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Free floating vs drop ins

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Free floating vs drop ins was created by STEWBUD

Good evening.
I am trying to decide which one would be better for my use.
I know if i get a free float from Armalite it would probably require professional installation & if i get the drop in I could do the install myself.
Can you tell me what the advantages are of having a free floating hand guard,
compared to a drop in type like the one offered by Midwest Industries.
It will be used in an Armalite ar10 carbine. Everything is factory original.
12 years 4 days ago #11264

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Replied by 13fcolt on topic Re: Free floating vs drop ins

Free floating is a bump for accuracy, but it is overrated and unnecessary for 90% of the shooting going on.
IF you told me you were looking for small groups out there from 400-1000, I'd tell you go FF. If you say you are happy with how you shoot your AR10 carbine, and just want more modularity, I'd say go with the drop in.
The U.S. Army qualifies out to 300m with non-free floated 14.5" barrels, chucking 62grn plinking fodder to do it.

The advantages of free floating are to simply have the barrel as isolated as possible from outside influence. Things like pressure from resting the fore end on a bipod or sandbags, tension from slinging up tight when shooting off hand...etc. If that is of benefit to the type of shooting you do, the swap to FF aint that bad but will require some tools to do correctly.
ArmaLite Super SASS for sale W/ extras. PM for details.
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12 years 4 days ago #11266

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Replied by STEWBUD on topic Re: Free floating vs drop ins

Thanks 13fCOLT
Thats what I was hoping to hear.
Looks like I will be going with the drop in type probably from
Midwest ind.
12 years 4 days ago #11267

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Replied by jtallen83 on topic Re: Free floating vs drop ins

I'll upset some people again but... There is a good supply of used drop ins on ebay. The KAC brand can be altered with nothing more than a small drift punch, a hammer, and about ten minutes with a file. I have had zero issues with my standard size AR-10. The first generation from MI are selling cheaper as well. have fun!!!!
LIBERTY FIRST!
12 years 4 days ago #11268

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Replied by BUILDING MY SASS on topic Re: Free floating vs drop ins

Ok..how the hell did I miss this one..Dang..need to spend more time here again...been busy...anyway for the best in Drop in Handguards for your AR-10...
MI is the utmost...they are made "Specifically" for the ArmaLite AR-10s..as well as HGs for the DPMS Sprotical and Oracle....LR .308s
Give a Look..and I hope I am not too Late...
www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?f...play&category_ID=189
BMS
It is better to have and not need, than need and not have.

If you think it is time to bury your guns, it is time to dig them up....


"Fight back! Whenever you are offered violence, fight back! The aggressor does not fear the law, so he must be taught to fear you. Whatever the risk, and at whatever...
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by BUILDING MY SASS.
11 years 9 months ago #11947

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Replied by pookybear308 on topic Free floating vs drop ins

Here's a noob question: do the handguards interchange between AR15 and AR10? I'm assuming that the length required is dependent on barrel length but I'm not seeing much in the way of ar10 'guards listed on the obvious auction sites. Thanks in advance.
10 years 10 months ago #24319

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Replied by faawrenchbndr on topic Free floating vs drop ins

I prefer free floats. ARFcom is a great place to find deals on rails.
Never looked into the similarities between the two platforms.

Drop in rails are usually not as stable as free floats if using a vertical grip
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10 years 10 months ago #24322

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Replied by Coner on topic Free floating vs drop ins

How difficult is the install for a free float?
10 years 10 months ago #24324

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Replied by 13fcolt on topic Free floating vs drop ins


Uppers are bigger on .308 ARs. SO, that means bigger barrel nut and the top rail is higher.
ArmaLite Super SASS for sale W/ extras. PM for details.
10 years 10 months ago #24325

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Replied by pookybear308 on topic Free floating vs drop ins

Technically, I'm impressed with the free float guards ... but I doubt it will make a difference to my accuracy! (Mine, not the rifle's of course) I'm not even sure I will need 37-1/2 rails hung from it either! lol
10 years 10 months ago #24326

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