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Handguns, Rifles & Shotguns => Rifles => Topic started by: ComedianX on January 11, 2012, 12:24:31 PM

Title: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: ComedianX 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!

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: bkoenig 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. 

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: ComedianX on January 11, 2012, 01:16:28 PM

How good are the 2-piece free floats?

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: bkoenig 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.

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: 00BUCK 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.

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: bkoenig 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.

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: Dan W 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 (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Daniel-Defense-Omega-Rail-Mide-Length-Free-Float-p/dd%2010002.htm)

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: FarmerRick 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 (http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/STAR-M.html)

(http://www.samson-mfg.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/STAR-AR-15_STAR-M.jpg)

Title: Re: Ar-15 mid-length Handguard question
Post by: ComedianX 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!!