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Posted: 7/19/2016 8:38:38 PM EDT
| I am new to the AR world and recently made my first AR purchase and I purchased a Smith and Wesson MP Sport 2! I have been a little research and I have decided that I wanted a free float rail (I like the way they look), I was wondering what would be my best option in the $200.00 range and also a good website to order it from! I'll never put one on or anything so I don't really have much experience with anything. Thanks in advance. |
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We have used ALG in the past. Very light, sturdy, very slim, and inexpensive. Great rails, but they do have more of a "tube" feel as in they are fairly round. You should also be aware of the MLOK/Keymod positioning. Some are at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 o'clock positions, with no 3 or 9.
If you can wait a little bit, you should check out VLTOR's new freedom rail. Comes out soon, it is sub-$200, and man I can tell you it is nice. |
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Ahh, since the M&P Sport II has a fixed front sight base, and you are new to the AR world (and probably don't have the tools or don't want to get into removing the delta ring) You need a two piece rail sir. I If you want a traditional military looking picatinny set up, look at the Daniel Defense Omega. It's very nice and solid, light and strong. I also think it might be the only two piece FF rail that actually utilizes the delta ring to it requires no mods to the host weapon, which is nice.
MI makes a two piece free float as well. You need a two piece rail though unless you have a gunsmith buddy, or someone with tools and knowledge helping you out. Picatinny is not the newest in AR rail fashion anymore so you can get them relatively cheap on the Equipment Exchange here now that everyone is going keymod or whatever else. Keep your eyes out. |
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In the $200 range, you aren't going to get much better than Midwest Industries Gen2 Two-Piece Freefloat.
https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=422 I'm not a guy to go cheap. That being said, in the world of rails, going into the high 2's and beyond is mostly buying you either something custom, or you're paying for the brand name. Daniel Defense makes nice stuff, but for a very very steep price (with no real benefit I've seen over any other well made rail). I do however, believe in buying quality. I've been nothing but impressed with the quality of rail you get for a very affordable price from Midwest Industries. I've got one on my gun, and it is an awesome rail. It's very well made, and has excellent fit and finish. I've had no problems with screws walking out, or sights losing zero either. MI makes a bunch of other affordable rails in MLok and KeyMod as well if you want those options. I cant recommend it enough, and MI's customer service is awesome to boot. BEFORE: 
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And how hard would this be to put on myself? How much wrench turning have you done on an AR, and how handy are you in general? Not being cheeky. The installation of any free-float is going to require you to remove some parts, in particular the slip ring, sight post (unless you get a cut out rail that accommodates a front sight post), and the Handguard cap. If you remove the front sight post, you will also need to install a gas block in its place. Removal of the slip ring will require removal of the barrel. Taking it apart and putting it back together isn't as difficult as it sounds though, however there is a bit of technique to it. You're really going to want to get familiar with some YouTube guides before you start. Pay attention to how they torque the barrel nut so that you don't damage your receiver. Also pay extra attention when installing the gas block as it will have to line up correctly in order to function. You'll also need an armorer's wrench, a vice, and a punch for the Roll-pins. That's the right way to do it. Depending on how handy you are, you can Wiley E Coyote it and cut the slip ring and spring off, leaving the barrel nut intact. I've done it, it works fine. WARNING: Unless you're a stud with a Dremel I don't recommend this because you can ding up your receiver pretty bad if your hand slips. If you aren't confident in your mechanical skills, I'd recommend taking it to a gunsmith. Especially if you're removing the front sight to install a gas block. |
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