Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Rifles and Shotguns > Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles Dedicated to the Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Rifles


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-20-2014, 10:30 PM
Kyle stroud Kyle stroud is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default M&p 15 free float

I was wondering what the best free float hand guards are out there. I'm not a big quad rail fan. Any help would be appreciated
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-20-2014, 11:21 PM
JaPes's Avatar
JaPes JaPes is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NW Suburbs, Illinois
Posts: 4,013
Likes: 3,272
Liked 3,961 Times in 1,871 Posts
Default

Best is subjective. I'll start with what I have on mine, a Troy Alpha.



Pro: Proven system. Sturdy. Allows me to affix rail sections where I want them. Easy to install because it utilizes the stock barrel nut.

Con: It's an older system. Affixing rail sections is a pain. Any hole beyond where my middle finger can reach is useless. Since it clamps down on the stock barrel nut, I get a barely perceptible rotational wiggle in mine. I've just been too preoccupied to address it.

If I were to do it again, I'd opt for the newer Key-Mod free float system. It's has a narrow diameter. Keymod attachments are a breeze to install anywhere. It's lighter. There are a bunch of different manufacturers and contours. The one linked below is just one example.

Midwest Industries: Lightweight KeyMod Series One Piece Free Float Handguard

A better way to answer you is to ask a question. What type of shooting are you doing? What is your intended end goal? We can then offer you more targeted opinions.
__________________
-John
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-20-2014, 11:33 PM
Kyle stroud Kyle stroud is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Mostly I just do some plinking but as we all know the hogs are getting out of control and I like me some bacon
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 12-21-2014, 12:36 AM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

I installed the UTG Pro Super Slim. It's made in the USA and very sturdy. Easy to install and not very expensive as these things go. It allows picatinny rails to be attached or removed at any point along the forearm. They can be found for about $110.

I have been very happy with mine.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 12-21-2014, 09:11 AM
ChattanoogaPhil's Avatar
ChattanoogaPhil ChattanoogaPhil is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 14,661
Likes: 7,937
Liked 20,623 Times in 5,958 Posts
Default

Take a look at KeyMod type handguards if low profile mounting of accessories is a consideration.

Last edited by ChattanoogaPhil; 12-21-2014 at 09:12 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 12-21-2014, 10:00 PM
Kyle stroud Kyle stroud is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Okay so I am looking all over but can't find a smooth free float with a picatinny rail on the front half
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-21-2014, 10:47 PM
JaPes's Avatar
JaPes JaPes is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NW Suburbs, Illinois
Posts: 4,013
Likes: 3,272
Liked 3,961 Times in 1,871 Posts
Default

What are you looking to do with the rail? Mount a bi-pod or something?

Take a look at Midwest Industries. All sorts of goodness there to look at.

Midwest Industries: Tactical Handguards

YHM:

Forearms - Firearms Accessories | Yankee Hill Machine

Sampson Manufacturing:

AR15 : Samson Manufacturing

Keep in mind with the modular forends, you can attach a rail section wherever you want. With the Key-Mod or M-LOCK system, the accessory directly interfaces to the rail system.
__________________
-John
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-21-2014, 10:49 PM
cyphertext cyphertext is offline
US Veteran
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wylie, TX
Posts: 4,670
Likes: 1,075
Liked 3,823 Times in 2,040 Posts
Default

Let's start over... first, what rifle do you have? Does it have a fixed front sight, or a railed gas block?

Second, what are you wanting to attach? Hog hunting does not require a free floated barrel. At the distance I shoot hogs from, it wouldn't make a difference as far as accuracy. However, I hunt them mostly during the day, so I don't have lights or anything hanging off my rifle. If you are looking to only attach a light, or bipod, you could use a drop in handguard that allows you to attach a piece of rail where needed at less cost.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 12-21-2014, 11:37 PM
Kyle stroud Kyle stroud is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Mostly just love the look of them. I have a fixed front sight but will be removing that while installing a free float. Basically just trying to find a carbine length one that looks good and functions well. Guess it's just a personal preference

Last edited by Kyle stroud; 12-21-2014 at 11:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-22-2014, 07:13 AM
JaPes's Avatar
JaPes JaPes is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NW Suburbs, Illinois
Posts: 4,013
Likes: 3,272
Liked 3,961 Times in 1,871 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyle stroud View Post
Mostly just love the look of them. I have a fixed front sight but will be removing that while installing a free float. Basically just trying to find a carbine length one that looks good and functions well. Guess it's just a personal preference
If you're going to go through the trouble of removing the A2-F front sight, why install the same length handguard? IMO, get a longer one. You get more rail space and versatility. You also get a longer sight radius.

F.Y.I. S&W uses tapered pins to affix the front sight to the barrel. They also drive out opposite from every other AR.
__________________
-John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 12-22-2014, 10:34 AM
cyphertext cyphertext is offline
US Veteran
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wylie, TX
Posts: 4,670
Likes: 1,075
Liked 3,823 Times in 2,040 Posts
Default

I agree with JaPes... go longer if you are removing the fixed sight.

It sounds like you would like something like what I bought but never installed... not sure if they even make them anymore. It is a round tube guard that allows for pieces of rail to be attached. Mine is carbine length and has a cut out for the FSB. However, it is one piece so I would have to remove the FSB to install it, so I haven't bothered.

Anyway, it is made by APEX. Check them out and see if they have something like you are looking for.
APEX MACHINING CO INC.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-22-2014, 01:06 PM
speedyquad's Avatar
speedyquad speedyquad is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Oil City, PA
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 860
Liked 1,125 Times in 563 Posts
Default

i just built my first AR. i used a Strike Industries megafins 2 handguard. it is a modular keymod system. AR Mega Fins / Key-Mod Handguard Rail G2 12" - Handguard - AR - RIFLE ACCESSORIES

the pics are from a build review that i did for another site.



the rails lock into it like this, you can put them where you want...

these are the rails that you can add...add as many or as few as you want...


you can tacticool it out if you want. the light and laser, as well as the cheap utg red dot are not staying on.
__________________
SDMF

Last edited by speedyquad; 12-22-2014 at 06:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-22-2014, 06:48 PM
ChattanoogaPhil's Avatar
ChattanoogaPhil ChattanoogaPhil is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 14,661
Likes: 7,937
Liked 20,623 Times in 5,958 Posts
Default

I like that KeyMod design with the additional positions between 3-6-9. My next addition will be a light and I think the 1030 position will help keep it hugging tight to the handguard with the right mount.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 12-22-2014, 07:29 PM
speedyquad's Avatar
speedyquad speedyquad is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Oil City, PA
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 860
Liked 1,125 Times in 563 Posts
Default

i like it a lot. with the extra positions, some possibilities open up. even being a 13", it's not heavy at all. i plan on building one for my wife. i'll use another one of these for it too.
__________________
SDMF
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 12-24-2014, 01:07 PM
Hoss0432's Avatar
Hoss0432 Hoss0432 is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tampa,fl
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
Liked 73 Times in 31 Posts
Default

I just went with the Troy 13" alpha rail with built in front sight much lighter than the quad rail and fits into hand nicely I didn't by a low pro gas block just milled down the a2 post. Picked it up on their Black Friday sale this year it was 1/2 off and a free battle mag


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 12-24-2014, 04:09 PM
TheMaineEvent TheMaineEvent is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Maine
Posts: 637
Likes: 497
Liked 439 Times in 233 Posts
Default

I'm a fan of Diamondhead's V-RS handguard and muzzle brake. When combined, they make for a sharp looking AR.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 12-24-2014, 04:44 PM
luigi1031 luigi1031 is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 56
Likes: 48
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default

man those diamondheads look sweet
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 12-25-2014, 01:56 PM
MrG5122 MrG5122 is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 916
Likes: 1,409
Liked 1,083 Times in 361 Posts
Default

Another vote for the Diamondhead V-RS. It sure feels great in the hand.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 12-30-2014, 08:54 PM
Balls004's Avatar
Balls004 Balls004 is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: NW Mississippi
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
I installed the UTG Pro Super Slim. It's made in the USA and very sturdy. Easy to install and not very expensive as these things go. It allows picatinny rails to be attached or removed at any point along the forearm. They can be found for about $110.

I have been very happy with mine.
I've got a rifle length UTG Pro Super Slim installed on my M&P carbine. It has held up well, no issues at all. It is one of UTG's less "clunky" offerings.

I would recommend it.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 12-30-2014, 08:57 PM
Balls004's Avatar
Balls004 Balls004 is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: NW Mississippi
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JaPes View Post
If you're going to go through the trouble of removing the A2-F front sight, why install the same length handguard? IMO, get a longer one. You get more rail space and versatility. You also get a longer sight radius.

F.Y.I. S&W uses tapered pins to affix the front sight to the barrel. They also drive out opposite from every other AR.
Yeah, that was a fun lesson for me!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 12-30-2014, 09:35 PM
MGTEXAS MGTEXAS is offline
Member
M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float M&p 15 free float  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 22
Likes: 26
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Another Diamondhead 13.5 free floating fan here. Great look and perfect in the hand. Man I want the brake next.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 01-02-2015, 11:54 PM
ambassador's Avatar
ambassador ambassador is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I installed a Samson 12.38 on my sport
__________________
Retired Plumber
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Free Float Fore End Shooting Padre Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 1 12-10-2014 03:40 PM
Time to free float LASigmon Smith & Wesson M&P10 Rifles 7 10-05-2014 10:08 PM
Free float for 50 yards? th365thli Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 14 08-19-2014 08:11 PM
WTS: Free Float Tube for 15-22 lhoward762 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 0 12-13-2012 10:22 PM
Free Float? erickg Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 23 02-04-2012 10:10 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:48 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)