AR: To free float or not to free float; that is the question.

[Realbigo]

i myself have the bargain basement Samco 4 rail on my M4gery. It's nice and solid zytel, and the accuracy hasn't suffered a bit. I say if you arn't looking for long range, you don't need a Free floater. Of course, i also piss my (non gunner) buddies off by making them shoot Iron sights accurately before i let use the scope that lives on it.

 

[ceetee]

I guess I'm in the minority on this one. I say as long as the price is in the ballpark, why not?

My reasons are as follows:

6 additional ounces is not that big a deal, unless they're out near the flash hider.

Right now, you may not want to hang all kinds of crap off the handguards, but later on, you might want to. If you already have the rails, you can. If you don't, you'll have to make a way.

Why limit your options? I love a .357 revolver because you can shoot everything from creampuff target loads to "stop an Oakland Raiders tackle in his tracks" hunting loads. My AR has a Wylde chamber with 1/8 twist because it's supposed to be able to chamber just about any cartridge, and shoot just about any bullet weight. If expense is not an option, why limit the accessories the rifle can wear by not having a rail?

You can always change it to a standard handguard later on fairly cheaply - you can't add a rail to a standard rifle nearly as easily or cheaply...

 

[Tarvis]

I wouldn't worry about the extra weight from the rail if I were you. The weight savings from the pencil barrel over an HBAR with or without the tube will be very considerable on its own. The only reason I would consider keeping the standard hand guards would be in consideration of the KISS principle.

 

[arthurcw]

KISS principle

I greatly resemble the second "S" in that.

I'm going to sleep on it. Yesterday I was leaning against it. Today I'm leaning toward it.

I suppose if I ever get my wish to get us to an Appleseed shoot, she'll want the extra bit of accuracy on it when using the sling. Like I need to give her more ability to make me look bad. ARGH!

 

[RyanM]

I'd go for the free float thing if it's not too much more. Free float crap always has the price jacked way up, and rails are useful. Tell you what, if you decide against the free float tube, I'll buy it off you for whatever the difference was, plus shipping. If you still get the standard handguards with it? I can't tell if you're buying this new or used.