bolewine
Member
Maybe someone can tell me what the difference is between going full freeflot conversion,or maybe removing the little plastic thing at the end of the stock hand guard What's the difference?
Stupid question?
- Thread starter bolewine
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While i can't speak on changing out the quad rail for an aftermarket handguard, quite a few members here have done it and don't seem to face any major problems. As for removing the plastic end cap, its really simple to do. I did it and i haven't faced any function issues.
yugowego
Member
Pull the endcap and it will be as free float as it can get even with an aftermarket handguard.
I've heard some people mention getting POI (point of impact) shifts when applying too much pressure to the handguard. Seems to be more so when using a sling for shooting stability and possibly using an inconsistent amount of tension on the sling. I don't seem to have that issue, but I've heard the complaint before. As for why, the two main reasons I can think of are that the factory handguard is sandwiched between the barrel nut and the upper receiver, so it's possible that there is a little play, especially if the barrel nut is slightly loose. Whether the end cap has any positive or negative affect, I'm not sure. I would think that having the end cap on would limit the amount of play or at least make the handguard and barrel flex together. But removing it could let the handguard move a bit more than the barrel. This would be a bigger issue if your optic or front sight is mounted on the handguard, since the sight picture would be inconsistent.
I'm not sure that's true. Changing over to a free float handguard converter barrel nut and free floating handguard would tie the barrel and handguard together more tightly, which could at least theoretically improve accuracy (or at least shouldn't hurt it). Using a handguard that is more stiff than plastic (aluminum for instance) would seem like the best option for removing any flex to me. Hmmm...I think i just talked myself into a free float handguard converter barrel nut from Tacticool22.
I'm not sure that's true. Changing over to a free float handguard converter barrel nut and free floating handguard would tie the barrel and handguard together more tightly, which could at least theoretically improve accuracy (or at least shouldn't hurt it). Using a handguard that is more stiff than plastic (aluminum for instance) would seem like the best option for removing any flex to me. Hmmm...I think i just talked myself into a free float handguard converter barrel nut from Tacticool22.
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While there may be functional reasons for changing the factory handguard, as well as "tacticool" reasons, in my opinion I wouldn't go into the process expecting any significant accuracy improvements. There are other limitations at play here that are often overlooked (limitations of the 22lr round, trigger quality, barrel length and quality, etc).
Majorlk
Member
... and the polymer frame.
I answered more in depth with some other thoughts earlier, but here is the simplified answer to the actual question.
Full free float would attach the handguard to the barrel nut, which is attached to the barrel. Removing the end cap doesn't attach the handguard to the barrel, but leaves it sandwiched between the barrel nut and receiver.
tacticool22
US Veteran
Great question and great answers. I havenothing to add.
yugowego
Member
while i agree to a point, i wouldnt think barrel harmonics would be affected as much that close to the receiver.....just thinking out loud here
I wasn't really thinking barrel harmonics so much as that a rigid handguard wouldn't flex as much in relation to the barrel, which could throw off the front sight in irons, and a scope if mounted forward on the handguard.
