Price limit is a strict $100 (not including shipping).

This is for a 20" govt profile barrel.

Which one would you buy and why?

YHM, Hogue or a plain, simple aluminum one sold by half a dozen dealers in the Industry board would be about your only options

Is the Bushmaster one any better/worse than the rest? It is vented, and has sling stud for $95.


I just don't know if one installs easier (without special tools) or if there's something that really makes one better than another.

they are all basically the same....h/w, depending on how the bbl nut/FF HG installs you will either need a 3 prong FF wrench (its on the Bushmaster armory wrench) or a strap wrench

i have no personal expience on the bushy FF that you are refering to

By 3 prong, does that work the same as the USGI barrel nut wrench, or something entirely different?

I have a bushmaster varminter rifle FF handguard (the vented one).  It is a 3 piece unit and works well IMO.  1 piece replaces the stock barrel nut and is tightened in place with a normal barrel nut wrench.  The second piece is the tube itself which screws onto the outside of the new barrel nut.  However, this tube needs to be indexed and locked in place (align the vents and sling stud) so the 3rd piece is a locking ring which screws first onto the barrel nut.  To install it correctly, you need a good strap wrench to tighten the float tube (part #2) to the lock ring (part #3).  You could use weak locktite to keep the float tube from coming loose, but it is designed to be held by the friction/pressure between the 2 pieces.  I used a good pair of leather gloves and twisted it on tight; time will tell if that is tight enough.  I may have to buy a strap wrench.  The bushmaster website has installation instructions but they aren't easy to find IIRC.  

Hiperform has a 20" carbon fiber full float tube. $110, but you get more than you pay for. Carbon fiber float tubes don't get hot like aluminum ones do, and they are lighter. Later you can buy PRI rails from ADCO and easily attach them if you want them. http://www.hiperform.com/hand-guards.htm
Good luck.

Long Range

Hmm if only $10 saves me over a 1/2lbs I'm liking that idea. I'll search for the Bushmaster instructions. I've installed barrels on uppers before, so I'm not a total newbie, but I've never done the FF deal. Like to research before hand, and ask the experts here for some advice which I appreciate very much.