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11/19/2005 5:37:02 PM EDT
I Was wondering what the purpose is of a free float handguard. Am I correct that most factory rifles such as DPMS and Olympic arms use handguards that are NOT free floating? How do you know if a free float handguard will benefit your style of shooting? I think they look cool but don't want to push cool over effectiveness. Cory
11/19/2005 5:53:30 PM EDT
[#1]
What kind of shooting are you planning to do ? IMHO:

For competitive shooting, its an asset IF the rules permit it. For IPSC/3-gun its particularly useful when resting the rifle on a barricade etc.

For varmint hunting, where you will likely be using a bipod and high magnification glass against small/distant targets, its invaluable.

For SHTF, everyone's needs are different. Honestly, for a self-defense carbine, I have a hard time believing you will be legitimiately shooting out far enough where the accuracy difference will be noticed. If you are one of the guys who has to hand a bunch of doodads (foregrips, flashlights, lasers etc.) off the front of the gun, then a rail-type FF tube may be worth the extortionate prices charged for such things. In my case, I don't see the value so I use the regular plastic handguards.

YMMV
11/19/2005 5:54:17 PM EDT
[#2]
Any thing that puts pressure on the barrel, moves point of impact, Free Floating makes any slings, bipods, etc. put pressure on pieces not the barrel.
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