AR 15 Free float -vs- standard handguards

[Tacbandit]

Just wondering what is involved in changing over to free float handguards from
the standard platform on a 16" AR. I would like to have a little sturdier/stable
situation when I replace the standards with quad rails... I know there are "2 piece" quads available...And I'm not so much looking for a particular brand suggestion, but I'm wanting to know exactly what is involved, and is there a cost efficient way to pull it off...I saw one article that referred to cutting the delta ring off...sounds complicated...Suggestions...??? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[BsChoy]

I believe that MI makes a 2 peice free float tube...check them out

 

[strat81]

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

That should point you in the right direction.

 

[Tacbandit]

Thanks, ya'll...Appreciate the input. Great help!! Looks like a lot of work, but I'm sure it would be worth it......

 

[Shung]

the simplier and the less expensive free float to install would be a Yankee Hill Machine in my mind.

to install it, you just have to temporarily remove the gasblock/frontisight, unscrew the delta ring and barrel nut, and replace it with the one provided.

Now, if you have the money to spend, a Daniel Defense, or a Larue certainly looks and feels cooler !

I like the freefloats HG, because I hate feeling play in between parts, which often happend with non free float HG..

 

[rob_s]

Troy, MI, and Daniel Defense all make two-piece FF rail systems that utilize, depending on the brand, the barrel nut and/or delta ring. The easiest FF tube to install that I'm aware of is the DD Omega which does not even require you to remove the delta ring. Pop off the old handguards, and install the Omega. Couldn't be any simpler.

For your standard one-piece FF rails, you'll need to pull the flash suppressor, the front sight base, the handguard cap and gas tube, the barrel nut, and delta ring, and then re-assemble in reverse with the dedicated parts for the rail system.

 

[Tacbandit]

Thanks, everybody...getting a lot of good info...now all I have to do is decide which way to go...I'll digest al of the info, make a choice, and keep you posted...
Thanks again,
Tacbandit out...

 

[DnPRK]

Do it yourself with the following tools:
Action block to hold the receiver
Wrench to remove standard barrel nut

 

[JD0608]

if you buy the yhm free float.. yankee hill machine. comes with complete instructions. it looks like a big job but it`s not bad. i bought one and put it on myself..

 

[Shung]

I forgot. I once uploaded this video I found on the web.

very useful if you go for a freefloat... exept details, it always is the same, whatever the model or brand you choose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK4XzPll9U8

 

[Urbana John]

I got Daniel defense full length quad rails for my LP308, then had to spent another couple hundred $$$ on the "tools" from DPMS to remove their standard rails. The job was easy, but now I have "tools" that I'll never use again!

UJ

 

[rob_s]

A couple hundred dollars? What tools did you buy?

DD sells three barrel nut wrenches that are $19/ea.

 

[bryanZ06]

Daniel Defense Omega rail, hands down.

 

[usp_fan]

The Omega is the easy option and it is gaining a reputation as a light and correctly dimensioned rail. That it is easy to install and priced competitively with other rail systems makes it more attractive. No special tools needed to install it.

I've seen used ones going for good prices in the various classifieds of different forums.

 

[rob_s]

Hmm, haven't stumbled on any used ones yet, I'll have to keep an eye out for that...

The friends and family price at Brownells is $260 for the 9.0, with retail being $30 more so it might be hard to find someone with a used one that's priced low enough to warrant buying used.

 

[gdvan01]

Hmm, haven't stumbled on any used ones yet, I'll have to keep an eye out for that...

It's just not the same without seeing the yellow visor in the avatar.

 

[Tacbandit]

Thanks, everybody...If I change over, I'm leaning toward he Daniel Defense
Omega...Seems like great quality, easy conversion, and a supposed "steady"
platform...Appreciate all of the input...A little pricey...worth it, I'm sure...
Tacbandit Out.....