Free float AR

[19kimber11]

I recently built an AR with a DPMS upper with Glacier handguards...I want to change it out for a quad rail handguard. My question is on the issue of free float. Is getting a free float handguard worth the extra work and the money or Will a regular 2 piece handguard do just fine? How much does it affect the accuracy? Its a 16" bull barrel upper...

[slappomatt]

What are you planning to mount on the rail? if its a light or something that doesn't need to be exactly dead on than a drop-in would be fine. A bipod might put pressure on the barrel and cause you to loose SOME accuracy although probably not enough to notice unless you are doing benchrest type shooting.

for most shooting especially with an AR type rifle It probably doesn't make that much difference but then again you are using a bull barrel and probably want all the accuracy you can get. which leads to diminishing returns on cost vrs accuracy.

basically comes down to how much do you want to spend? I have a larue rail on my ar (not a benchrest gun at all) and I love it. But it sure wasnt cheap...

[tomd1584]

if you want a free float & 2 piece, go with the Daniel Defense Omega

[MikeR]

You might want to look into a FF that doesn't require you to remove the barrel nut. Its no more work and you get the advantages of the FF.

Im pretty happy with my MidWestInd rail. Maybe a little heavier than i wanted but i also didn't want to spend 2-$400.

[Gigan]

Im still trying to figure out the advantages of a free float grip/rail. Thanks for this thread. Im getting closer to understanding I think....

[campperrykid]

This nails it:

if you want a free float & 2 piece, go with the Daniel Defense Omega

There are two Omega's at our house.
The DD Omega is a true free-float. It is quick and easy to install --no need to remove FSB or anything else except the factory H/G. Installation takes 10 - 15 minutes.
The Omega is one of the lightest and slimmest rails on the market. The rail is ROcK solid once it's mounted. Like always , degrease the screws/holes and use blue loctite.

[cal3gunner]

,,,

[mltrading]

For casual shooters, frere-floating won't make much difference, especially on a 16".

For serious precision shooters, FF-ing makes meaningful difference.

For tacti-cool mall ninjas, the cool looking is the first priority, no matter it is FF or non-FF.