Free Floating Handguard for RRA LAR-8?

[DoubleTapDrew]

Either my google-fu is weak or there isn't any info on this yet.
Has anyone tried the free floating aluminum handguards Rock River sells for the LAR-8 rifles?
http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=537
I have a 16" midlength version and it has the A2 style clamshell handguards. I'd like to eek out a little more accuracy if possible (without resorting to a Kreiger barrel or something) and was wondering if anybody has swapped to these free float tubes and if it made any difference.
I'd rather not spend the money if it doesn't deliver any improvement.

 

[RECIT]

I did not see any accuracy improvement in mine when I swapped to the free float rail. RRA sells a model with a 22"or 24" varmint barrel that is noticeably more accurate than the 16" model. I would try to source out an OE barrel before going after a custom barrel.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Thank you for the reply RECIT. I emailed RRA to see what they'd say and they replied that I probably wouldn't see a noticeable improvement and said the 16" models do about 1.5 MOA and if I went with a longer barrel I could shave about .5 MOA off the groups as well.
Hmm. I don't know if I should look into a longer RRA barrel, or go with a custom one (Black Hole Weaponry seems reasonably priced compared to something like a krieger), or just give up on it and start saving for a LaRue OBR or something.

 

[zeke]

Ya might try a heavier bullet, if you're trying to get accuracy from 147-150 grainers. Have a short barreled RRA 16 in 1:10 twist that has a distinct preference for the heavier 165 and up bullet weights. The trajectories are fairly similiar at reasonable distances for a 16 incher.

On different Ar's , have loosened the handguard fit, which resulted in better accuracy for longer strings.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

The 147gr I've tried is surplus and not all that accurate in the LAR. The best accuracy so far has been with the 168gr federal gold medal match. Still developing a handload it likes. I picked up a box of 175gr GMM to try but haven't had the time yet. I might be expecting too much from it (the gun rag reviews with their .5 moa groups, etc)

 

[Stack]

There's no reason for a barrel to be inaccurate just because it produces a bit less velocity than a bit longer barrel. A good barrel, adequately tested for ammo preference will produce a good shooter of whatever length. A poorly manufactured barrel poorly broken in never will. I'd invest about 35 bucks or so in the Tubb final finish system before doing anything else.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I'd invest about 35 bucks or so in the Tubb final finish system before doing anything else.

Does that stuff really work? I've thought about it before but worry it'll just be abrasive and make for a "looser" bore.
I've only got about 300 rds through it so far. The RRAs use 1:10" Wilson barrels but I don't know about their reputation for accuracy or quality control.

 

[zstephens13]

I just had a thread on this...
I don't think I got any conclusive answers.

 

[zeke]

My RRA 16 inch (free floated handguard) has shown a distinct preference for HDY 165 sst's, seated to max length. It did not like Nosler 150 or 125 BT's at all, even tho other rifles doted on em. Am considering the specific short barrel with faster 1:10 twist may not be stabilizing the short/lighter bullets as well as the longer ones.

It also likes the 168 grain Sierra hpbt, but not as well as the 165 grain HDY SST. Am a believer in free floated handguards for best accuracy in AR's.