Free Float Handguard and Sport Accuracy

[gunfighter48]

I've been looking (Very hard, @#$% BRD) at the MI Gen 2 two piece handguards and getting the urge to try a set. Looking at getting the DD low profile clamp on gas block and getting the 10" rails. Is there any improvement in accuracy of the Sport with free float handguards?

Anyone using the MI 2 piece handguards, pros - cons? I have MOE carbine length handguards on my Sport at the present time and like them a lot. But the MI's siren song is very strong within me, god more money out the door!!!!!!!! And Rainier Arms is only an hour from my house and has all the items in stock. Talk about double trouble!!

 

[JaPes]

Is there any improvement in accuracy of the Sport with free float handguards?

Cue Grover, stage right.

I know he's free-floated a 15-Sport barrel and is an avid P-Dog assassin. He'll be able to give you a credible answer.

Rainier Arms is only an hour from my house and has all the items in stock. Talk about double trouble!!

ZOMG you're lucky to live so close to the aftermarket AR15 mecca that is called Ranier Arms. The only only comparison I can come up with to describe how awesome that is, would be reliving my childhood and having Disney Land within bicycle ride distance from my home.

Conversely...

ZOMG thank god the aftermarket AR15 mecca that is Ranier Arms isn't that close to me. My bank account couldn't withstand the assault.

 

[oneyeopn]

I went with the Nordic Rifle length on my Sport a, because I got a heck of a deal on it and b, because I thought it would look great. I went with the YHM micro gas block and installed the free float handguard. Under a hundred yards it is hard to tell the difference, the Sports are so accurate by themselves, but over a hundred yards the biggest difference I have seen is the fact that after a few shots the pattern doesnt open up. It used to be after 3 or 4 shots my groupings started opening up and I thought it was due to the heat finally sinking through and causing a little bit of change in the barrel dimensions where the front of the handguard and the gas block are. It might not be I was just guessing but now it doesnt open up and stays lazer accurate for however many shots I want to shoot. The bottom line is yes it makes a difference but unless you are shooting distances over a hundred yards and shot placement is very critical you may not notice the difference. On the other hand the cool factor is over the top in my opinion and I know now that when I pull the trigger at whatever distance I am going to put the shot where I sighted at. Plus having a monster sized scope goes along with it.
YMMV but it wont vary much. Bill may be able to expound upon his Ranier Arms free float handguard also.

 

[BHarada]

I bought an Apex Machining hand guard, but it was direct from the manufacturer as Rainier was out of stock. Rainier does have a lot if cool stuff though.

 

[gunfighter48]

I bought an Apex Machining hand guard, but it was direct from the manufacturer as Rainier was out of stock. Rainier does have a lot if cool stuff though.

I know, every time I go in there I come out at least $100 poorer!! Then I have to go home and change my shirt after drooling all over it. BRD is the pits, but it's only money right, RiGHT!!

 

[storeyteller]

I went with the Nordic Rifle length on my Sport a, because I got a heck of a deal on it and b, because I thought it would look great. I went with the YHM micro gas block and installed the free float handguard. Under a hundred yards it is hard to tell the difference, the Sports are so accurate by themselves, but over a hundred yards the biggest difference I have seen is the fact that after a few shots the pattern doesnt open up. It used to be after 3 or 4 shots my groupings started opening up and I thought it was due to the heat finally sinking through and causing a little bit of change in the barrel dimensions where the front of the handguard and the gas block are. It might not be I was just guessing but now it doesnt open up and stays lazer accurate for however many shots I want to shoot. The bottom line is yes it makes a difference but unless you are shooting distances over a hundred yards and shot placement is very critical you may not notice the difference. On the other hand the cool factor is over the top in my opinion and I know now that when I pull the trigger at whatever distance I am going to put the shot where I sighted at. Plus having a monster sized scope goes along with it.
YMMV but it wont vary much. Bill may be able to expound upon his Ranier Arms free float handguard also.

Ordered my free float handgaurd today!
Thanks for the input oneye.

 

[gunfighter48]

Well BRD got the best of me, I can't resist any longer. I'm headed to Rainier Arms today to pick up a MI Gen 2 Free Float two piece hand guard, a DD low profile gas block, and a Magpul Gen 2 Mbus front sight. My last big expenditures for a while.

My wife's been in the hospital and physical rehab since Jan. of this year. She's finally coming home on June 21st. So I will be her 24/7 care giver again and spending our spare money on her care. Parkinson's is a terrible disease to watch someone go through. It takes away their strength and mobility a little bit at a time and it never gets better.

So had to get my toys while I still had some spare money left. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it on my Sport. I'm hoping to get to the 100 yrd range Wed. if it doesn't rain (Seattle weather).

 

[storeyteller]

My thoughts and prayers go with you and your wife gunfighter.

 

[rebs081]

Gunfighter
Your wife and you are both in our prayers as well. May the Lord comfort you both

 

[Breechloader]

I have the MI 2 piece free float on my OR and like it.
Upside dont have to remove the barrel nut. Downside have to cut the ring off.

 

[oneyeopn]

Gunfighter our prayers for you and your family!

 

[gunfighter48]

UPDATE: Gun pictures with MI 10" 2 piece free float rail and target pictures from the range today.

I got the rail from Rainier Arms yesterday along with a DD low profile clamp on gas block and a Magpul Gen 2 front site. I put them on this morning and went to the outdoor range today. I had watched a couple of YouTube video's on installing the 2 piece rails and it's very easy to do. The only hitch was the gas block pin that came with the DD gas block. It was so small it fell right through the hole in the gas block. Luckily I got a couple of extra pins at Rainier yesterday. Put on my old scope, Bushnell Sportview 4X12 with AO and it still works good. Beautiful day and had a great time at the range. Couldn't believe it didn't rain, I mean this is the Seattle area after all.

Here's the pictures of the rail, scope, and rifle.

One benefit of the free float rail is it shoots Fed 193 55 gr much better than it did. PMC 55 gr still shoots very good also. When I did my part, as you can see I didn't do my part well enough most of the time, I got some very good 3 - 4 shot groups. It's been over 15 years since I've shot at anything over 25 yds and it shows. But it's good enough to take care of the zombies!!!!!!

The 7 - 10 ring targets are 6" diameter and the crosshair targets are 8" in diameter. I was aiming at the bullseye with the scope set on 12X. I adjusted the 100yd shots for windage only and did not reset the elevation. I only adjusted the windage with the Fed 193 ammo only. Zero was done at 50 yd with Fed 193 55gr ammo. Considering this is factory ammo, I'm very happy with the results. So here's the target pictures.

 

[oneyeopn]

you did great my friend, it is now a matter of practice plus if you go with a bigger scope 100 yards becomes easier. I understand the rough time you are getting ready to go through. I have been a caretaker myself and it is hard and difficult, I pray that you are able to receive some help to allow you to get out of the house for a little while every now and then, I find shooting a great way to relax and get my mind back in order even if just for a little while. God Bless and Take Care

 

[storeyteller]

Good shooting and AWESOME job on the handrail!

 

[storeyteller]

Got mine free floated today. Exited about shooting it tomorrow.

 

[oneyeopn]

I saw another free float kinda square shaped hanguard with upper rail today in the brownells catalog,,,uh oh I am hoping for it and a chrono for my birthday next month LOL

 

[gunfighter48]

I am going to see my mother next week and have to go right past Surplus Arms and Ammo. My truck has the darnedest habit I have ever seen. It has to go to SAA first before it will let me go on to my mothers house. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!!!

I'll have to see what they have in their ammo department. Darn BRD, here goes my credit card again!!

By the way I really like the MI handguards, they are really well finished and absolutely no movement.

 

[oneyeopn]

Got mine free floated today. Exited about shooting it tomorrow.

Hoping it does well today....good shooting

 

[storeyteller]

Got a chance to put a few rds down range before the rain set in. I didn't get to retrieve targets cause it was pouring! Perhaps I'll get another chance tomorrow. Did shoot a string at 400yds and 4 out of 5 were on a 8" shoot n c target though. I am exited.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Gunfighter: Wow, that looks sharp! Cost?