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12/1/2008 7:08:44 PM EDT
I was curious, I have a colt A3 and was wanting to put a free Float on instead of the regular handguards.  It is a carbine length, but wondering if I could put a mid size free float on instead of the carbine length?  What would I need to do to be able to do this?  

12/1/2008 7:10:43 PM EDT
[#1]
If you have a standard front sight base, the midlength rail will not fit.  You would have to change to a low profile gas block.

Shane
12/1/2008 7:32:04 PM EDT
[#2]
Planning on putting a scope on this one so removing the front post and installing a low pro is not a problem.

Does the front post or gas block have to mount in the same spot?  Or can it be off a little.  (I mean is it important to get the low pro in the exact same spot as where the post was)?
12/2/2008 9:01:12 PM EDT
[#3]
Regardless of what you replace the stock FSB with, it has to go in exactly the same place so the gas port hole in the barrel and the hole in your new gas block match.  If they don't, the gun will not cycle.
12/2/2008 9:43:56 PM EDT
[#4]
Depending on which rail you use and how skilled you are with a dremmel, There used to be a thread about how to cut down your front sight block. Although it would probably be best to just buy a low pro gas block. Now, if you choose to buy a low pro gas block it will need to be placed right where your sight block sits currently because your barrel has a gas port drilled into it. Once you install the low profile gas block you can buy any length rail system you like. You rifle will still have a carbine length gas system, but the rails can extend well past the gas block.

Think of the rail system seperat from the gas system. The only time the two are required to work together are if you are running a regular front sight that has a gas block built into it.

You just need to get some kind of low profile gas block and remove your current front sight block. Then install the low pro where your old one was. Then buy what ever length rail system you want and install that.
12/3/2008 4:22:15 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Depending on which rail you use and how skilled you are with a dremmel, There used to be a thread about how to cut down your front sight block.


It's in the stickied thread, "Assemble your own LOWER, UPPER, FREE FLOAT, TRIGGER, GAS BLOCK - Step by step instructions!"    (Page 1, about 3/4 down)
12/3/2008 5:15:42 AM EDT
[#6]
ok, but hard is it to get a lowpro gas block to line up with the hole in the barrel.  You know, since you can't really see the 2 holes.   I assume you would just kinda eyeball it?
12/3/2008 5:46:47 AM EDT
[#7]
I like Rainier Arms LP gasblock install tool.
It allows me to dimple the underside of the barrel for the setscrews and ensures the gas port is aligned properly.
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