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1/8/2012 8:13:55 PM EDT
I have a dpms bull twenty-four from what i can read its a free float tube but important wanting to swap it out with one that has rails can anyone tell me how to take it off the gun and what would be a good replacement tube. thanks
1/8/2012 8:26:53 PM EDT
[#1]
Could you add rail sections as needed to the FF tube?


Some railed ff hand guards may not fit over a true bull barrel


What are you trying to do?   Just a bipod or something, or are you looking to dress the gun up?
1/8/2012 8:29:24 PM EDT
[#2]
Im new to most of this could you explain how to add rail sections to my tube? and im looking to add a light and night vision attachment in front of the scope for cote hunting and i really think they help the look cosmetics of the gun
1/8/2012 8:53:23 PM EDT
[#3]
Can anyone tell me a tube that will clear the bull barrel and how to take the old one off?
1/8/2012 9:00:16 PM EDT
[#4]
Well, it's going to depend on your FF tube.

The basic idea is to use something like this...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/944060/troy-industries-32-customizable-rail-section-for-trx-free-float-tube-handguards-ar-15-aluminum-black

Those rail sections are for a specific troy FF tube, but same idea.


Some FF tubes are fiberglass, some are metal with and without slots.  If yours is slotted, you can usually add lengths of rail quite easily.  If it doesn't you could always drill it out and secure the length of rail on the backside.  

This type of modification is great for simple things like bipods, tac lights, etc.  But not usually that good for optics or sighting equipment like NVD or lasers.  Now that you explain what you want to do a little bit, I'd look at a replacement FF tube.  Daniel Defense has a nice setup that gives you a continuous rail along the entire 12" length.  It is the MFR 12.0  Just make sure whatever you do, verify that it will fit over a bull barrel.  Too many folks fail to distinguish between bull and HBAR correctly.

https://danieldefense.com/modular-float-rail-12-0.html

As far as involvement, "most" free float tubes need a special proprietary tool to break or attach their respective barrel nuts.  I'm not familiar with DPMS's tubes but you can probably call them and ask if they have a tool for it.  As far as DD, if the MFR 12 requires a tool, they will sell one reasonably priced.  I just take anything that involved to a local gunsmith and let them deal with it though.

Good luck!
1/8/2012 9:08:16 PM EDT
[#5]
Thanks another question is are all barrel nuts the same size and thread pitch?
1/8/2012 9:41:44 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Thanks another question is are all barrel nuts the same size and thread pitch?


I think so on the thread pitch.  Yes.  Because that is the receiver barrel extension.

The OD may vary depending on the FF tube or rail.  Not 100% certain.

Ok, check this out....  Looks like some DPMS tubes need you to screw the wrench in to the tube first.  No idea if this is for YOUR tube though, but it was pretty easy to find...

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=13017/pid=5595/Product/DPMS-AR-15-FREE-FLOAT-TUBE-WRENCH?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c231015023_d_231015023_d_11454

I'd still contact DPMS for specifics, but good luck!
1/9/2012 3:27:03 AM EDT
[#7]
If yours is round.. a strap wrench is your friend and rumor has it DPMS uses loctite on the tube/barrel nut contact point.

My tube loosened off the big barrel nut (looks like part of the tube but is NOT) with my hand and after shooting some to heat it up.  
1/10/2012 3:45:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Im new to most of this could you explain how to add rail sections to my tube? and im looking to add a light and night vision attachment in front of the scope for cote hunting and i really think they help the look cosmetics of the gun


you lucky dog,, no pun intended. night vision is illegal for yote hunting in SC...
1/11/2012 6:17:02 PM EDT
[#9]
To be honest it may be in Va as well but we own a nice track of land so i don't really mind doin it anyway
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