Free Float Rifle length Handguard.

oneyeopn

oneyeopn

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Ok for fathers day my Dad wants me to put a 20" Bull Barrel with a full length free float tubular (non-railed) handguard that covers the gas block like mine does on my CyberSport. The ability to spend more money than I can (as Crracer told me "more shopping") spend on components. I have changed computers so I lost a lot of the info that I had and am trying to build it back up. I looked at Brownells but didn't see anything that I really liked so, Any help would be appreciated. I will be getting the barrel from AR Specialties but looking for the handguard is where I am needing help. Thanks a ton.
Grover
 
Apex makes a rifle length, non-railed handguard.
ea7afdc256dd83ff56434fd4894f135c.jpg


It's $183 at Rainierarms.com

Mounts on the stock barrel nut so all you need to do is remove the delta ring. But since you're installing a new barrel this is not a difference maker for you.

They also sell Viking Tactics handguards, any size is $189.
9adee31e5dee670e37ae52196943881e.jpg
 
I really like my MI rail (it's a 12'' on a 14.7'' barrel but they make a rifle length model). Plus, since you're in the military, they offer you a discounted rate and free shipping.
IMAG1127.jpg


The above is the Gen1 which I like over the Gen2. I don't mind a little extra weight on my personal ARs since I don't have to ruck through Afghanistan with them; if anything it just tames the already mild recoil but YMMV.
 
Plouffedaddy, I really like that look, I have a 12in on a 16 inch barrel which looks good also.
 
Thanks. I actually tried to put a 15'' rail on it but gas was coming out of the flash hider onto it so I dropped down to a 12''. If I could do it again, I'd just pin a Troy Claymore on there to eliminate the gas escaping and go with the 15''.

But, I like it the way it is so no complaints.
 
Check out the Troy Alpha rail. They're quite nice. Top rail but that's it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I847 using Tapatalk 2
 
Hey Grover, my Apex handguard (extended carbine length) is on the way. I went to the Apex web site and found a gen 1 model on clearance for $99. It differs from the current gen model in that the gator grip pattern only covers the rear half of the guard, but since I grip the mag well that's not an issue for me.

3738_pd1560173_1.jpg


So I will have to do some trimming of the sling mount point on my front sight. Looks like I'll have to pick up some cold blueing for touchup. :)
 
Last edited:
BHarada said:
Hey Grover, my Apex handguard (extended carbine length) is on the way. I went to the Apex web site and found a gen 1 model on clearance for $99. It differs from the current gen model in that the gator grip pattern only covers the rear half of the guard, but since I grip the mag well that's not an issue for me.

3738_pd1560173_1.jpg


So I will have to do some trimming of the sling mount point on my front sight. Looks like I'll have to pick up some cold blueing for touchup. :)
Click to expand...

Bill that handguard is awesome looking, how does it feel in the hands? let me know about how it works out. Also on the anodized stuff some rustoleum high heat flat black blends real well with just a couple of light coats and seems to stay real well, the cold blueing might make it to glossy looking but I dont really know for sure, but I do have my can of flat black, used it on my gas tube.
 
Got the handguard in the mail from Apex today and wasted no time getting to work. I got the front sight tape pins out without too much happering, but getting the delta ring off was another matter altogether.

The combo wrench I bought off eBay was pretty much useless except for removing the flash hider. The 1/2" socket hole was undersized so my torque wrench could not fit it. And to make matter worse, the pins on the barrel wrench are improperly spaced so that it's impossible to maintain firm contact with the barrel nut. In fact, it's slipped bad enough to deform the teeth in the barrel nut.

So with all these obstacles facing me I did the next best thing. I went to the hardware store and bought a pack of reinforced cutoff wheels for my Dremel and cut off the delta ring, spring and retainer clip. :D

But before I installed the gas tube I took a round file and cleaned up the barrel nut teeth that the wrench borked.

And the results of my effort...
DSC_9179.jpg


Mounting is via a clamp that fits over the stock barrel nut, then the guard screws onto the clamp.
DSC_9177.jpg


It's an extended carbine length so there's a cutout in the top to accommodate my stock front sight gas block
DSC_9178.jpg


Rails can be mounted to any of the slots (it came with one 2" rail mounted on the side which I moved to the bottom for when I want to mount a bipod). It also has four QD sling mount points.
 
Bill that is absolutely gorgeous. That has that "business but not in your face" look. IMHO they should build a model like that that looks comfortable to carry especially with the swivel attachments able to move to the side. A sling always felt more comfortable when one end was turned sideways and the carry better. That handgrip area looks cool is it comfortable and does it give you a steady hold. Like it.
 
Grover, the checkering (Apex calls it their Gator Grip) does provide a very positive hold. without getting uncomfortable.

Now that I've free floated my barrel I guess I can use a sling during offhand shooting and not worry about it affecting my accuracy. :)
 
BHarada said:
Grover, the checkering (Apex calls it their Gator Grip) does provide a very positive hold. without getting uncomfortable.

Now that I've free floated my barrel I guess I can use a sling during offhand shooting and not worry about it affecting my accuracy. :)
Click to expand...

I really like that a lot. If you put a sling on it and sling up real tight though, will it flex and push up against the front sight?
 
cyphertext said:
I really like that a lot. If you put a sling on it and sling up real tight though, will it flex and push up against the front sight?
Click to expand...

Not sure.There's about 1/8" clearance to either side of the front sight. When I finally get a sling I'll let you know.
 
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