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1/23/2008 9:50:09 AM EDT
Just about to put a rail on my CMMG 16" carbine.

Right now, just for availablity, I'm looking at Midwest Industries.  

What are the benefits of a free float rail as opposed to the MCTAR-17?   Either one is fine to mount optics to hold zero?   There's not 'that' much of a price difference between the two, but I've heard a mixed crowd perfer one over the other!
Oh and I have no issues with cutting the delta ring off to install the free float.

Any help would be appriciated!
1/23/2008 10:04:15 AM EDT
[#1]
If you are going with a 6X or greater optic, then sure.

Otherwise it's a bit of a waste.

If you are going for cool factor, then by all means, FF.

If you think you will get some kind of nail-driving accuracy by doing so, then save your money.
1/23/2008 10:10:17 AM EDT
[#2]
BTW, I don't think you need to cut any delta rings off to install a FF HG.

Typically you remove it and replace it with a proprietary barrel nut of some kind.
1/23/2008 10:15:10 AM EDT
[#3]
I bought a MI rail and im very happy with it. Good price great product

I havent noticed too much of a difference in accuracy due to the FF.

As far as optics mounted on the rail ive heard mixed reviews. Shooting 1000m i would keep my optics off the rail, but for realistic use i dont see the rail having too much to do with accuracy. Rail mounted optics might be more prone to losing zero from a drop or something because the optic is attached to the rail, which is attached to the gun (more stuff to go wrong)

If your going to iraq, keep your optics off just in case. Realistically, a 5.56 carbine isnt effective to the ranges which a rail mounted optic would show a impact.
1/23/2008 10:21:39 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
Just about to put a rail on my CMMG 16" carbine.

Right now, just for availablity, I'm looking at Midwest Industries.  

What are the benefits of a free float rail as opposed to the MCTAR-17?   Either one is fine to mount optics to hold zero?   There's not 'that' much of a price difference between the two, but I've heard a mixed crowd perfer one over the other!
Oh and I have no issues with cutting the delta ring off to install the free float.

Any help would be appriciated!


Let's back up a second.

To answer your question about FF rails/HGs: They keep your bbl from being moved by a sling or bi-pod etc. They eliminate tension on the bbl itself...

On a 16" carbine set-up, without serious optics, there really isn't a noticeable difference. They cost more, and should be professionally installed (in your case at least.)

What kind of optics are you planning on running?

I'd avoid mounting optics to your HG. Mount them on your receiver.

If you get the MCTAR-17, the only things you want to mount on them is a tactical light and/or vertical grip and maybe a QD sling mount. You would use your delta ring to mount them. Don't go cutting stuff off of your rifle. Step away from the Dremmel tool...

Even with FF HGs it's preferable to mount optics to the upper receiver or a solid, continuous rail, like an ARMS #38 Swan sleeve.

LMK if you want any more help. Where in TN are you?


1/23/2008 11:53:23 AM EDT
[#5]
height=8
Quoted:
height=8
Quoted:
Just about to put a rail on my CMMG 16" carbine.

Right now, just for availablity, I'm looking at Midwest Industries.  

What are the benefits of a free float rail as opposed to the MCTAR-17?   Either one is fine to mount optics to hold zero?   There's not 'that' much of a price difference between the two, but I've heard a mixed crowd perfer one over the other!
Oh and I have no issues with cutting the delta ring off to install the free float.

Any help would be appriciated!


Let's back up a second.

To answer your question about FF rails/HGs: They keep your bbl from being moved by a sling or bi-pod etc. They eliminate tension on the bbl itself...

On a 16" carbine set-up, without serious optics, there really isn't a noticeable difference. They cost more, and should be professionally installed (in your case at least.)

What kind of optics are you planning on running?

I'd avoid mounting optics to your HG. Mount them on your receiver.

If you get the MCTAR-17, the only things you want to mount on them is a tactical light and/or vertical grip and maybe a QD sling mount. You would use your delta ring to mount them. Don't go cutting stuff off of your rifle. Step away from the Dremmel tool... h
LMK if you want any more help. Where in TN are you?




Jackson, TN -- West TN

Just finished my lower build with CMMG lower and parts kit, Magpul CTR stock.   Just got my order of PMAGs in... and now I'm waiting on my CMMG 16" M4 carbine upper to arrive FedEx today.

Was about to order a MI BUIS and a rail to replace the HG just for shits and giggles.

1/23/2008 4:33:25 PM EDT
[#6]
Does my advice make any sense to you?

I'm in the Nashville area. I was going to offer some face to face help at a local gun show, but I doubt you ever come here for gun shows.

Best of luck with your build, and post some pics.
1/23/2008 7:40:47 PM EDT
[#7]
Just attached my upper, great fit and passed function tests!

I'm up in Nashville alot, I'll hit ya up if I can make it to the next gun show

Just ordered the standard rail to replace the HG -- this is my first build so everything has a learning curve but what you said made sense.  
1/24/2008 6:41:34 PM EDT
[#8]
If you can make it to any Nashville gun shows, I usually work the J&T distributing booth with Gary and Dennis.

Swing by and we can hook you up with whatever you need. We have the largest selection of AR15 accessories at any of the gun shows in the area.
1/25/2008 7:01:54 AM EDT
[#9]
I have the carbine length MI FF rails.  They are very sturdy and to install them you do have to cut off the delta ring and remove the spring.  It is all very easy and takes about 10 minutes to do it.  Any idiot could do it.  Go for it.
1/25/2008 7:13:46 AM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:
I have the carbine length MI FF rails.  They are very sturdy and to install them you do have to cut off the delta ring and remove the spring.  It is all very easy and takes about 10 minutes to do it.  Any idiot could do it.  Go for it.


Hhmm, I've never owned the MI rails. I've used KAC, PRi (mostly,) YHM, A.R.M.S. and none of those require cutting a delta ring. The use a proprietary bbl/mounting nut.

I'm not sure why the thought of that bothers me, but I'd use a different system.
1/25/2008 7:29:24 AM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have the carbine length MI FF rails.  They are very sturdy and to install them you do have to cut off the delta ring and remove the spring.  It is all very easy and takes about 10 minutes to do it.  Any idiot could do it.  Go for it.


Hhmm, I've never owned the MI rails. I've used KAC, PRi (mostly,) YHM, A.R.M.S. and none of those require cutting a delta ring. The use a proprietary bbl/mounting nut.

I'm not sure why the thought of that bothers me, but I'd use a different system.


Troy rails are the same way. I prefer to dis and ass rather than cut. To each their own however.

The abundance of affordable FF rails makes this a non issue for me.

Surefire's non-FF: $200. KAC M4 non-FF: $225 if you're lucky. Troy FF: $210.
1/25/2008 8:55:03 AM EDT
[#12]
I'm in the same boat as you. I'll be receiving my first ar-15 soon.
Personally I'm leaning towards HG's (easy install that I can do)
If you don't mind spending more money for a full length rail look into this:
http://www.vltor.com/casv.htm

It looks like a great idea... its just $
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