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Posted: 4/21/2010 4:46:50 PM EDT
| Definitely a newbie question. How does a free float handguard improve accuracy. Thanks guys |
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You want the handguard/rail connected to the rifle (upper), not the barrel. It's not an issue if you just use the rails to hang VFGs or flashlights to it, but if you plan on bolting optics/lasers/scopes to the foregrip, you want somrthing that is ATTACHED to the upper, not just held in by the spring in the Delta Ring. The new "semi-free-float" stuff is pretty damn rock-solid though, but with recoil, banging around, etc., it COULD move enough to throw off your Zero on optics, etc.
Bottom line (IMO only), if you're gonna hang an EOTech, Aimpoint, a REAL battle laser, etc. on the foregrip/rail, get a free float. If not, don't sweat it, you'll never notice the "movement". |
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I'm surprised nobody mentioned that a free floated barrel doesn't have the resonance problem due to different parts contacting the barrel and changing the harmonics.
Ever see bolt action rifles where the guy at the gun show puts a dollar bill and slides it between the barrel and stock? Same principle. A free floated barrel doesn't have varying loads due to bipods, sling pressure, etc touching the barrel and changing it's harmonics. The barrel will resonate at it's natural frequency each time and will be more repeatable. Slings attached to a barrel or resting the stock on a bag etc can vary pressure on the stock. If the stock touches the barrel, that is another variable in how the rifle shoots. |
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Quoted:
I'm surprised nobody mentioned that a free floated barrel doesn't have the resonance problem due to different parts contacting the barrel and changing the harmonics. Ever see bolt action rifles where the guy at the gun show puts a dollar bill and slides it between the barrel and stock? Same principle. A free floated barrel doesn't have varying loads due to bipods, sling pressure, etc touching the barrel and changing it's harmonics. The barrel will resonate at it's natural frequency each time and will be more repeatable. Slings attached to a barrel or resting the stock on a bag etc can vary pressure on the stock. If the stock touches the barrel, that is another variable in how the rifle shoots. +1 |
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Quoted:
Bottom line (IMO only), if you're gonna hang an EOTech, Aimpoint, a REAL battle laser, etc. on the foregrip/rail, get a free float. If not, don't sweat it, you'll never notice the "movement". Agreed. I feel a free float is an imperative on a AR type rifle when the user is utilizing any type of aiming device, the rail would facilitate the holding of zero. I wouldn't mount an optic on the front rail, but if you plan on mounting a AN/PEQ series you need one. The second IMO would be a rfile shot with a bi-pod. Realistically, I doubt there is any type noticable accuracy difference except under sterilized range conditions w/ Match ammo, high mag glass, shooting supported. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Bottom line (IMO only), if you're gonna hang an EOTech, Aimpoint, a REAL battle laser, etc. on the foregrip/rail, get a free float. If not, don't sweat it, you'll never notice the "movement". Agreed. I feel a free float is an imperative on a AR type rifle when the user is utilizing any type of aiming device, the rail would facilitate the holding of zero. I wouldn't mount an optic on the front rail, but if you plan on mounting a AN/PEQ series you need one. The second IMO would be a rfile shot with a bi-pod. Realistically, I doubt there is any type noticable accuracy difference except under sterilized range conditions w/ Match ammo, high mag glass, shooting supported. Shooting tightly slung up alters point of aim. Freefloating started out trying to make the m16 competitive in high power shooting. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bottom line (IMO only), if you're gonna hang an EOTech, Aimpoint, a REAL battle laser, etc. on the foregrip/rail, get a free float. If not, don't sweat it, you'll never notice the "movement". Agreed. I feel a free float is an imperative on a AR type rifle when the user is utilizing any type of aiming device, the rail would facilitate the holding of zero. I wouldn't mount an optic on the front rail, but if you plan on mounting a AN/PEQ series you need one. The second IMO would be a rfile shot with a bi-pod. Realistically, I doubt there is any type noticable accuracy difference except under sterilized range conditions w/ Match ammo, high mag glass, shooting supported. Shooting tightly slung up alters point of aim. Freefloating started out trying to make the m16 competitive in high power shooting. ding ding ding ding ding. that is correct sir. yes it matters, anything touching the barrel effects consistent repeatability (accuracy) will your gun shoot minute of bad guy without it? yes at short to medium ranges. will your gun shoot to its max potential without it? nnnope. do you need it? only you can answer that one. |
| I don't think that being non freefloated affects practical accuracy at all. It might matter if you trying to get the most accuracy out of your rifle, and I'm talking to the tune of maybe 1/4" or so difference at 100 yards. To me, going with rails usually just adds weight and makes your forearm uncomfortable to hand on to. Unless you NEED it, I don't think the expense is worth it. |
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You cam alter the point of impact more than a quarter inch. Even if you never sling up, try shootint standing and use a post to brace the rifle, or fire sitting with the rifle on a fence crosspost or a rock. See if your theory holds up.
Course if just have a Kitty Kat ypu keep in the umbrella stand next to your recliner in case someone kicks in the front door, a free float may not be worth the money |
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Quoted:
I'm surprised nobody mentioned that a free floated barrel doesn't have the resonance problem due to different parts contacting the barrel and changing the harmonics. Ever see bolt action rifles where the guy at the gun show puts a dollar bill and slides it between the barrel and stock? Same principle. A free floated barrel doesn't have varying loads due to bipods, sling pressure, etc touching the barrel and changing it's harmonics. The barrel will resonate at it's natural frequency each time and will be more repeatable. Slings attached to a barrel or resting the stock on a bag etc can vary pressure on the stock. If the stock touches the barrel, that is another variable in how the rifle shoots. What if the barrel ain't all that good to start with, then what? Does it make it better or worse? Only shooting will decide that |
| Anything pulling on the barrel will cause small changes. At 25 meters, it won't mean much of anything. I built up a National Match 20" AR. I have a standard front sight base on it. If I sling up properly in prone using the sling attachment on the sight base, I miss the 500 meter 4 MOA gongs at my range. If I sling up on the post I put in the bottom of the free float tube, I hit the 500 meter 4 MOA gongs. Proof enough for me. |
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