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9/21/2012 8:15:15 PM EDT
I asked this question in general ar discussion but didn't really get much help.  Hoping maybe this section will be better.

Rifle is a 14.5" pinned midlength 5.45x39.  Right now it has a Magpul MOE with MVG on it.  I personally like the more solid feel of a metal setup with a grip but never had a problem with the MOE/MVG combo on my old upper.  I am focusing more on weight and see that the Midwest 2 piece drop in rail is only half an ounce heavier than what I currently have.

Is this worth the money for the improved accuracy/possible improved reliability?
9/22/2012 3:06:45 AM EDT
[#1]
I like free floated handguards on an AR because it just makes more sense. More solid, less complicated, more accuracy.
On a 14.5'' rifle I would not expect much difference in noticable accuracy.
9/22/2012 3:30:39 AM EDT
[#2]
I put free float tubes on mine.  I have a couple without them but the guns I shoot the most have them.

Just shooting off hand there probably isn't much different.  Start using a sling to build a good solid firing position and it can make a difference.  Start resting the forend on something to make the rifle steady and it can make a difference.  Want to mount a light on your rifle and it can be easier with the right type of free float tube.
9/22/2012 9:19:47 AM EDT
[#3]
FF is a proven concept.
I would switch. YMMV
9/22/2012 5:09:50 PM EDT
[#4]
I free float all my barrels because it assures that the accuracy is the best it can be with that barrel.  Ammo makes a big difference in accuracy also. With the barrel free floated there is nothing touching it to change it's POA. And I have always seen a positive change in the accuracy ie smaller groups down range. My latest rifle is a DPMS LR 308 and with standard carbine handguards it would shoot 1 - 2 MOA at 100 yards. Once I free floated the barrel I'm getting 1 to .5 MOA groups at 100 yards.
9/22/2012 5:16:06 PM EDT
[#5]
Putting on a free float just helps take another possible variable out of the accuracy equation

9/23/2012 3:09:32 PM EDT
[#6]
If you are looking for better accuracy, I would definetely go for a free float.
9/23/2012 3:17:07 PM EDT
[#7]
Freefloat worth it?



YES



 
9/25/2012 2:38:42 PM EDT
[#8]
Ordinarily I'd say that free floating is worth it, but for your particular application I have to go against the grain here and say no.

I'm not the know-all authority on the 5.45 round, but it seems to me the appeal of the round is the cheap commie surplus ammo that's out there. You're not going to make 4 MOA ammo do 2 MOA by free floating the barrel it shoots from. Maybe someone with a greater knowledge base on the 5.45 will correct me if I'm in the wrong.
9/26/2012 8:55:41 PM EDT
[#9]
If you are trying to shoot 16 inch diameter target plates at 300 yards and beyond then you want to free float.  If you are planning to shoot CQB 50-100 yards and doesn't require tight patterns then you can do away not free floating.  It just helps for accuracy work.
9/27/2012 4:24:00 PM EDT
[#10]
For the money it is hard to beat the AP Custom carbon fiber free float tubes.  $150ish and exceptioanally light and remarkably stiff.  Also, the guy that runs it stands behind his stuff.
9/27/2012 4:49:28 PM EDT
[#11]
Free floating your rifle isn't going to make it more reliable
If your getting good groups now, free floating it will make them better potentially
If your Getting AK like groups keep it as it is
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