Here's my story. I have an AR flat top set up as my varmint rifle with the heavy barrel and free float handguard. I used a Swan Sleeve #36 EX for scope mounting purposes. Now I have another flat top but this is the 16" model with a non floating handguard. I picked up another #36 Swan Sleeve figuring it works good on one why not another. Well the problem is that the sleeve will not go forward far enough to be flush on the back of the rifle because it hits the larger handguard up front. My options as I see them are to live with it as is, cut a little off the front to give clearance for the handguard or replace with some other mounting system. I could use some opinions here if you don't mind.
Thanks,
Tuco

That´s the same as I did ( look at the "german" AR15 in the picture threads 12) I cut out some alluminium from the free float handguard to get the ARMS #36 fit to the flattop. I can live with that and was already thinking to buy one of the longer ARMS#36 to bolt both together with 2 screws. If you cut it out carefully with a small grinder and black it with the special acid you wont see anything afterwards

What type of handguards are you using on the carbine?  Sounds like M4 handguards, cause std CAR guards should work.  Instead of altering the #36 (which will lower the resale value down the road) replace the M4's with the Std. if that is the case.  You can pick up a set for $10 on EE.

223Rem,
As a matter of fact they do happen to be the M4 handguards. I will look for some standards.
Thanks for the info.
Tuco

Leave the oversize one on the bottom and put the std. size on the top. You also get an added benifit of getting a small ridge along the sides that give a better grip than using both oversise, which are just too hard to hold for some in wet conditions.
Good shootin, Jack

I happen to have a set of standard carbine handguards which are currently un-employed. If you need 'em to make your set-up work, you can HAVE them; all I would want is a couple bucks to cover shipping. If you're interested, shoot me an e-mail.

Gotta luv it when a plan comes together eh?

On A Similar Note, does anyone know if an ARMS #38 EX will have any problem attaching to a flat top with a free-float FIRSH handguard?  is the muzzle end of the rail open or closed around the end of the upper?

Before you start in on me about putting a long rail on an already railed upper and forearm, I was thinking about this because I want a BUIS should the need arise as well as the long rail for ring placement on a conventional scope.

My other option is a seperate BUIS and real tall rings to clear the sight.

  - Nw -

In this case, you can go with an ARMS #40 BUIS, and a set of ARMS #22[b]H[/b] rings. The rings will place the scope at the same height as standard iron sights, so cheekweld won't be a problem.