To float or not to float???

[Red Flag]

I am looking at some rails for my legal builds. I like the Yankee stuff (http://www.yhm.net)



Besides accuracy, any other reason to get the free float rails?

(I think I want to the 2 piece set up)

Chris

[elmo]

not many of the 2 rail units are free float. I have two railed units, one knights RAS, other is Midwest Industriies (bravo company). Both very good rails, neither is free float. The free float ones are harder to install i believe.

only advantage of free float is accuracy. I wouldn't get it unless it's for a spr or varmint, other than that just get a regular 2 piece rail system.

[BigAL]

Midwest Ind. now makes a 2 piece free float rail on sale at Bravo company for $163. A 1 piece FF will require you to remove the FSB and re-install it or find someone to do it for you. I'd prob get a Larue Tac FF but that's just b/c I figure if I'm gonna do it I might as well go all out.

[Red Flag]

I just ordered a 2 piece from MI. 129.00! On sale.

Thanks for the info gents.

[shopkeep]

hell decisions like this have kept my rifle in parts, there's just too many options to choose from with the .223 lowers!!!

[Red Flag]

Heheh,
I have a vision, just need more cash to support that vision

I figured I need to get one in shooting shape, then work on the other. So the .223 first, then I'll get the 9mm in order.

Chris

[elmo]

Midwest Ind. now makes a 2 piece free float rail on sale at Bravo company for $163. A 1 piece FF will require you to remove the FSB and re-install it or find someone to do it for you. I'd prob get a Larue Tac FF but that's just b/c I figure if I'm gonna do it I might as well go all out.

note the freefloat midwest industries one asks you to cut off the deltaring. if you look at how it mounts, it's not as plug and play as the regular mctar-17 unit they have.

and yes, they are on sale for $129, compared to $155.

Better than the yankee hill ones..but slightly.

I have yet to figure out what the difference between a $100 handguard and $300 one is yet. same materials and contruction.

[-hanko]

I have yet to figure out what the difference between a $100 handguard and $300 one is yet. same materials and contruction.

The higher priced one is 'tactical'.

-hanko

[Jicko]

Where can I find out more info about MI(the comapny) and MI#7, bravocompany do not have the installation instructions... and it doesn't even say it is a FF design......

note the freefloat midwest industries one asks you to cut off the deltaring. if you look at how it mounts, it's not as plug and play as the regular mctar-17 unit they have.

and yes, they are on sale for $129, compared to $155.

Better than the yankee hill ones..but slightly.

I have yet to figure out what the difference between a $100 handguard and $300 one is yet. same materials and contruction.

[TonyM]

I have yet to figure out what the difference between a $100 handguard and $300 one is yet. same materials and contruction.

Usually the big considerations are how they mount, and the weight. I went with a Daniel Defense 7.0 carbine rail on my last one, due to how light it was.

As you can see in this chart, the one I got only weighs 8.5 ounces including the nut.



Standard M4 Handguard and hardware:




Daniel Defense 7.0 and hardware:

[Jicko]

Thanks Tony, weight is certainly a BIG consideration! (Also, DD looks HELL nice!!! If I can shell out the $$.....)

Any have specs on MI#17, the weight?

YHM Light 4Rail carbine is 10.6oz....

By the way, RBprecision ALWAYS have MI#17 for $130, regular price... so... no need to rush to BravoCompany (http://www.rbprecision.com/ar15_mi.htm)

Usually the big considerations are how they mount, and the weight. I went with a Daniel Defense 7.0 carbine rail on my last one, due to how light it was.

As you can see in this chart, the one I got only weighs 8.5 ounces including the nut.

[TonyM]

Thanks Tony, weight is certainly a BIG consideration! (Also, DD looks HELL nice!!! If I can shell out the $$.....)

Any have specs on MI#17, the weight?

YHM Light 4Rail carbine is 10.6oz....

By the way, RBprecision ALWAYS have MI#17 for $130, regular price... so... no need to rush to BravoCompany (http://www.rbprecision.com/ar15_mi.htm)

I don't have any specs on any of the MI stuff, all I have by them is a flip up BUIS which is pretty nice and was relatively inexpensive.

[Jicko]

ALERT!!! MCTAR-17 is NOT FF, MCTAR-20 is....

MCTAR-20 (2 Piece Free Float Carbide Length Forearm)

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/ar_free_float_forearms.htm

MCTAR-17 (2 Piece Carbine Length)

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/ar_2_piece_forearm.htm

The one "MCTAR-17" that is ON SALE @ $129 from BravoCompany is NOT Free-Float!!!!!!!!!!

The one @ $163 IS FF tho, "MCTAR-20".
By the way, installing the MI#20 FF is VERY similar to installing Tory's 2piece FF HG. (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782)

I just ordered a 2 piece from MI. 129.00! On sale.

Thanks for the info gents.

[Red Flag]

MCTAR-20 (2 Piece Free Float Carbide Length Forearm)

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/ar_free_float_forearms.htm

MCTAR-17 (2 Piece Carbine Length)

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/ar_2_piece_forearm.htm

The one "MCTAR-17" that is ON SALE @ $129 from BravoCompany is NOT Free-Float!!!!!!!!!!

The one @ $163 IS FF tho, "MCTAR-20".
By the way, installing the MI#20 FF is VERY similar to installing Tory's 2piece FF HG. (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782)

I know MCTAR-17 is not FF. I deceided to go handguards.

Chris

[Boondocksaint]

SEARCH FUNCTION USED! hehe.

I too was wondering about FF vs. D ring handguards. I have a couple questions though...

1. Do you have to remove the Freefloat handguard to clean the gas tube? I don't want to strip screws and re-align after every trip to the range/desert.

2. I'm thinking of getting a mid-length upper if I get a free-float, and a carbine if I get the handguards. On the handguards, do you simply pop off the plastic halves and pop in the rail system?

Thanks.