Delta Ring, Free Float, Mid Length, Carbine?

[Rangem4]

I am really enjoying the acquisition and building part of the AR platform.
I did not know anything about this rifle a year ago. Now I am having a ball. I bought a Colt M4 last summer. It has a fixed stock a 24" stainless barrel and I just put a Nikon M-223 scope on to complete the package.
Meanwhile I have acquired almost enough parts and pieces to build 2 more rifles.
I am hoping you guys can help simplify the handguard system. The barrel on my high end JP Machine 16" stainless with matching bolt needs a barrel nut and a handguard.
I have seen the Delta ring set-up with the cheap handguards and I know I want to go with a free float for the JP. What type of barrel nut do I need and what kind of handguard will go with this build?
Will the right mid length handguard come with the mounting kit?
What is the best source for information?
I bought the Brownells ar-15 build dvd but they don't go into detail with this type of build.
Help!

[m16]

Some free float handguards use a standard barrel nut, others will have a proprietary nut that needs a special wrench.

You won't know what you need until you decide which handguard you want.

[Rangem4]

That is my biggest concern. I have seen hundreds of hand guard options and configurations. With a 16" barrel I have seen mid length for that barrel?
I don't know what 16" represents. Carbine?, Mid length?
I will probably go into Sacramento Black Rifle and show them my build and ask< what do you have that will fit this awesome rifle?
I just put together another lower this evening with a basic PSA lower kit including collapsabe mil=spec butt stovk and trigger group.
This is very entertaining, just like building high end models as a kid.

[m16]

A 16" barrel can have either a carbine length gas system or mid-length gas system.

A carbine system needs at least a 7" handguard to cover the gas tube, a mid-length will need at least a 9" handguard.

If you plan on installing a low profile gas block, you can obviously go with even longer handguards.

[ar15barrels]

Take a picture of your barrel with a tape measure next to it and I'll tell you what you have.
If you don't want to buy all the tools to assemble an upper, I only charge $25 to assemble an upper from a box of parts.
I also may have a Jp mid length handguard system that I would let go of if that is what you are looking for.

[markw]

The Troy alpha rails use the stock barrel nut. Easy to install/remove.

[zurppin]

It's all about the gas system. Carbine = 7", mid length = 9", rifle = 12"

[Rangem4]

Thanks fellas, this really helps. Randal, I will send a pic when I have everything in one spot. Right now I have my good lower at my Dad's which I will pick-up in a few weeks.
I have three barrels, bolt groups etc in transit or ready to pick-up.
My high end build I am using a 16" JP Enterprises Supermatch stainless with a Bennie Cooley Comp, a matching bolt, lead lapped and cryogenically treated etc. etc.
I want the right handguard and I have a great Magpul stock.
Thanks again guys!!

[NewbieDave]

Does your JP barrel have the adjustable gas-block... cause that's going to limit your handguard selction. Sounds like you have one of JP's barrel kits, that being the case... you are going to be limited to a mid-lenght handguard so that it'll clear the gas-block.

If not and you have a lo-pro gas block, get a rifle leng handguard to get you the must restate to cover the barrel. I'm a big fan of none-railed handguard cause I just don't need all that 1913 rails on all 4 sides. So JP & Troy rail is a great option.


dpc