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Author Topic: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question  (Read 2404 times)

Offline ComedianX

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Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« on: January 11, 2012, 12:24:31 PM »
I'm looking to get a new quad rail handguard for my Mid-length. My question is, should I go with a free float, 2 piece free float or a 2 piece drop in?? I know the drop in is pretty easy, how difficult is it to put either free floats?? Thanks!
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Offline bkoenig

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2012, 01:11:13 PM »
Most free floats will require you to remove your front sight.  Not hard with the proper tools, but you will need some specialized gear. 
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Offline ComedianX

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2012, 01:16:28 PM »
How good are the 2-piece free floats?
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Offline bkoenig

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2012, 04:34:43 PM »
I'm not sure, I've never handled one.  Maybe someone else here will have some experience with them.
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Offline 00BUCK

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2012, 06:16:58 PM »
I've not seen a two piece that was worth much, especially of you are going to hang optics or a front backup sight on it. If you have a front sight / gas block all in one then you will need to do some work to get it off. Google and a dremel tool are your friends. If you decide to do this, get a free float and a new gas block, then put a front sight on top of the gas block. I think Palmetto State Armory has some YHM free float rigs that are reasonable priced. You'll need a barrel wrench too - borrow or buy  - they aren't very expensive.
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Offline bkoenig

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2012, 07:13:29 PM »
If your existing front sight is a pinned on A2 style you should be able to just drive out the pins with a punch.
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Offline Dan W

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #6 on: January 11, 2012, 07:31:22 PM »
Daniel Defense Omega rail is a 2 piece  free float and requires no modification of the rifle. I have 2 and they are high grade equipment, very easy to install, weigh less than the plastic handguards they replace, and come with a free set of ladder rail protectors

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Daniel-Defense-Omega-Rail-Mide-Length-Free-Float-p/dd%2010002.htm
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Offline FarmerRick

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2012, 07:42:14 PM »
I have a used one of these coming in a few days.  It clamps to the standard barrel nut and is a 2-piece design.  I will let you know how it is when I get it. 

I paid about 35% of retail for it by getting it used from the ARFCOM Equipment Exchange.  That's where I buy almost all my AR parts, used and new.

http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/STAR-M.html

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Offline ComedianX

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Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2012, 09:49:31 AM »
Thanks everyone! I have looked at alot of them, but for some reason I keep going back to the DD Omega! Farmer, definitely let me know when you get it installed, i would like to know exactly what is needed to install it. Thanks!!
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