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Posted: 8/12/2013 1:20:58 PM EDT
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I've been researching a quad rail to replace the stock handguard on my M4 and I immediately (possibly wrongly so) assumed that free-float was the way to go. I've read the reasons for free-float over non free-float and, at least at a basic level, I understand the effect of non free-float handguard and changes in tension on the barrel.
My question is: Money considerations aside, why would anyone ever get a non free-float rail then? They seem to look the same cosmetically, they seem to function the same, the big difference that I can tell is simply increased accuracy? Or maybe the benefits of a free-float rail are exaggerated in what I've read and its really not as big a deal as I'm thinking? Thanks! |
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Ease of installation/removal is the only thing going for non floating rails, and now even free floating rails can do the same thing. Typically they're lighter, but a little more expensive though.
This day and age there really is no good reason not to free float. Who am I to judge though? |
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I have gone through the same thought process. I can understand free floating any long range rifle when a person might want to get all the accuracy potential.
Then there is the rifle intended to be used at common combat distances that averages 2 MOA without any modifications.(Average for the AR) Is there much justification for spending more money for a free float system to make that combat rifle have the potential to shoot more accurately? I have to ask what would be the point? |
| The key word is application. What do you want to do with this rifle? For example, a truck gun or brush gun that you'll expect to get dirty or muddy might benefit from having non-FF handguards for easy removal and cleaning. Regardless of sights or optics, you're limited to hitting what you can see. If you're running run of the mil open sights or low or non-magnified optics, the added accuracy potential may not be as noticeable. For magnified optics and open sights with finer adjustment, free float is definitely the way to go. |
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For accuracy I bought free float tubes for my builds (16" carbines, 20" HBAR clones and one 24" vARmint rifle).
However, I have an M4 style carbine in 5.45X39 that shoots 2 MOA (at least out to 300 yards) with the standard hand guards when I shoot with a sling from the prone position. 2 MOA is plenty good enough for the intended use. |
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