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Centerfire Rifles - Semiautomatic or Gas Operated Centerfire rifles, carbines and other gas operated rifles.

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  #1  
Old 04-15-2009, 9:21 PM
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Default To Free Float or not to Free Float?

I have a BCM Middie upper on the way and I can't decide. I know the install will be harder but I think I can manage.

I'm just not sure what to get, or if these wille ven work on a Middie.

Non Free Float :
http://www.sogarmory.com/Product.asp...51&ParentId=51

VLTOR
http://www.sogarmory.com/Product.asp...51&ParentId=51

Troy?
http://www.sogarmory.com/Product.asp...53&ParentId=53

or Sould I free Float it and with what?
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  #2  
Old 04-15-2009, 9:39 PM
bobfried bobfried is offline
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Daniel Defense Omega 9.0

http://www.riflegear.com/p-359-omega...id-length.aspx

The only FF choice as far as I am concerned for anyone that can turn a screw. And one that doesn't look funky like the VLTOR or the KAC.
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  #3  
Old 04-15-2009, 9:42 PM
rumble phish rumble phish is offline
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K.I.S.S.


The traditional AR looks best IMHO
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  #4  
Old 04-15-2009, 9:48 PM
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I went Omega because i like to run a VFG and a light. If thats not your cup of tea +1 on the K.I.S.S.
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  #5  
Old 04-15-2009, 10:35 PM
Henry47 Henry47 is offline
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excuse my ignorance, but what's the difference between free float and non free float? Also, what's the difference in installation? Do free float and non free float require different tools? Special tools?
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  #6  
Old 04-15-2009, 10:48 PM
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I thought you had to remove the barrel nut and sight for Free Floats, but it appears you do not need to with that Omega. It is 10 ounces, but I think it looks nice.

I was thinking at least a light, and then maybe a VFG, but maybe KISS is the right method...I dunno, you only live once

Also what about something simple like this?
http://www.sogarmory.com/Product.asp...51&ParentId=51

Last edited by Justintoxicated; 04-15-2009 at 11:45 PM..
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  #7  
Old 04-15-2009, 11:01 PM
rumble phish rumble phish is offline
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You can always just put a single rail on the bottom of your hand guard and attach a VFG and a light.

But will you really use the light? And will the VFG make you a better shooter, really? Spend the money on ammo and range time. A lot of instructors have told me that VFG's are okay, but a solid grip on the standard hand guard will be the most effective at keep your barrel from rising and keeping your sight on target. After trying it both ways at the range and through movement exercises, I found that it was true. Griping the standard hand guard seemed more natural to me. After that I decided to K.I.S.S. and learn to use my rifle as it was designed. But if tac'ing it out is what you wanna do, that's cool too.
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  #8  
Old 04-15-2009, 11:41 PM
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How does the Omega 9.0 feel mounted? Solid?

What about the standard hand Gaurd?
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  #9  
Old 04-15-2009, 11:54 PM
Josh3239 Josh3239 is offline
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I decided to free float mostly because I hate seeing that ugly gas block, it is just plain ugly and the front sight is so outdated and in the way. I much prefered the look and functionality of the free float rail/tube over the gas block with a folding sight.

If you can stand the front sight gas block (looks or functionality) or don't care about the handguards sitting over the gas block, I would suggesting going with non free float handguards. Chances are you won't see the difference in accuracy and the FF handguards will just add more money and weight to your rifle.
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  #10  
Old 04-16-2009, 8:26 AM
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+1 on the Omega. They are solid, solid, solid, and super-easy to install. The best part is the slim profile.
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  #11  
Old 04-16-2009, 8:52 AM
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not sure if OP had the BCM with the front A2 sight post. if he did, it is easy to remove the front sight post/gas block himself? or does he need a gunsmith to put a low profile gas block so the free float hand guards can cover it?
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  #12  
Old 04-16-2009, 9:45 AM
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I have a CASV-M on one of my builds and am very happy with it. Installation was a breeze and I love the ability to customize rail position (normal railed systems are like cheese graters on my hand). The only issue I have is that there is no ability to co-witness the BUIS thru an Eotech

I have the flip up sight for the CASV-M but don't use it as I have a front sight post. I prefer the sight post for its durability over a fold up. I'll probably end up selling the front sight in Marketplace shortly.
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  #13  
Old 04-16-2009, 10:43 AM
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Yes the BCM should have the front A2 sight.

It appears the Omega 9 Free float is a 2-piece so no dissasembaly is required.
But my friend has some shop stuff and I'mpretty sure he could help if it was required anyways. I was thinking to remove the front post anyways to replace with a Troy Flip up fropnt and BUIS, it just seemed nicer, but if stock is better I will leave it with that. I'm planning on an EOtech eventualy which is what I plan to put on there.
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  #14  
Old 04-16-2009, 10:49 AM
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I have the MI free float rail and I love it. Super easy installation with no need to remove front site post.

BTW those prices are aweful. Whatever you buy please find another website like Riflegear.com to purchase from. I feel dirty just looking at their prices.
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  #15  
Old 04-16-2009, 12:06 PM
Sam .223 Sam .223 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobfried View Post
Daniel Defense Omega 9.0

http://www.riflegear.com/p-359-omega...id-length.aspx

The only FF choice as far as I am concerned for anyone that can turn a screw. And one that doesn't look funky like the VLTOR or the KAC.
+1, i have the DD omega 9.0 on my rifle and its a solid rail and not hard to install, took only a few minutes, this is the easiest way to go if you free float.
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  #16  
Old 04-16-2009, 12:38 PM
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My advice is that if you want to try out a rail then go for it, you can always put some plastic handguards on later. The Omega rail is pretty cool for that reason, you can easily swap it out if you want.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justintoxicated View Post
Yes the BCM should have the front A2 sight.

It appears the Omega 9 Free float is a 2-piece so no dissasembaly is required.
But my friend has some shop stuff and I'mpretty sure he could help if it was required anyways. I was thinking to remove the front post anyways to replace with a Troy Flip up fropnt and BUIS, it just seemed nicer, but if stock is better I will leave it with that. I'm planning on an EOtech eventualy which is what I plan to put on there.
You don't need "shop stuff" to remove the A2 front sight base, there are full instructions here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

However if you remove your A2 FSB you'll need to replace it with a gas block of some kind, either a low-profile or one with a folding front sight built in like a PRI or YHM.
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  #17  
Old 04-16-2009, 12:53 PM
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Big yes on the D.D. Omega system. Two of my rifles have the Omega 7.0 and they are great; easy to install.
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  #18  
Old 04-18-2009, 11:16 AM
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Does it require me to replace the gas block or not? It's going on a Middie upper not a Carbine, if that matters. hard for me to visualize without having the upper lower or anything in my possession yet.
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  #19  
Old 04-18-2009, 1:00 PM
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I didn't like the standard A2 FSB, and liked the look of a rifle length rail on my 16" middie barrel. I also use a CAA flip up VFG, and did not want to worry about any pressure I was exerting on the grip affecting the accuracy.
This is what it came out like using a YHM free float, and Samson lpgb:


I am very happy with the results, and with a few tools it was easy to install.


Last edited by nicoroshi; 04-18-2009 at 1:03 PM..
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  #20  
Old 04-18-2009, 4:32 PM
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Another vote for the Omega! Super easy to install and I love the oval shape it has... Much easier to grip...
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  #21  
Old 04-20-2009, 12:51 AM
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So I went ahead and picked up an omega 9 before they get impossible to find as well...

Theres a chinease knockoff going for alot less...
As well as many others that appear similar in style. Like the YHM and this one looked cheap on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/UTG-Model-4-15-F...3DLCA%26ps%3D4

I hope the Omega 9 was really worth the extra cash.

Thanks for everyones help and that YHM sure looks nice as well! And I agree on the rifle length looking pretty sweet. Since this is my first build I didn't want to complicate things so I'm going to keep the A2 front sight for now. I can always change it later right? Or possibly start building on my second lower. If I want to go with the folding front sight in the future I can still do that with the Omega 9 or is the full rifle length required?

Last edited by Justintoxicated; 04-20-2009 at 12:56 AM..
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  #22  
Old 04-20-2009, 7:32 AM
unamused unamused is offline
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So if i were to go with a 14.5" mid barrel... what size rail should i go for?

My plan is to get a different gas block and use BUIS's instead of the stock one.

Also, I would need to order the barrel without an permanent flash hider and have that permanently attached after i get everything mounted up correct?
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  #23  
Old 04-20-2009, 9:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by unamused View Post
So if i were to go with a 14.5" mid barrel... what size rail should i go for?

My plan is to get a different gas block and use BUIS's instead of the stock one.

Also, I would need to order the barrel without an permanent flash hider and have that permanently attached after i get everything mounted up correct?
You can get any length you want for the railed forearm as long as the gas block is low enough to fit under it. Personally I like the JP VTAC system. But it's not light.

You order uppers with the FH already permattached.
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  #24  
Old 04-20-2009, 11:04 AM
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How much does it typically cost to have a FH pemattached if i ordered a barrel?
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  #25  
Old 04-20-2009, 11:36 AM
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I have midlength Midwest free-floats on my carbine. Does it shoot any better? Who cares?!? It looks fantastic!
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  #26  
Old 04-23-2009, 9:01 PM
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Ok So I got the Omega Rail but I don't understand how to install it. It says no modifications needed but it would appear I need to dremel off the delta ring. Howerver the directions say to retract it, but it does not seem to fit my BCM upper?

N/M I got it sweet, it didn't look like it was going to fit really gotta compress that delta ring!

Ok I got this thing installed, but how on earth do you get teh Santoprene rail covers over the rails?

Edit: Got it they just pop on with some force

Last edited by Justintoxicated; 04-23-2009 at 10:43 PM..
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