I've decided to set my MP sport up for a 2 point sling. I am also considering buying a second non scoped upper for closer target shooting. I use my gun for 200 yard coyote hunting and since it would be my hunting upper part of me thinks I should put a free float rail on it. But I'm poor and I have no use for a rail except as a sling mount. Should I just go with a magpul Moe hand guard?
Is freefloat really worth it for a non bench shooter?
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CrustyShellback
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If you're not a bench shooter, the likelihood, you'll see any difference from a free float... slim, to none... shooting coyotes at 200 yds. I personally don't see how/why it would increase accuracy greater than say 1/2" at that distance. Some people would argue, you won't see any increase.
I don't shoot coyotes, but our range is setup with silhouettes inside of 200 and out to 700. The M&P15, kind of point it in the general direction at 200 yds and you'll hear *DING* all day long. Great shooting rifle out of the box really. I made cosmetic and ergonomic changes only.
Not knocking Free Float. Heck, if I had a couple hundred extra they've got that nice option, that uses the existing barrel nut. Sharp unit. But... I think I'll save that for something I might build.
Just imo. I'm sure someone will disagree with me.
I don't shoot coyotes, but our range is setup with silhouettes inside of 200 and out to 700. The M&P15, kind of point it in the general direction at 200 yds and you'll hear *DING* all day long. Great shooting rifle out of the box really. I made cosmetic and ergonomic changes only.
Not knocking Free Float. Heck, if I had a couple hundred extra they've got that nice option, that uses the existing barrel nut. Sharp unit. But... I think I'll save that for something I might build.
Just imo. I'm sure someone will disagree with me.
MichiganScott
Member
The easiest way to increase accuracy in an AR15 is to free float the barrel. That's usually the first thing to do in a bolt gun also. Non-free floating handguards will induce all kinds of strange barrel oscillations that increase group size.
Free floating is almost mandatory if you use a sling as a shooting aid. I find that I can actually pull rounds completely off the bull of a 100 yard target if I sling up tight enough. You could adjust the sights to compensate, but it's next to impossible to keep the exact same tension on the sling shot to shot.
Free floating is almost mandatory if you use a sling as a shooting aid. I find that I can actually pull rounds completely off the bull of a 100 yard target if I sling up tight enough. You could adjust the sights to compensate, but it's next to impossible to keep the exact same tension on the sling shot to shot.
ChattanoogaPhil
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If you are poor and want something for more accurate paper punching, an AR is about the most expensive way to do it. Heck, I've seen guys mortgage their homes trying to get an AR to shoot as well as a $500 out of the box Rem 700.
To answer your question, a free float is about the cheapest thing you can do with an AR to improve accuracy. If you are using your sling under tension for shooting then it may have a significant difference. That said, some guys say they didn't see a big difference.
To answer your question, a free float is about the cheapest thing you can do with an AR to improve accuracy. If you are using your sling under tension for shooting then it may have a significant difference. That said, some guys say they didn't see a big difference.
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JaPes
Member
As others stated, free floating is the way to go. If all you need to do is free float, you could install a tube style handguard. No rails on it. The other thing you can do is swap out the stock combat trigger. You can find a Rock River Arms 2-Stage varmint trigger for $99 online if you look hard.
Good luck!
nawilson
US Veteran
If you plan to use the sling as something other than a carrying strap, you need to freefloat the barrel. From personal experience and numerous observations of other shooters, with an M16A2 you will see a POI shift of 1-2 inchs or more at 25 yards when slinging up. The POI shifts low and left for right handed shooters.
Arik
Member
It won't hurt but not necessary.
Maddmax
US Veteran
Reloading or shooting better ammo will go a long way.
I would put a good trigger in before I floated the rail.
I use a Geissele G2S in my Sport. It turned an average rifle into a pretty good rifle, IMO.
The reviews on Geissele are pretty consistent, he makes the best out there.
The G2S is his most affordable at $135. I dig it.
http://lanbosarmory.com/index.php?m...products_id=20707&referrer=cnwr_4191340829622
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I use a Geissele G2S in my Sport. It turned an average rifle into a pretty good rifle, IMO.
The reviews on Geissele are pretty consistent, he makes the best out there.
The G2S is his most affordable at $135. I dig it.
http://lanbosarmory.com/index.php?m...products_id=20707&referrer=cnwr_4191340829622
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
gunny4053
US Veteran
A good trigger helps greatly, but if you're going to rest the fore end at all, removing pressure from the barrel will most likely trump the trigger all day.
cyphertext
US Veteran
For 200 yard shots with a sling, I would free float the barrel. A simple tube forend with sling attachment shouldn't be all that expensive. Float the barrel and polish the trigger.
gunny4053
US Veteran
Take a look at Hogue tubes, aluminum knurled, rubber over molded, carbine length, $64.95.
CrustyShellback
Member
I guess some of us, are going to have to agree to disagree.
While I do know the benefits and accuracy of free floating, as my bolt action .308 is FF and a tack driver. Never been a coyote hunter, but spent more than several summers helping keep down Colorado prairie dog population, on family land. They're quite a bit smaller than coyotes and never needed a free floating barrel to take them out. Crafty little buttheads to. Especially after you take out the first one.
EDIT: And soon as I post... nice find/link!
While I do know the benefits and accuracy of free floating, as my bolt action .308 is FF and a tack driver. Never been a coyote hunter, but spent more than several summers helping keep down Colorado prairie dog population, on family land. They're quite a bit smaller than coyotes and never needed a free floating barrel to take them out. Crafty little buttheads to. Especially after you take out the first one.
EDIT: And soon as I post... nice find/link!
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gunny4053
US Veteran
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