Free Float Quad Rail

[HawkMan]

I just got my first AR 15, an M&P 15 Sport II. I want to upgrade it and put on a free float quad rail.

What size quad rail should I get? I kinda wanted something covering the whole barrel except the flash hider, but idk which size is best.

Also, I'm not sure of the price I should be paying. I see some online for $60 and then there are others for $200-500, what's a decent price?

I also will need a low profile gas block.

If you have an idea of any Free Float Quad Rails or Low Profile Gas Blocks to recommend, please do!

Thank You!

P.S. I also don't know if I should do it myself or get a gunsmith to do it. Also, if I do get a gunsmith, how much should I expect to pay for them to install my FFQR and LPGB?

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[Chromebonez]

I wouldn't recommend a quad rail, they are bulky and heavy. I think its better to get a slim, free float hand guard and add rails accordingly for your accessories to keep things nice and clean. (Just my opinion though, get a quad rail if you'd like.)

If you want to cover your 16'' barrel except the flash hider, you'd want a 15'' hand guard, but 13'' looks great also plus you save a bit of weight (it adds up). Google some images and see what you think looks best.

For handguards, buy from a quality brand and you should be alright, personally, I think the better rails are in the $150+ Range but some rails around $100 would do just fine. If your on a budget no need to spend more than $200. Pick any you think looks good and do some research to see if it meets your needs.

For the low profile gas block, I chopped off the front sight on my sport and grinded it down to a low profile gas block, In my opinion, this is the best option because you save money (if you have the tools.) and the stock FSB(Front sight block) is way more secure vs a low profile gas block that uses two screws on the bottom and you don't have to worry about gas issues and lining up the gas ports etc.

If you do go with an aftermarket low profile gas block that uses two screws on the bottom, it would be good to dimple your barrel for extra security.

Watch some videos on youtube on how to shave a FSB and install a free float handguard, there are MANY helpful vids, and if at that point you feel you can't do it, take it to a gunsmith but be prepared to spend some money and possibly wait awhile. Nothing beats doing it yourself in my opinion.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any more questions and good luck brotha!

[Canucky]

I suggest shooting it stock for awhile. You might change your mind. You could also buy a second upper and trick it out to your hearts desire?

[HawkMan]

I suggest shooting it stock for awhile. You might change your mind. You could also buy a second upper and trick it out to your hearts desire?

I don't wanna buy a second upper. I can shoot it stock for a while, but I did notice the heat through the stock hand guard. Also, I wanna be able to mount a hand grip, bipod, etc...

[Chromebonez]

I suggest shooting it stock for awhile. You might change your mind. You could also buy a second upper and trick it out to your hearts desire?

One does not keep an AR stock lol.

[Drew Eckhardt]

One does not keep an AR stock lol.

A CMP/NRA high-power "service rifle" must be stock appearing.

[kcheung2]

If you feel the heat through the factory handguard, you'll feel it more through a free float handguard with all the holes in it.

[HawkMan]

If you feel the heat through the factory handguard, you'll feel it more through a free float handguard with all the holes in it.

I got told it's cooler because of airflow.

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[Chromebonez]

I got told it's cooler because of airflow.

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My free float handguard gets a lot hotter compared to the Magpul MOE handguards with the heatshield I use to have. I think it's because most free float hand guards are aluminum and retain heat a lot more vs the stock plastic + Heatshield handguards.

Don't let that stop you from free-floating though. It will only get too hot to touch if your out there rapid firing or shooting hundreds of rounds. You can always get rail covers and what not.

[HawkMan]

My free float handguard gets a lot hotter compared to the Magpul MOE handguards with the heatshield I use to have. I think it's because most free float hand guards are aluminum and retain heat a lot more vs the stock plastic + Heatshield handguards.

Don't let that stop you from free-floating though. It will only get too hot to touch if your out there rapid firing or shooting hundreds of rounds. You can always get rail covers and what not.

How much should it cost to have a gunsmith put on a free float quad rail and low profile gas block?

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[Canucky]

Try Magpul furniture? Cheap fits around the front post. Tri pod on a carbine? Buy a vpg with pod legs?

[HawkMan]

Try Magpul furniture? Cheap fits around the front post. Tri pod on a carbine? Buy a vpg with pod legs?

Do you have any links to some examples?

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[Drew Eckhardt]

My free float handguard gets a lot hotter compared to the Magpul MOE handguards with the heatshield I use to have. I think it's because most free float hand guards are aluminum and retain heat a lot more vs the stock plastic + Heatshield handguards.

I had an Armalite composite tube on my first AR which was nice, albeit just a tube with a bipod stud.

Lancer and Rhino Rifles sell modular carbon fiber handguards which accept rail segments.

[Soginator]

Also if you are shooting off hand, you could add a vfg or afg and that shouldn't transfer much heat to your hand if any at all. I have banker hands as calguns likes to call them, and with a vfg i dont feel anything.

The DD ris III rail is the one the US Mil uses I believe. I have one and it is strong as hell. But assuming you're not playing in the sand box, you probably don't need to spring that much. I just ordered a BCM upper, and I am putting all the magpul sl furniture on it. Add rails as necessary. DD also has some good quad rails for sale, but off the top of my head I'd say Troy and DD are probably the best.

[kcheung2]

I got told it's cooler because of airflow.

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The barrel cools faster because of airflow, but where do you think the hot air goes?

Don't get me wrong, I like free float tubes, but you should know what you're getting into. Also, quad rails are still around but you should seriously consider M-lok or keymod rails instead. They're lighter and less bulky. And no one will admit it but quad rails are out of fashion; if ARs are like barbie dolls then quads are wearing 2012's styles. Seriously though, hold a bunch of different rails and figure out which you like better because it's really down to personal preference.