Non FF handguards can and will affect accuracy, depending on the range, the user, and what position you're shooting from. Using some form of rest such as a tree, railing, cement wall etc will cause your POI to shift. Depending on your intended use and desired accuracy level, it may or may not be an issue. The simple solution is to FF your rifle and stop worrying about it. I've never experienced any significant change in POI but I also didn't try to induce such events. Some, such as the likes of Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics proclaim that a shift in POI of up to 6 inches at 100 yards is possible by adversely putting pressure on the stock handugards while firing from a supported position.
A FF rail is the way to go. It eliminates the POI shift associated with stock handguards. A FF also provides a place to mount a light, vert grip or any other accessory. A FF protects the gas tube better than stock handguards, and a FF also provides for better cooling of both barrel and gas tube. Downside is the weight which with some FF rails is next to nothing and of course the cost.
As for the OP's concerns. What are you expecting out of the rifle with regards to accuracy? What is intended purpose for the rifle?
TDC
