Free float handguard
- Thread starter shotzee
- Start date
You need to do some minor gun-smithing to change to a free-float.
Here is a video:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10343/guntechdetail/Installing_A_Free_Float_Handguard
Here is a video:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10343/guntechdetail/Installing_A_Free_Float_Handguard
Unless you buy the more expensive tubes or a cheaper two piece design that does not free-float you will have to remove the front sight and FH
Is your rifle a carbine (~7"), mid-length (~9") or rifle (~12") gas system ??
F22_RaptoR
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
You'd have to remove the front sight post (requires pin punches most of the time, and some elbow grease) and then the barrel nut.
Barrel nut will require a wrench (you can get some from Brownells, get a combo wrench with the buffer tube wrench on one end, and the barrel nut wrench on the other. Indispensable tool for AR15 stuff!). Many different grades and types of them, I got a buffer tube wrench for like, 5 or 10 bucks.
The free float tube should have its own barrel nut and mounting hardware, as well as instructions on how to install it!
A good way to line it up is to have a 1-piece rail mount or riser (something that clamps to rails) and once its installed (but not tightened) you use the rail riser to align the free float tube.
This looks like a mid-length type handguard.
F22_RaptoR
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
Take the rail to P&D and they should be able to do any work for ya (might charge a few bucks to do it)
They do a lot of gunsmithing work as well as selling AR15 stuff, so they should be able to get anything you need done, if you're not comfortable with doing the work yourself
If you only want to free float the barrel and don't need rails (does anyone?) then a simple free float tube will be around a hundred or so. Hogue makes a nice one. Just check out Brownell's, they carry most options that are available on the market and they'll be able to tell you if its exportable to Canada or not.
I have that exact same one on my Mid Length CMMG. As indicated before, you have to remove the flash hider, front sight and barrel nut. It is a very nice handguard, very comfortable and a bit lighter than the full railed ones I've seen so far. But be aware, mine does not have a continuous top rail. Yes it is there, but I can't put a base or riser with lock screws on the top of the receiver and the top of the handguard at the same time; the screw slots do not have the correct spacing for that. I tried screwing the handguard in and out, but by the time I had an acceptable slot spacing, the anti-rotation screws could not be installed.
I had to use the YHM base that extends over the handguard, but has no forward screws attaching it to the handguard. It does the job, but it's definitely not the best option. I would never use a set up like that in a real fighting situation, the scope is just not solid enough for that.
Oh, I forgot. If you do get this one, don't forget to buy the YMH multi tool. I didn't get it at the same time and I just got myself lots of grieve, which could have been avoided.
Last edited:
angryeyebrows
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Oscar Mike
First decide what length you really want and how much modification you'd like to do with your upper. Also, what features do you want the rail to have (continuous top rail, integrated sling sockets etc etc)
- If you just want a 7" FF system that will require NO modification to the host rifle, I'd suggest the DD Omega OR KAC RAS II.
- If you want a 7" rail but do not want to retain your delta ring assembly but wish to use the standard barrel nut, there are a few options for you like the Troy MRF or the the MI 2 piece FF.
- If you are not pick about removing the front sight, flash suppressor, delta ring assembly and barrel nut, then your options open up quite a bit more. If you want to retain your front sight block, you can either stick with the 7" tubes or get a MRE type with a cut out for the FSB. A few companies make some good options. I would recommend the DD M4 series.
- Last but not least if you are able to do all the disassembly above, but do not wish to retain your FSB then you could get a low profile gas block and float a number of rails over top. In my opinion, this is the best option for the AR. It gives you as much room as you want, allows the use of aftermarket front sights and does away with the horrible front sight block.
Now setting a price cap on the handguard is not wise. If you can't afford a $300 dollar rail right now, wait until you can. It will be worth it. My advice is go shoot your new rifle, research your rail system options and save until you can get the one you want!
