Handguards - Free Floating Vs. Drop In

[BowVista]

It seems like most guys prefer free floating handguards, so I was wondering why that is.

What are the pros and cons of each to those of you who consider yourself well educated AR folks?

[flyby]

Free floating gives better accuracy. Unless you're shooting a varmint or competition model at longer distances I don't see the need for it.

[iamntxhunter]

Free floating gives better accuracy. Unless you're shooting a varmint or competition model at longer distances I don't see the need for it.

This.

However some like the extended look of the free float where it goes past the gas block. I have a Troy drop in on one and a Troy 11" free float on another.

[TX Doc]

It's just like free floating a bolt action rifle barrel. The free float tube reduces any pressure points on the barrel that could effect barrel harmonics. In general it will give a more accurate rifle. If you are planning a longer barreled long range AR then I would suggest the free float tube. In a 16" carbine that you'll only be shooting out to maybe 200-300 yards you won't see much difference and a drop in rail would be fine. The main reason for the rail is just to mount accessories and for looks. The best thing you can do for accuracy will be to replace the factory trigger.

[labman]

More accurate.

Depending on barrel length, you can create longer site radius by going with a longer free floated hand guard. Longer tube allows you to place your hand further out on the barrel, providing more control, faster sight picture and acquisition of targets.

Now, if you don't shoot competitvely, have a need for a duty rig, etc. A free float tube looks cooler, and allows all of furniture(attachments) to be added.

Or you can add a low profile adjustable gas block under the longer tube to customize the recoil, again better recoil mgt, faster second shot, etc.

Chics dig the added length

[Loneaggie]

More accurate.

Depending on barrel length, you can create longer site radius by going with a longer free floated hand guard. Longer tube allows you to place your hand further out on the barrel, providing more control, faster sight picture and acquisition of targets.

Now, if you don't shoot competitvely, have a need for a duty rig, etc. A free float tube looks cooler, and allows all of furniture(attachments) to be added.

Or you can add a low profile adjustable gas block under the longer tube to customize the recoil, again better recoil mgt, faster second shot, etc.

Chics dig the added length

Low profile gas block reducing recoil? Huh? Longer sight radius only counts with irons which are pure backups on 99% of ARs.

But yeah like said above can improve long range accuracy. Also handy for longer reach for support hand grip for fast combat style shooting as mentioned above.

[Coyotekiller]

Free floating gives better accuracy. Unless you're shooting a varmint or competition model at longer distances I don't see the need for it.

X3

[Ecoboost]

I go free floated on ALL of my rifles.... My AR15's are not long range builds... I use my rail systems to hold backup/ iron sites. If you try to do that with a drop in rail system I PROMISE you it will get bumped or moved some how. Guess what happens when it moves??? Yup your sights move. If you have a fixed front sight post you won't have to worry about it. Also I tend to use my rails to rest against things while shooting in certain situations. I prefer not to put that pressure against the barrel. It WILL change your POI.

[epp838]

Ecoboost is dead on

[BowVista]

I go free floated on ALL of my rifles.... My AR15's are not long range builds... I use my rail systems to hold backup/ iron sites. If you try to do that with a drop in rail system I PROMISE you it will get bumped or moved some how. Guess what happens when it moves??? Yup your sights move. If you have a fixed front sight post you won't have to worry about it. Also I tend to use my rails to rest against things while shooting in certain situations. I prefer not to put that pressure against the barrel. It WILL change your POI.

You trying to make me regret what I bought from you today? I came home, and immediately started looking at free floats and regretted buying it.

[Ecoboost]

Bring it back! Lol I tried talking you into a free float and you weren't havin it.... Lol

[BowVista]

Bring it back! Lol I tried talking you into a free float and you weren't havin it.... Lol

I already opened it.

Oh well...maybe I just need to finally start that new build I keep talking about.

[Mike D]

I go free floated on ALL of my rifles.... My AR15's are not long range builds... I use my rail systems to hold backup/ iron sites. If you try to do that with a drop in rail system I PROMISE you it will get bumped or moved some how. Guess what happens when it moves??? Yup your sights move. If you have a fixed front sight post you won't have to worry about it. Also I tend to use my rails to rest against things while shooting in certain situations. I prefer not to put that pressure against the barrel. It WILL change your POI.

Only time that should be a factor with the sight would be if you are using a rail mounted flip up sight. Only gun I could see using a drop in on would be one with the fixed FSB, like my Colt 6933.



Anything any longer or with rail mounted front sight I agree with you. It's just a PITA to remove the delta riding and all the for a free float installation. But it sure does look nice.