Free floated hand guard

[wdl]

Has anyone found any improvement in accuracy changing to a free floated hand guard? I would like to change mine mainly to get rid of the front site and for the versatility of a m-lok hand guard.

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[bamashooter]

No. I have 4 of various manufacturers and have noticed no accuracy improvement though I typically shoot at 100 meters or less. But then again I wasn't looking to improve accuracy.

 

[hugger-4641]

You probably not going to notice any difference until you get past 300yds, which few people attempt anyway. The most realized benefit is attaching accessories.

 

[MichiganScott]

If you are building a target AR15 one of the first items you buy is a free floated handguard. The front sling swivel mounted on the front sight tower will actually change your point of impact, sometimes drastically, once you sling up. If you don't use a sling or bipod mounted to the handguard you will see little or no improvement with your group.

 

[WR Moore]

M-lock handguards that install like the originals are available. You could always attack the tower with a hacksaw. If your current tower is pinned, I'd keep it. The set screw attached gas blocks can come loose. I saw what happens when they do at a 3 gun match and it wasn't pretty.

 

[Rastoff]

Yes, I have seen an improvement in accuracy due to how it's used.

When standing it's really impossible to tell the difference. However, I did notice a slight improvement when bench rested. If I placed the bag/support right up against the magwell, the accuracy is the same. However, if you place the bag/support out closer to the muzzle, the POI can change.

If you only support your gun to get a good zero, just place the support close to the magwell and you'll be fine. However, if you ever intend to use a support like a bag or bipod, go for the free float. Placing the support closer to the muzzle helps with holding the gun steady.

 

[wdl]

Yes, I have seen an improvement in accuracy due to how it's used.

When standing it's really impossible to tell the difference. However, I did notice a slight improvement when bench rested. If I placed the bag/support right up against the magwell, the accuracy is the same. However, if you place the bag/support out closer to the muzzle, the POI can change.

If you only support your gun to get a good zero, just place the support close to the magwell and you'll be fine. However, if you ever intend to use a support like a bag or bipod, go for the free float. Placing the support closer to the muzzle helps with holding the gun steady.

This all makes sense, as far pressure to the barrel. But I was also wondering if it had any effect on harmonic. I was considering a bipod so I think to be on the safe side I will go with a free floated hand guard. Thanks everyone for your informative replies.

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[sgtsandman]

If you are going to use a bipod, it would be best to free float it. People have been able to shoot out pretty far with a non-free floated AR but any variation on how you rest the rifle or hold it can effect your point of impact.


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[WR Moore]

Having used a bipod for long range shooting, what the bipod sits on is frequently as/more important than what's it's bolted to. As is how much longitudinal pressure and in what direction is on the bipod.

 

[Big Shrek]

Waitaminit...the A2 handguards weren't free-floated, but we could reach out
and touch targets at 300-500 yards with 'em...with naught but a good shooting
position and a strap. Granted sometimes you walked the bullets in a bit...but
they still worked