Dumb question-Free Float Tubes and sling stud?

[brianidaho]

This a really basic question, but I haven't found an answer. I'm building a "varmint" AR upper and am trying to select a handguard. I don't need or really want a rail system, a tube is fine. I kinda like the looks of the Hogue overmolded one.

Does this one (or most others?) offer a means of timing the tube, like the rail systems do? Or do they just tighten down against a sholuder and you "get what you get"? And do they come with a mounting point for a sling swivel/bi-pod stud?

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Dumb question-Free Float Tubes and sling stud?

I think the Hogue screws on until it bottoms out, so you "get what you get" and you can't time it. If it has a locking ring that also screws onto the barrel nut (think jam nut), you will be able to time it.

What I have done in the past is screw the tube all the way into place and apply the same torque you plan on for final assembly. Mark where you want a sling stud and drill and tap a hole for the stud. I can't remember the thread pitch, but google will probably tell you that. To time the stud, and to keep it from backing out, use a lock washer or rubber o'ring between the stud and hand guard.

 

[brianidaho]

Re: Dumb question-Free Float Tubes and sling stud?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think the Hogue screws on until it bottoms out, so you "get what you get" and you can't time it. If it has a locking ring that also screws onto the barrel nut (think jam nut), you will be able to time it.

What I have done in the past is screw the tube all the way into place and apply the same torque you plan on for final assembly. Mark where you want a sling stud and drill and tap a hole for the stud. I can't remember the thread pitch, but google will probably tell you that. To time the stud, and to keep it from backing out, use a lock washer or rubber o'ring between the stud and hand guard. </div></div>

Thanks. That's about what I was thinking. Drilling and tapping for the stud isn't an issue for me, my only concern would be if I want to swap barrels or upper receivers at some point. I think I'm going to get one of the "timeable" ones just to have more flexability. I found some that aren't much more than a plain tube.

 

[Wes_Mantooth]

Re: Dumb question-Free Float Tubes and sling stud?

Unless they've changed they aren't "timable". I have three of the Hogue tubes and here is how the studs are done on all of them.

1.Find bottom center 1-1.5" from end of tube.
2.Punch or bur (punch lightly) to keep bit from walking.
3.Drill, put some kind of stop on drill so you won't go through and hit barrel.
4.Put stud through hole and tread a lockwasher and nut inside, a pain in the ass but you only need to do it once.