Free float tubes 101?

[TRaTSeRiF]

Mostly looking to get a thinner handguard on my CORE15, even though I like the idea of the accuracy increase.. Use: action shooting. It's a 16" base model. What exactly would I need for this? Is this list complete?:

1) Tube
2) Low profile gas block
3) Armorer's wrench

Also, can I run mid-length tube and block on this rifle or would I need to go with carbine length? Thanks in advance to all posters in this thread

 

[tiriaq]

Most tubular forends will go right over a low profile gas block.
So, you need the tubular forend, its barrel nut, and the appropriate tools. A new gas block if the one on your rifle can't be altered to go inside the tube.
Your existing gas tube should work with a new gas block.

 

[TRaTSeRiF]

Thanks.. So if the handguard already comes with the nut, what tools would I need in addition to the armorer's wrench? Also can I go with a "standard" gas tube or would I need to go with a "carbine" length gas tube?

 

[tiriaq]

If you are keeping the original barrel, there is no reason to change the length of the gas tube.
You need the tools to remove the existing forend assembly, and install the new barrel nut. The tube threads onto that, and is tightened with a strap wrench.
Sometimes factory installed barrel nuts are hard to unscrew. In addition to the armorer's wrench, you need to be able to prevent damage to the receiver, barrel index pin, etc.
For installation of the new barrel nut, the armorer's wrench will probably fit. Once again the receiver must be protected.
I have a wrench, vise jaws to hold the barrel, a clamp around fixture to support the receiver, and an internal wrench that engages the barrel extension; use them as required.
I have encountered two situations where the factory barrel assembly could not be broken loose without using an amount of force that I feared would damage the receiver.

 

[TRaTSeRiF]

Thanks again So on a CORE15 rifle, it would be carbine length? Also, looks like I'll need to drill the tube if I wanna run a bipod.. Better get that outta the way before mounting lol

 

[tiriaq]

Install the tube, then drill the hole for the bipod stud. That way you can get it bottom dead center.
I am not familiar with the Core15. 16" probably has a carbine length gas tube. The tubular handguard can be any length. The gas block will be totally exposed, along with the gas tube, partially exposed or completely covered. Your choice.

 

[TRaTSeRiF]

A completely exposed one would be useful if I wanted to mount a backup iron up front and got a gas block with a rail up top; for that I'd go with a carbine length handguard, otherwise I'd go with a mid-length handguard and just rely on the optics?