Free Float length preference

[Sailormilan2]

I am considering changing the handguard out of my PS10 to a free float. My options are 12" tube with gas block with picatinny rail on top, or 15" tube that covers the gas block and mount the front sight to the tube.
Which is better? Or, is it just preference?

[MongooseV8]

Personal preference. I like to cover the gas block completely.

[rosenbaumtravis]

Longer distance between between sights can help, but you need to consider what you plan to use the rifle for. Rails make a rifle heavy in a hurry. Consider a key mod or m lok system instead or quad rail or a smooth tube. My personal preferance has been the 15" daniel defense slim rail on my ar15's. Very light, but still gives me the best radius.

Also consider the barrel nut system your chosen rail will use. Some rails use a starndard nut or a similar type nut that needs to be timed with the upper for proper alignment. I prefer rails that allow you to torque the barrel nut without having to worry about proper alignmnet of the upper rail or gas tube.

[liber]

I also prefer the longer length in case you I want to use iron sites on the rail.

I have 3 Free Float Super Slim Rails (3rd is not complete yet), and they do require shim spacers to align the rail with the barrel nut. I don't mind that, and like the FFSSRs about the best as they are very flexible in regard to adding accessories to them and have picatiny sections around them. They also just feel great to hold.

I put a 14" rail on a PA-10 upper to replace an MOE guard. I replaced the A2 sight/block with a low profile gas block that fit inside the rail.

I did use it with iron sights on it for a bit, but have a scope on it now.

[Jimi Jah]

I prefer shorter with a railed adjustable gas block. I like to save weight. I like to easily access the gas port adjustments. I prefer fixed front sites to rest on the barrel, not the freefloat tube.

[ScottsBad]

I like tubes with keymod, and I like them pretty long. A long tube gives you more flexibility if you want to mount a light or something. I've been using 13.5" tubes, but if I had it to do over again I'd get 15" tubes for my 16" barrels.

If you go with a light tube they don't weigh the front of the rifle down much at all. In fact I just installed a BCM KMR Alpha 15" on a buddies new Colt. It looks and feels great, gives you a longer sight radius and more room for a light and sling mount. For $199 this seems like a heck of a good tube---> BCM KMR Alpha 15"

If you go with the railed gas block make sure it is pinned...or at least that would be my preference.

[NorCalFocus]

I had a 12" tube with the gas block out in front. I didn't like it because the bi-pod/sling seemed to close and the tube was to big in diameter. I went to a 15" FF slim with just a top rail. Fits my hand better and the bi-pod/sling are further out for more stable shooting.

This is with a 20" barrel gun I use for varmint and longer distance shooting. If I was doing a run n gun carbine, I'd have a 12" rail on a 16" barrel.

[toddh]

I am considering changing the handguard out of my PS10 to a free float. My options are 12" tube with gas block with picatinny rail on top, or 15" tube that covers the gas block and mount the front sight to the tube.
Which is better? Or, is it just preference?

Which do you think is better ??

A longer distance between the sights, the gas block covered providing more room for your hand during manipulation....

Or less distance between sights, less room for your hand, and a gas block sticking out.

.

[supertrooper]

I prefer 13" rails.

[m850168]

I like a long rail, but spend up for a lightweight Keymod or M-Lok one, and if you have an adjustable gas block don't make it so long that the adjustment is a hassle.

[wurger]

Depends on how long your arm is. 15" keymod with 3" Pic rails at the muzzle end make perfect hand stops for me.

[Munny$hot]

For a non scoped rifle, I would recommend a midlength or rifle gas system and just enough rail so you can still use your standard front sight tower. If you needed to switch to BUIS mounted on a rail with a hot barrel you POI "point of impact" will start to shift as the barrel heats up.