Free Float Question > AR Discussions

Posted: 12/6/2011 9:23:49 AM EDT

I want to free float the 16" barrel on my carbine. I was hoping to put an 11", 12", or 13" hand rail on it with a low profile gas block. I'm not sure what gas blocks will fit under which rail. Any info or advice? Why do some rails work with a carbine length gas system and others don't? Thanks in advance!

Posted: 12/6/2011 9:41:12 AM EDT

[#1]

It would be easier if you told us which rails you are considering and which gas blocks you're looking at.

Posted: 12/6/2011 9:45:59 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I want to free float the 16" barrel on my carbine. I was hoping to put an 11", 12", or 13" hand rail on it with a low profile gas block. I'm not sure what gas blocks will fit under which rail. Any info or advice? Why do some rails work with a carbine length gas system and others don't? Thanks in advance!

Daniel Defense makes a rail system you do not have to remove your front sight gas block if you want to keep it. The Omega rail and no modification to the rifle.

Posted: 12/6/2011 1:23:58 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I want to free float the 16" barrel on my carbine. I was hoping to put an 11", 12", or 13" hand rail on it with a low profile gas block. I'm not sure what gas blocks will fit under which rail. Any info or advice? Why do some rails work with a carbine length gas system and others don't? Thanks in advance!

Daniel Defense makes a rail system you do not have to remove your front sight gas block if you want to keep it. The Omega rail and no modification to the rifle.

If you want to keep the Front Sight, an Omega will only work if it is the length of the gas system (ie. 7" for the carbine system, 9" for mids)

The OMEGA-X FSP has an opening for the Front Sight Base:

DD Omega

OP, you could always cut down your front sight tower CLICK ME TO SEE THE THREAD ON HOW TO DO IT . That will fit under every rail I have ever seen

Posted: 12/6/2011 5:19:38 PM EDT

[#4]

If you do want to extend past your gas block and put on a low profile, there are some options that will fit under most rail systems.

Daniel defense, VLTOR, Rainier Arms, centurion arms, Larue .....to name a few.

My problem when i put on an extended rail is I only went one inch farther than the gas system and the front sight block scar stuck out a little bit so i swapped it out for the next size up. However, like Larues low pro gas block, they make it extended low pro gas blocks to cover the scar for this reason. I used a VLTOR prior to going back to the front sight block set up. Worked great for me and my dumbass never dimpled the barrel for the gas block set screws because they arent pins like the front sight block. Now there are clamp on offerings but some feel they are inferioir to the set screw models.

Just remember to get the right size diameter. Government and M4 style barrels use .750

Posted: 12/6/2011 5:43:02 PM EDT

[#5]

Before