Railed AR handguard

[CatsMeow]

Hi all,

I've been following this issue about free-floating handguards; indeed I see there is one thread about this below, as to the best ones. However, my question is, will a non-freefloating railed handguard, mounted the same way as an ordinary handguard, make much of a difference vis-a-vis a free-floating handguard, as to accuracy and durability, with respect to a plain old service rifle?

Thanks!

[Ljunatic]

In general, the free float will be attached more robustly, and will not allow any deflection of the barrel due to loads from various accessories like slings, verticle foregrips, biopods etc. This is the strong point ,and the reason that accuracy is better.

A good quality railed handguard will put some load on the barrel, but it can still be used effectively . If there is any slop in the mounting , then you will feel some play in the handguards, especially if you use a VFG and tend to pull or twist with your front hand. This may effect accuracy at longer distances.

It is not recommended to mount any optic or sight on a non free float handguard due to this movement effecting zero adjustment

Lastly , most free float rails are more precisley machined , for better likelyhood of return to zero of optics, and more precise positioning of accessories on the rail.

That's all I can think of right now.

[space_weazel]

My Surefire non free float rails are nice and tight and I don't see any issues with accuracy, but thats just me I'm sure some one will be along to tell me that I'm and idiot and know nothing, this is the internet after all.

[Rebel_James]

I bought some UTG brand handguards off ebay for my AR, for about $60, including shipping. When I posted something about them here, some bozo said they were ok for plinking, but I'd need better ones if I ever did some serious shooting.

lol .... HE was one of those guys that sell the $150 handguards.


For the most part, extruded aluminum is extuded aluminum. I realize there are some differences. That being said .....

1. The UTG handguards fit perfectly. Easy to install, good fit and finish.

2. I have an AR15, NOT a sniper rifle. I'm not going to be attempting to hit a quarter at 200 yards. Damn, I'm not gonna be attempting to hit a quarter at 100 yards!

3. No matter what I do to the rifle, it will always be MORE accurate than I am.

4. The UTG handguards work ok for me.


.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/Rebel_James/Stag15007.jpg

[COLOSHOOTR]

I bought some UTG brand handguards off ebay for my AR, for about $60, including shipping. When I posted something about them here, some bozo said they were ok for plinking, but I'd need better ones if I ever did some serious shooting.

lol .... HE was one of those guys that sell the $150 handguards.


For the most part, extruded aluminum is extuded aluminum. I realize there are some differences. That being said .....

1. The UTG handguards fit perfectly. Easy to install, good fit and finish.

2. I have an AR15, NOT a sniper rifle. I'm not going to be attempting to hit a quarter at 200 yards. Damn, I'm not gonna be attempting to hit a quarter at 100 yards!

3. No matter what I do to the rifle, it will always be MORE accurate than I am.

4. The UTG handguards work ok for me.


.


+1 on that.... I have Surefire M73 non free float rails on mine. They fit tight and my patrol carbine shoots just as good as any of the free float M&P 15T's and sometimes better (possibly the shooters). Like he stated above your standard rifle is probably going to be more accurate then you.

Unless you are doing some serious precision shooting you'll see no difference between free float rails and a good quality non free float system. That being said, if you want a tack driver you might want a stainless barrel a .223 match chamber, a 20in barrel to keep the velocity up for longer ranges and some good optics. Otherwise if you 're just going for a combat grade accurate plinking rifle any handguard system will work for you. Free floats do have a high CDI (chicks digg it) Factor though.

[CatsMeow]

Thanks for your input.:wavey: I'm visiting websites such as Brownells, Midway, Rainier and Bravo Company in order to narrow down my choices.

[slathrum]

Since you're looking, does anyone know of a place that sells the inexpensive two-piece railed handguards in a mid-lenth version? All I can ever seem to find is carbine and rifle length.

[space_weazel]

Since you're looking, does anyone know of a place that sells the inexpensive two-piece railed handguards in a mid-lenth version? All I can ever seem to find is carbine and rifle length.

About the best bang for the buck
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=65

[DLEE25]

I agree Midwest Industries is a great rail for a great price. I have one on my mid length Rock River. Although I am a firm believer in the " ya get what ya pay for " philoshophy, Gear snobs really get on my nerves. I appreciate the quality of LaRue and others but the expense prohibits me from buying too much of their product. If MI or UTG fits your budget and works well for your rifle, more power to ya I say. You can't go wrong with Midwest stuff.