M&p 15 free float

[Kyle stroud]

I was wondering what the best free float hand guards are out there. I'm not a big quad rail fan. Any help would be appreciated

 

[JaPes]

Best is subjective. I'll start with what I have on mine, a Troy Alpha.

Pro: Proven system. Sturdy. Allows me to affix rail sections where I want them. Easy to install because it utilizes the stock barrel nut.

Con: It's an older system. Affixing rail sections is a pain. Any hole beyond where my middle finger can reach is useless. Since it clamps down on the stock barrel nut, I get a barely perceptible rotational wiggle in mine. I've just been too preoccupied to address it.

If I were to do it again, I'd opt for the newer Key-Mod free float system. It's has a narrow diameter. Keymod attachments are a breeze to install anywhere. It's lighter. There are a bunch of different manufacturers and contours. The one linked below is just one example.

Midwest Industries: Lightweight KeyMod Series One Piece Free Float Handguard

A better way to answer you is to ask a question. What type of shooting are you doing? What is your intended end goal? We can then offer you more targeted opinions.

 

[Kyle stroud]

Mostly I just do some plinking but as we all know the hogs are getting out of control and I like me some bacon

 

[Rastoff]

I installed the UTG Pro Super Slim. It's made in the USA and very sturdy. Easy to install and not very expensive as these things go. It allows picatinny rails to be attached or removed at any point along the forearm. They can be found for about $110.

I have been very happy with mine.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Take a look at KeyMod type handguards if low profile mounting of accessories is a consideration.

 

[Kyle stroud]

Okay so I am looking all over but can't find a smooth free float with a picatinny rail on the front half

 

[JaPes]

What are you looking to do with the rail? Mount a bi-pod or something?

Take a look at Midwest Industries. All sorts of goodness there to look at.

Midwest Industries: Tactical Handguards

YHM:

Forearms - Firearms Accessories | Yankee Hill Machine

Sampson Manufacturing:

AR15 : Samson Manufacturing

Keep in mind with the modular forends, you can attach a rail section wherever you want. With the Key-Mod or M-LOCK system, the accessory directly interfaces to the rail system.

 

[cyphertext]

Let's start over... first, what rifle do you have? Does it have a fixed front sight, or a railed gas block?

Second, what are you wanting to attach? Hog hunting does not require a free floated barrel. At the distance I shoot hogs from, it wouldn't make a difference as far as accuracy. However, I hunt them mostly during the day, so I don't have lights or anything hanging off my rifle. If you are looking to only attach a light, or bipod, you could use a drop in handguard that allows you to attach a piece of rail where needed at less cost.

 

[Kyle stroud]

Mostly just love the look of them. I have a fixed front sight but will be removing that while installing a free float. Basically just trying to find a carbine length one that looks good and functions well. Guess it's just a personal preference

 

[JaPes]

Mostly just love the look of them. I have a fixed front sight but will be removing that while installing a free float. Basically just trying to find a carbine length one that looks good and functions well. Guess it's just a personal preference

If you're going to go through the trouble of removing the A2-F front sight, why install the same length handguard? IMO, get a longer one. You get more rail space and versatility. You also get a longer sight radius.

F.Y.I. S&W uses tapered pins to affix the front sight to the barrel. They also drive out opposite from every other AR.

 

[cyphertext]

I agree with JaPes... go longer if you are removing the fixed sight.

It sounds like you would like something like what I bought but never installed... not sure if they even make them anymore. It is a round tube guard that allows for pieces of rail to be attached. Mine is carbine length and has a cut out for the FSB. However, it is one piece so I would have to remove the FSB to install it, so I haven't bothered.

Anyway, it is made by APEX. Check them out and see if they have something like you are looking for.
APEX MACHINING CO INC.

 

[speedyquad]

i just built my first AR. i used a Strike Industries megafins 2 handguard. it is a modular keymod system. AR Mega Fins / Key-Mod Handguard Rail G2 12" - Handguard - AR - RIFLE ACCESSORIES

the pics are from a build review that i did for another site.

the rails lock into it like this, you can put them where you want...

these are the rails that you can add...add as many or as few as you want...

you can tacticool it out if you want. the light and laser, as well as the cheap utg red dot are not staying on.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I like that KeyMod design with the additional positions between 3-6-9. My next addition will be a light and I think the 1030 position will help keep it hugging tight to the handguard with the right mount.

 

[speedyquad]

i like it a lot. with the extra positions, some possibilities open up. even being a 13", it's not heavy at all. i plan on building one for my wife. i'll use another one of these for it too.

 

[Hoss0432]

I just went with the Troy 13" alpha rail with built in front sight much lighter than the quad rail and fits into hand nicely I didn't by a low pro gas block just milled down the a2 post. Picked it up on their Black Friday sale this year it was 1/2 off and a free battle mag


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TheMaineEvent]

I'm a fan of Diamondhead's V-RS handguard and muzzle brake. When combined, they make for a sharp looking AR.

 

[luigi1031]

man those diamondheads look sweet

 

[MrG5122]

Another vote for the Diamondhead V-RS. It sure feels great in the hand.

 

[Balls004]

I installed the UTG Pro Super Slim. It's made in the USA and very sturdy. Easy to install and not very expensive as these things go. It allows picatinny rails to be attached or removed at any point along the forearm. They can be found for about $110.

I have been very happy with mine.

I've got a rifle length UTG Pro Super Slim installed on my M&P carbine. It has held up well, no issues at all. It is one of UTG's less "clunky" offerings.

I would recommend it.

 

[Balls004]

If you're going to go through the trouble of removing the A2-F front sight, why install the same length handguard? IMO, get a longer one. You get more rail space and versatility. You also get a longer sight radius.

F.Y.I. S&W uses tapered pins to affix the front sight to the barrel. They also drive out opposite from every other AR.

Yeah, that was a fun lesson for me!