• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

HOGTOOTH5R

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 25, 2011
1,156
2
DFW, TEXAS
Hello guys, hope you're all having a Good Week so far! Well just recently picked up a Armalite AR-10A4 with 20" Chrome Lined BBL. It has the standard factory plastic hand guard up front which I would like to change to a Free Floating Rail Type Hand Guard.

I originally wanted the Badger Ordnance Stabilizer Free Float Hand Guard, but it turns out they Stopped Making Those (Have no idea why), and nobody has them left in Stock. So I'm forced to go a different route.

I want to keep the Factory Gas Block (Low Pro Rail Top) and just install a free floating hand guard or rail fore end on the rifle and be done with.

Those of you that have AR-10s, which free float hand guard/rail fore end do you recommend??? If possible, please kindly provide Pictures, Prices, and where I can Get them. This will be the only mod I'm doing to this rifle, and my budget is $200-$300 if needed. Thank you all very much for your kind help in advance!

Sincerely

Peter Z
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

I am found of the SWS but I would love to have a PRI as well. You got DD and Armalite too. SWS used to make the rails for Noveske...

ETA, I forgot about Troy, they are GTG too!
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

What is it about the Badger Stabilizer HG that you like? I ask because there are other companies that currently make handguards with similar features, but aren't the same as the Badger for a variety of reasons.

If you really want the Badger, they do come up for sale on occasion if you keep your eyes peeled. In your other thread on your AR-10, I gave you a direct link to the AR-10/Accessories for sale forum at AR15.com...that's a good place to keep a watchful eye. Also, try placing a Want to Buy (WTB) ad here on the Hide, as well as on AR15.com in the Equipment Exchange Section. You may have to wait little while for one to come available, but they are excellent products and worth the wait in my opinion.

Also, assuming that one of the reasons you like the Badger is the flat bottom portion of the rail, you should also have a look at the new AR-10 "Delta" Handguards from PRI as seen here:

http://www.precisionreflex.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=186614&CAT=4823

These are truly excellent options, lightweight, stable/strong, and offer some modularity in terms of rail placement (or removal altogether if you want a cleaner look). I have PRI handguards on a couple different AR's and they are first-rate!

Aside from that...this is something I've posted before but it bears repeating...knowing what your specific needs are will go a long way in getting you moving in the right direction.

For example, some people seem to think that having MAXIMUM real estate available for mounting everything from NV to Bipods to lights to IR illuminators to PDA's/ballistic computers to the kitchen sink is of high priority and they opt for options like the Daniel Defense, Larue, etc. which have full-length rails at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock running the entirety of the handguard. Other people want lightweight, quick cooling, etc. and opt for carbon fiber, fiberglass, or lightweight aluminum, vented, etc. with no rails or fewer, smaller rail sections that can be added/removed/positioned as necessary. It really all comes down to what you want/need from your particular setup that dictates what the best options are for you.

Also, just as a cautionary word of advice..."AR-10" does NOT equal LR-308 for the purposes of shopping for handguards/freefloat tubes. They each require options specific to the platform so you need to be sure that you are looking ONLY at those made for the ARMALITE PLATFORM, with a RIFLE length handguard (your gas system is rifle length on the AR-10A4). Anything made for the DPMS, KAC, RRA, etc. will not work.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

Apex Gator Grip
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some good options here:

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/br...mp;pagenumber=1

</div></div>

Thanks for the Link! Lots of Good Options here!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GhostFace</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am found of the SWS but I would love to have a PRI as well. You got DD and Armalite too. SWS used to make the rails for Noveske...

ETA, I forgot about Troy, they are GTG too!</div></div>

Much appreciated for the input!
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is it about the Badger Stabilizer HG that you like? I ask because there are other companies that currently make handguards with similar features, but aren't the same as the Badger for a variety of reasons.

If you really want the Badger, they do come up for sale on occasion if you keep your eyes peeled. In your other thread on your AR-10, I gave you a direct link to the AR-10/Accessories for sale forum at AR15.com...that's a good place to keep a watchful eye. Also, try placing a Want to Buy (WTB) ad here on the Hide, as well as on AR15.com in the Equipment Exchange Section. You may have to wait little while for one to come available, but they are excellent products and worth the wait in my opinion.

Also, assuming that one of the reasons you like the Badger is the flat bottom portion of the rail, you should also have a look at the new AR-10 "Delta" Handguards from PRI as seen here:

http://www.precisionreflex.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=186614&CAT=4823

These are truly excellent options, lightweight, stable/strong, and offer some modularity in terms of rail placement (or removal altogether if you want a cleaner look). I have PRI handguards on a couple different AR's and they are first-rate!

Aside from that...this is something I've posted before but it bears repeating...knowing what your specific needs are will go a long way in getting you moving in the right direction.

For example, some people seem to think that having MAXIMUM real estate available for mounting everything from NV to Bipods to lights to IR illuminators to PDA's/ballistic computers to the kitchen sink is of high priority and they opt for options like the Daniel Defense, Larue, etc. which have full-length rails at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock running the entirety of the handguard. Other people want lightweight, quick cooling, etc. and opt for carbon fiber, fiberglass, or lightweight aluminum, vented, etc. with no rails or fewer, smaller rail sections that can be added/removed/positioned as necessary. It really all comes down to what you want/need from your particular setup that dictates what the best options are for you.

Also, just as a cautionary word of advice..."AR-10" does NOT equal LR-308 for the purposes of shopping for handguards/freefloat tubes. They each require options specific to the platform so you need to be sure that you are looking ONLY at those made for the ARMALITE PLATFORM, with a RIFLE length handguard (your gas system is rifle length on the AR-10A4). Anything made for the DPMS, KAC, RRA, etc. will not work.</div></div>

ORD,

You sir is the Bomb! Always so detailed and informative! Yes, I understand the difference between LR308 vs Armalite Parts not being interchangeable. I've been looking for parts specifically for the Armalite platform, but just recently I aquired a upper for my DPMS Lower as well, a 16 inch Heavy Barrel M4 style. So, I guess eventually I'll be shopping for parts on both rifles.

The PRI stuff looks great! But man, that price range is pretty High for my current budget. I guess I'll either go a different route or save up some funds and invest it. Since this is the only major mod I will do to this rifle, maybe it's worth the investment.

I really like the Badger unit because of it's cleaness. I don't really Want/Need lots of rail space as I am not going to mounting a whole lot of crap on the gun, so I just want to keep it clean and simple but with the ability to mount rails later if I need to. Something that extend is what I am looking for. Thanks again for the kind input sir!
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Apex Gator Grip</div></div>

Hmmm...Heard of them but haven't looked into it. I'll search up some details on this, thanks!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can get an armalite quad rail rifle length w/all the parts fo 230 from 762sass.com</div></div>

I've been looking on that site, but most of the stuff shows out of stock. Guess I'll keep an close eye on it from now on.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You sir is the Bomb! Always so detailed and informative!{SNIP}

The PRI stuff looks great! But man, that price range is pretty High for my current budget. I guess I'll either go a different route or save up some funds and invest it. Since this is the only major mod I will do to this rifle, maybe it's worth the investment.

I really like the Badger unit because of it's cleaness. I don't really Want/Need lots of rail space as I am not going to mounting a whole lot of crap on the gun, so I just want to keep it clean and simple but with the ability to mount rails later if I need to. {SNIP}</div></div>

I'm but a humble servant to the masses, but I appreciate the nod.
wink.gif


I'll keep my eyes open for a Badger Ordnance, Rifle, Armalite AR-10 handguard for you and let you know if I trip over anything.

As for other options in the range of what you are looking for...here are a few ideas:

1) Armalite AR-10T Handguard (aluminum, vented, with a single forward sling stud at 6 o'clock and the ability to mount 3" or 5" rail sections as needed...available in Black or Green) http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?it...41-94c786b875b1

2)Apex Gator Grip (mentioned above...seen here: http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2612 )

3) JP Enterprises/V-TacModular Handguard (again...lightweight, simple, adaptable with a variety of add-on rail options, etc.) http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.4_hg_mod.php

Those are but a few of the myriad of different options that meet your requirements.

Good luck!!
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

/\ /\ /\ The slotted Armalite tube with one piece of rail is $120 for carbine length. Obviously you want rifle length but that's the cheapest bang for the buck. You need their wrench also.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

Thanks Guys! But it seems like most places are always out of stock with Armalite Stuff. It's a pain just to find one, lay along find the one I want. The Aramlite Tube unit looks like a great deal, but still none in Stock. I guess I'll wait a bit or look for another option.

The thing I'm worry about most is I want a Hand Guard to fit over the Factory Gas Block that I have so I don't have to get a different one. How will I know if these will fit over it or not?
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The thing I'm worry about most is I want a Hand Guard to fit over the Factory Gas Block that I have so I don't have to get a different one. How will I know if these will fit over it or not? </div></div>

Unless you are considering an extended length handguard (longer than 12" or so...some companies offer extended, 15" and longer models) as a replacement for your standard furniture, you won't have to worry about fitment issues with your factory, clamp-on, railed gas block. The models you are most interested in extend out to the gas block, but do not contact it or cover it at all. As an example, take a look at the picture of the Armalite AR-10T linked below as an example of what that handguard looks like installed on an AR-10 with a rifle length gas system like your AR-10A4:

http://www.armalite.com/Images/large%20images/Rifles/10TNFLARGE700.jpg


ETA:

In re-reading your post...the thought occurred to me that your question may be partially as a result of not understanding what's involved in removal of your old handguards and installation of a free-float handguard like the Armalite. If you were asking about the handguard "fitting over" the gas block thinking that you'd slip the old ones off and slide the new handguard over the gasblock onto the rifle...that isn't the case. The procedure is more involved than that and requires some specialty tools to properly accomplish the conversion to the free-float handguard. Just as an example of how the Armalite handguard is attached, see the link below (each company's handguard involves a slightly different installation depending on how the handguard mounts up, but this gives you the general idea):

http://www.armalite.com/images/Tech%20No...%20Rev%2011.pdf

Sorry if I've created any confusion.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Guys! But it seems like most places are always out of stock with Armalite Stuff. It's a pain just to find one, lay along find the one I want. The Aramlite Tube unit looks like a great deal, but still none in Stock. I guess I'll wait a bit or look for another option.

The thing I'm worry about most is I want a Hand Guard to fit over the Factory Gas Block that I have so I don't have to get a different one. How will I know if these will fit over it or not? </div></div>

A rifle length free float tube will end before your gas block begins, so you will use the same one. If you go with the Armalite tube, they give you a washer that shims the gas block back to it's proper location as you will remove the front cap for the old handguards.

Armalite is pretty good about keeping the 10T tubes in stock. I would just get on email notification if I were you. You will need Armalite's wrench for the barrel nut if you get one of these.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The thing I'm worry about most is I want a Hand Guard to fit over the Factory Gas Block that I have so I don't have to get a different one. How will I know if these will fit over it or not? </div></div>

Unless you are considering an extended length handguard (longer than 12" or so...some companies offer extended, 15" and longer models) as a replacement for your standard furniture, you won't have to worry about fitment issues with your factory, clamp-on, railed gas block. The models you are most interested in extend out to the gas block, but do not contact it or cover it at all. As an example, take a look at the picture of the Armalite AR-10T linked below as an example of what that handguard looks like installed on an AR-10 with a rifle length gas system like your AR-10A4:

http://www.armalite.com/Images/large%20images/Rifles/10TNFLARGE700.jpg


ETA:

In re-reading your post...the thought occurred to me that your question may be partially as a result of not understanding what's involved in removal of your old handguards and installation of a free-float handguard like the Armalite. If you were asking about the handguard "fitting over" the gas block thinking that you'd slip the old ones off and slide the new handguard over the gasblock onto the rifle...that isn't the case. The procedure is more involved than that and requires some specialty tools to properly accomplish the conversion to the free-float handguard. Just as an example of how the Armalite handguard is attached, see the link below (each company's handguard involves a slightly different installation depending on how the handguard mounts up, but this gives you the general idea):

http://www.armalite.com/images/Tech%20No...%20Rev%2011.pdf

Sorry if I've created any confusion.</div></div>

Yes sir, I've been reading up a little on this before I posted the question. I'm pretty sure that I will not have the skills or tools to do this job, so most likely I will find a semi capable gunsmith to do the install for me. I'd rather pay a little to get it done right than trying to save some $$$ and mess up the whole thing. I'll need to decide on a forend first then go from there. I'm leaning towards the Armalite unit, but someone on the Hide just PM'd me that he has a Badger unit for sell soon. I've sent him a reply and is awaiting for a response. Hopefully he'll be fair about the price on a used unit or else I might as well get a new one that's different.

Thanks again for the input Bro!
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fngmike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Guys! But it seems like most places are always out of stock with Armalite Stuff. It's a pain just to find one, lay along find the one I want. The Aramlite Tube unit looks like a great deal, but still none in Stock. I guess I'll wait a bit or look for another option.

The thing I'm worry about most is I want a Hand Guard to fit over the Factory Gas Block that I have so I don't have to get a different one. How will I know if these will fit over it or not? </div></div>

A rifle length free float tube will end before your gas block begins, so you will use the same one. If you go with the Armalite tube, they give you a washer that shims the gas block back to it's proper location as you will remove the front cap for the old handguards.

Armalite is pretty good about keeping the 10T tubes in stock. I would just get on email notification if I were you. You will need Armalite's wrench for the barrel nut if you get one of these.</div></div>

Well it is the cheapest of the bunch, and I don't really hate it. Just looks a bit thin from the side profile. I've requested the email notification. If they restock before I decide a different then I'll just get this. The hardest part will be finding someone who has the tool to do the install. I don't really need the Barrel Rench for long term use...or at least I don't think...
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

The tools to swap the handguards, while an expensive initial investment, do come in handy if you ever plan to have to take the rifle down any further than a basic disassembly or for any possible future upgrades. The key though is your comfort level. If you aren't comfortable with the procedure (and their are written and video tutorials that are excellent scattered throughout the web), then it is best to get it into the hands of someone who specializes in AR smithing.

While its a long way from DFW and you can probably find someone closer, I have used ADCO up in Great Lake country Ohio for some AR work in the past that I wasn't setup to accomplish on my own. Steve and crew are a good bunch of folks and their prices/turnaround are very reasonable for the work you need done. See here for more info:

http://www.adcofirearms.com/shopservices/

There are also Hide sponsors/trusted smiths that do AR work that would likely be able to assist you with the swap.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

I have a 12" SWS on my Armalite platform, that I built. Very nice machining, went together seamlessly. It comes with a Harris bipod adapter on the lower 6 o'clock position rail. It works well for my purposes.
I like the idea of the PRI with less rail/sq inch though. I would consider that now, it makes a ton of sense. If you need more rail, put it on.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

i like daniel defense and SWS for ar10's both are really nice

the badger one is good, i'm not a huge fan of tubes, just can't wrap my head around the feel of em.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

You may want to check out Apex Machines handguards, made in Oregon. I just put one on my DPMS AP4 .308 and absolutely love it! They are modular, with the barrel nut clamp being the only part that changes from make of rifle or AR-15 to AR-10. Very nice engineering and very friendly and helpful on the phone. You actually get to talk to the owner when you call! They are very compact around and very light as well, with lengths up to 15". The top rails also come in different heights, so always match up perfectly with the receiver.
www.apexhandguard.com.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

This is what I use on my MaTen and I like it. It comes in all 3 flavors of thread pattern and rail height.
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2497

I have an SWS on my ar15 and am surprised by the lightness and strength of the Troy. My SWS on my ar15 is heavier and shorter than the battlerail for my MaTen. And the Troy is at least $100 cheaper than every product SWS sells. I like the SWS rail I have but if I had to do it again now, with more options available, there is no way in hell you could convince me to get a heavier rail system for almost double the cost. Not a chance. The Troy is a very good rail and a great price.

If you go the troy route, get a longer rail than you think. The profile is so slim one of the rail sections may encounter the gas block if you choose to mount a bipod at the very end.

If you're .mil you get a discount at Rainiers.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
fngmike said:
HOGTOOTH5R said:
Thanks Guys! But it seems like most places are always out of stock


Well it is the cheapest of the bunch, and I don't really hate it. <span style="color: #FF0000">Just looks a bit thin from the side profile.</span> I've requested the email notification. If they restock before I decide a different then I'll just get this. The hardest part will be finding someone who has the tool to do the install. I don't really need the Barrel Rench for long term use...or at least I don't think... </div></div>

It down and dirty inexpensive and GOOD.
It's strong.

I did the same thing to my 10A4:
P1010032.jpg


P1010031.jpg


The ARMALITE 10Ts come with that handguard.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

Thanks a lot guys! I'm currently waiting for a fellow member to get back with me on his Badger Forend for sell (The one I originally wanted). So far seems like this might workout good.

However if the deal fall through then I am considering A Troy Lite Battle Rail or the Armalite Factory Tube. The rifle Looks GREAT by the way DavidAR10! The SWS and daniel defense units are both Great Piece of kit but the price is a bit over my range, and I beleive they're a bit heavier than my other choices. As stated before, not really want/need lots of Rail Space. I'd rather keep it clean and still able to attach Rails if I needs it. I appreaciate everyone's help very much!

And to ORD:

I think I'm going to go with your suggestion and order one of the barrel tools. As a matter of fact I saw on the SWS website that they have a 2 sided Rench for DPMS and Armalite! That'll be perfect for me since now I own rifles from both brands. Although I still probably get a smith to do the works though, but at least I'll make his life and my life easier by having the tools for him to do the works in case he doesn't already have one.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

HOGTOOTH5R,

If you have ever earned a hog's tooth and break-down to an
ARMALITE FreeFloat...

I'll pay for shipping of my ARMALITE FF barrel nut wrench to you and back.

Best to you.

PA020074.jpg


Or ship your upper to me and I will do it to spec with AeroShell Grease 33MS and a Precision Instruments Split Beam Torque Wrench.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DavidAR10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">HOGTOOTH5R,

If you have ever earned a hog's tooth and break-down to an
ARMALITE FreeFloat...

I'll pay for shipping of my ARMALITE FF barrel nut wrench to you and back.

Best to you.

PA020074.jpg


Or ship your upper to me and I will do it to spec with AeroShell Grease 33MS and a Precision Instruments Split Beam Torque Wrench.</div></div>

Sorry Sir, I have not earned the Hogtooth Nor Im I ever in the Millitary. I hope I did not offend you by using that screen name as I have nothing but Great Respect for the Marine Snipers and all our Armed Forces in general. I understand you guys have a special bond and pride in your ranks, so I'm very sorry if I disrespected in anyway by using the name.

Even though this does not qualify me for your free help, none the less I would still pay for round trip shipping and some Labor/Beer Money if you still would like to install the tube for me though. Either way, I appreciate your services and your input in this thread as well sir.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlackMark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You may want to check out Apex Machines handguards, made in Oregon. I just put one on my DPMS AP4 .308 and absolutely love it! They are modular, with the barrel nut clamp being the only part that changes from make of rifle or AR-15 to AR-10. Very nice engineering and very friendly and helpful on the phone. You actually get to talk to the owner when you call! They are very compact around and very light as well, with lengths up to 15". The top rails also come in different heights, so always match up perfectly with the receiver.

www.apexhandguard.com. </div></div>

+1 for apex great guys and great product
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

Send it and I'll make it proper.

No worries.

BTW, Sir is my Dad. He's 93 this OCT and was the
Senior Chief Flight Engineer Instructor at Alamogordo for B29s.

Again, send it. This back-slidin' Lutheran can use a KARMA fix.
 
Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DavidAR10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Send it and I'll make it proper.

No worries.

BTW, Sir is my Dad. He's 93 this OCT and was the
Senior Chief Flight Engineer Instructor at Alamogordo for B29s.

Again, send it. This back-slidin' Lutheran can use a KARMA fix.</div></div>

Thank you very much David, for such kind gesture. And you must be very proud of your Dad's services to our country. As mentioned in previous post, I'm working on a deal with a fellow memmber for a Badger Forend right now. If that falls through I'll most likely go with the Armalite unit that you have or a Troy Lite Battle Rail. I don't know how much difference is there to install these different setups but from what I've read/seen the basics are the same. I don't know how comfortable you are with installing the other forends, but I actually would be very interested if you could help me out with it. Again, I'll pay for shipping and ofcourse some fees for your kind services as well!

Also, looking from your signature seems like you're a 1911 fan. Just wondering which 1911s do you own? I've got a Sig Tac Ops Full Size and a S&W Stainless "E"nhenced series as well. I Love 1911's!!!