Free floating hand guard, what's the advantage?

Czarface

Czarface

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Just purchased the Daniel Defence EZ Car hand guard for my AR... Just as usual, it was a spontaneous decision! I new that DD was an amazing manufacture and there products are ones that you can make rush decisions on!;) Anyways after I ORDERD the product I went on the dd website and seen the Omega h-guard and read how it's an free floating h-guard!! What is even the big difference anyways besides the obvious, it not being screwed down? What are some advantages and disadvantages with the both. Thanks
 
A free-float handguard is one that does not contact the barrel. Free-float handguards will generally improve accuracy and prevent the handguard from heating up during extended firing. in terms of disadvantages, there really aren't too many, depending on the style and length of the handguard it will likely weigh more than a standard handguard set, and they are not as easy to install as drop-in rail kits, as many require the barrel nut to be replaced with a proprietary adapter.
 
FF handguard prevents external forces acting on the barrel, like if you are resting the handguard on a support. Also with pencil barrels changing where you grasp the handguard "can" have a noticeable affect on POI. This effect is less so with thicker and thus stiffer barrels. How much that all matters depends on the user ultimately.

I've been out shot with guys using C7s and me with a FF hand guard and match barrel, cause they are better shooters than I am. The nut behind the trigger still matters the most.
 
Bolivar said:
........The nut behind the trigger still matters the most.
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QFT

I spent almost $600 on a Noveske 18" DMR Barrel and another $300 on a FF Rail.....It didn't turn me into a Designated Marksman thats for sure. Lol

Drop in rails are fine. Free float rails usually offer continuous top rails. The free floats look way cooler too!!!!
 
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If you are assembling a rifle, it is less expensive to use a tubular handguard. Barrel - barrel nut - tube. Many fewer parts, easier assembly.
 
This matters not.

The gas block is fixed. The gas tube is "located" by the clover leaf cut in the upper receiver. The gas tube is able to move in and out as the barrel flexes. Unless the gas block is touching the float tube, the barrel will be free floating.



DILLIGAF said:
Gas block still makes contact with barrel, so I don't think accuracy will be improved.
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In theory it helps isolate the barrel and increases accuracy. Most of us aren't good enough shots for the FF to make a difference... If done right it helps with LCF points though!
 
DILLIGAF said:
Gas block still makes contact with barrel, so I don't think accuracy will be improved.
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The gas block contacts the barrel, yes, but does not contact the handguard. The only way you'll ever get a semi-auto rifle without a gas block of some sort would be to use a delayed blowback or long recoil action, neither of which is particularly prevalent in the civillian firearms market. That said, the effect of the gas block on accuracy is unmeasurably small compared to the effects of a non-free-float handguard torquing on the barrel.
 
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