not a big deal or difficult, a few tools and you are ready to go. Just make sure of the model if you go this way. I put a DD 12" Lite rail on my 20" Stag arms and aside from getting the @#* pinned flash hider off the rest of the barrel removal/reinstall was very easy to do.
As Bolivar says the drop in models will give you the free float you are looking for with easy installation.
![-[Crosshair]-](/forum/data/avatars/m/31/31565.jpg?1718745216){kind=avatar}
Canadian eh!
Regular
Also begs the question as to length as that effects profile, but I took the OP to mean whether free floating a non-match /heavier profile barrel made any appreciable different versus a standard "Mil-Spec" barrel.
Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I sit corrected. Thanks for pointing that out. I forgot there were different models.
A local dealer who loves it when regulars pay with cash.
I'm always telling people they need to establish REALLY good relationships with local dealers and this is why. In the end, it saves you money because they want to offer / make you a deal. They just want to move product and with cash they don't have to pay a 3.9% credit card processing fee (which adds up over time).
