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AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

sentry1

sentry1

Crayon Eater
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 7, 2012
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Madison, Alabama
I have a 16" barrel AR15 with the standard front sight post/gas block combo, carbine length gas system. I want to move up to free floated barrel, but I'm thinking of going rifle length handguards for this.

My thought was to replace the gas block/front sight post with a low profile gas block and just install a rifle length handguard over that.

Thoughts? Recommendations for a gas block and handguards?
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

I used a YHM rifle length free float hand guard and a Badger Ordinance lo-profile gas block. Worked fine for me.
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

Whoa... $335 is going to be rough! YHM handguards are only $120ish aren't they? I have no problem ditching the front sight post, since I run an EOTech on my AR15 anyway.

I'm leaning towards one of these:

YHM free float customizable tube
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 16" barrel AR15 with the standard front sight post/gas block combo, carbine length gas system. I want to move up to free floated barrel, but I'm thinking of going rifle length handguards </div></div>

Something to consider...
I dont know what type of shooting you are doing but it might be a good idea to look into some lightweight options (maybe some of Troy's offerings 'they have a rail with an integrated folding front sight') opposed to a traditional quad rail. Many of the modular options have a fixed top rail and slots for pic attachments. Moving to rifle length hanguards may add unwanted weight for your purposes... I would keep that in mind when looking (they can vary quite drastically)
On the flip side, spreading more weight down the barrel might help with its overall balance.
Another option that might shave a few $$ is to look into a rail that has the cut out for your FSP/gas block to keep its current position.

Good luck man
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

I wanted to go with the longer handguard for a longer grip. All the training for shooting fast and staying on target seems to lean towards gripping the gun as far forward as you can. The carbine length handguards don't work for that.

You make a point about extra weight though. I try not to carry a Swiss Army Knife style carbine loaded down with every possible accessory.
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

I didn't mean to suggest that it was not a good idea to get the longer guards... My fault, i did not convey my thoughts very well. More simply put, I was trying to suggest something maybe a little more low profile and light weight with the added length.

Maybe a rail that has slightly more milled out and a slimmer, more narrow design. Samson evolution?? As on stags 3g.. I was fairly impressed
And, again Troy has a few nice offerings, always receivng a good amount of praise

If you are using simply a handstop and the guard as you main purchase area you might find this beneficial.

Sorry for the confusion
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

why not a troy 15 inch alpha rail and a low pro gas block?
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

Mainly because Troy is $$$, and I don't know what the value is vs YHM.
 
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

YHM = Buick/Volvo a little heavy but with good fit/finish and will last a long time.

Factory = Ford, Chevy, Dodge just getting the job done nothing fancy but nothing wrong with it.

Tapco = Yugo/any French auto you just threw your money away.

DD/Troy = Ferrari/Lambo lightweight, great handling, excellent fit and finish but will cost an arm and a leg.

I avoided the woman and beer comparisons but you gt the picture.
 
Re: AR15 carbine length to rifle length freefloat mod

Perfect way to put it LR! Thanks for the lineup.

One of the problems I noticed was that it's hard to find weights on these things! Troy and YHM didn't have weight listed on their sight. Midway had some weights for certain models, but not all, and who's to say marketing didn't just guesstimate those?
 
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