rail question

[dirtykoala]

im having a hard time getting a good answer to this.

i have a full size AR, right now it looks like your typical training M16. i want to put a rail on it, what size do i need? i want the rail to be free floating in the front and to end just before the front sight, i dont care if its not a true free float and needs to use the rear hand guard retaining ring, though i do want to change that ring, i dont like how it looks like a little skirt down there.

so, what size rail do i need?
who makes a good one for a reasonable price?
what do i replace my standard mini-skirt looking hand guard retainer with?
how do i take of the triangular retainer in the front at the front sight?

[Richie Caketown]

whats your barrel lenth to start? Remember that there are manufacturers that make rails that go around the front sight too.

I would start with Midwest industries , if you want free float you might have to remove your "mini skirt looking" thing called a Delta RIng

[dirtykoala]

sorry, 20" barrel

[Richie Caketown]

this might just be me .. but i think you are looking for a 9in rail , you can actually go further with styles like the one below




check out this site , they have a variety

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=100

[Jicko]

12" DD(Daniel Defense) Omega

FF(free float), and you do not have to mess with your delta ring nor your FSB(front sight block)

[dirtykoala]

12" DD(Daniel Defense) Omega

FF(free float), and you do not have to mess with your delta ring nor your FSB(front sight block)

perfect, but i do want to mess with my delta ring, how do i change that out? and i though free float meant it didnt touch the barrel in any way? (though i dont care too much if it does touch the barrel, i just dont want the standard delta ring_

[Jicko]

perfect, but i do want to mess with my delta ring, how do i change that out?

follow the installation instructions, and make sure you have all the right tools
(if you DO want to change out your delta rings and such.... go with DD M4 rails or DD lite rails)

this thread give you some ideas what is involved:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

and i though free float meant it didnt touch the barrel in any way?

DD 12" do not touch the barrel anyways.