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Posted: 3/27/2008 11:47:57 AM EDT
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I am looking at the forearms below. One is drop in and the other is free float. What's the difference and which one should I go with? http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=67 Drop In http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=74 Free Float |
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The drop in is use in place of standard two piece handguards, and attaches in the same way. The FF (free float)version (which I have) requires than you cut off the delta ring, and clamps around the barrel nut. Except for where it clamps around the barrel nut, the rail is isolated from the barrel. Here's what it looks like taken apart.  If you are planning on a scoped AR and are trying for accuracy, a FF rail or tube is the way to go. Any contact with the barrel (sling, sandbag, bipod) can affect accuracy. Otherwise, the two piece will be fine. |
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"Free floating" the barrel isn't a practice that is limited to the AR-15. MANY have the barrels on their rifles free floated to extract as much accuracy from the rifle as is possible. Personally, I'd go ahead and get the free float guards. How much they will help you will depend on the barrel configuration that you are running, but they will help to some degree, even if the scope is only mounted on the upper receiver. The external pressure of the bipod, handguards, etc. on the barrel have an effect on the point of impact from shot to shot. If the rifle is just a beater or just something that you hardly ever shoot beyond 50 yards, it probably won't matter, but if you are trying for any degree of accuracy fron 100 yards out, I think the FFs will help to tighten groups. |
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This has been a question of mine recently too. I want free float hand guards that are quality. Is there a difference between these two companies (YHM and MI)? Since the MI FF hang guards are 2 pieces, does that make them less stable or what? FF Newbie, 0311Hoosier |
| i have owned both MI rails, and currently use the FF rail. I personally seem to have picked up considerably more consistent shot placement with the FF over the drop in guards. Could be any of a dozen factors, but it does seem to have been a benefit. Another consideration is that the drop in rail is very, very hard to get tight and keep from moving around. It has 4 set screws that have to be torqued just right or it will wobble. In my case, firing often loosened them up. The FF rail is solid as a rock and has stayed that way through several sessions. The FF also looks way cooler with the faux monolithic rail. Dont worry about cutting the d-ring, its simple as cake and near impossible to screw up. Took me all of 3 minutes. I cant recommend the FF rail enough, but id stay away fron the drop in guards, of any brand. Youll wish you went free float later. It just feels like a job left half finished with drop ins. YMMV. |
| One thing is true with the cheaper the rail you get the bulkier they are. I'm actually have a Yankee Hill FF guard comming after months of thinking about it. Its only 110$ and I got the lite weight one. But I do do longer range shooting and I like my guns lite but tough. |
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