free float / drop in / free floating drop in

[DavidRSA]

While researching getting a handguard adapter for my MP15-22, I am getting caught up in these terms. What is the difference between a handguard that is:

free float vs drop in vs free floating drop in?

 

[Brett248Vista]

Free Float means that the hand guard does not touch the barrel at all, it floats around it.. We have a factory free floated hand guard, the cap in the end really doesn't do much and if you remove it the hand guard still retains it's structural rigidity.

Drop in means no gun smithing.

 

[Thomas_H]

Drop in does not specificaly mean it doesn't need gunsmithing. Actually, when it comes to AR handguards/quad-rails, "drop in" means it is designed to attach the same way a stock AR handguard does, between the delta ring and the end cap that's attached to the FSB. So it will only work if you run a AR in stock config. The "drop in" style will not work with the 15-22 without some other modifications.

 

[Brett248Vista]

Thomas,

Thanks for the correction. If the unit "drops in" between the delta ring and the end cap, it would not require gun smith work assuming we are talking about an AR15 and not the M&P 15-22. Like you said, on the 15-22 there is no fixed front sight post nor an end cap so there is nothing to secure drop in guards between.

The Hogue free float front end fits the 15-22 using the Tacticool barrel adapter.

 

[c_jit]

I use a hand guard adapter and clamp-on gas block + end cap on my 15-22 barrel.
I use heat shrink tube to make up 0.75" for a tight fit tight though.

It shot 2" low from factory front sight and holding fine after three boxes of CCI minimag later.

The above is my proof of concept prototype. My next project is to mod this A2 front sight post for that traditional AR look.

 

[DavidRSA]

Great Stuff C-Jit! is that the delta adapter from tacticool22.com?

As far as that Airsoft A2 sight goes, do you know the internal diameter? Do you plan on using heat shrink tubing for this as well?

This is what I have been looking for!

 

[c_jit]

Great Stuff C-Jit! is that the delta adapter from tacticool22.com?

As far as that Airsoft A2 sight goes, do you know the internal diameter? Do you plan on using heat shrink tubing for this as well?

This is what I have been looking for!

Yes, same one.
In fact I was the second customer when it was launched in Dec. last year.

The internal of the airsoft A2 front post is 0.75", so it should fit fine as well.
However, I plan to drill and tap a few set screws to make sure it hold tight.
I am now consider installing a gas tube rod as kind of secondary bracing as the M16 barrel nut and delta ring to hold it (tube) in place.

Now if I only have time to do all these.

 

[DavidRSA]

Well i just ordered one myself!

Will report back how it goes..

btw, do you also need the special wrench from tacticool22? I totally new to this and the only mechanical thing I am tooled up for is my moutainbikes... plus I dont know what it is to drill and tap, I'll be looking into this later!

 

[Zunkted]

Well i just ordered one myself!

Will report back how it goes..

btw, do you also need the special wrench from tacticool22? I totally new to this and the only mechanical thing I am tooled up for is my moutainbikes... plus I dont know what it is to drill and tap, I'll be looking into this later!

To drill and tap means - you drill a hold and then take a tap put it on the hole and turn it to make threads in the hole for what ever thread sized screw you have or want. Basically making your own threaded screw hole.

 

[chuck s]

The barrel, not the handguards free floats. Meaning the barrel is only supported at the breach and no where else and not subject to any pressure from the rifle anywhere else. Sling pressure can bend the barrel slightly, but enough to influence accuracy. Free floating the barrel on target rifles was long required as the wood stocks we all find so handsome would change shape depending on temperature and humidity and change the rifle's zero.

But the M&P15-22 depends on the barrel preventing the even more flexible handguards from bending -- and the front sight is on the handguards.

Easy to pop off the front cap if you want.

"Drop in" literally means no "gunsmithing" needed. Not even "kitchen table gunsmithing." No modifications of any sort needed to fit the part. A "drop in" part just installs. Might take tools, but no filing or grinding.

-- Chuck