Thanks for the replies on my previous post.  It helped quite a bit to hear some views.  Now for a few more questions.

I am looking at putting a vertical foregrip on my rifle.  At the moment it has standard handguards.  What are some good/popular rail guards?  I prefer non-free float so it can be something I can easily install on my own, being a beginner I figure this would be the wiser choice.

I also would like to attach a bi-pod.  I've heard a lot of good things about the harris ones.  I've fondled one in Gander Mountain recently and likd what I saw.  I would most likely go with the notched legs model.  Any input on harris or the notched leg style?  As well, what is a decent mount?

Again with the vertical fore grip, what does one look for in one?  Durability, cost, rigidity...etc.  Being that we have a pretty small local gun shop, I would most likely order one "in the blind" without handling it first.  What are some models people go with?

I have an A3 upper.  At the moment I have the standard carry and would like to replace it with a BUIS and maybe a flip up front sight that I could retract when using a scope.  Any problems with leaving the front site base and using a scope with it?  The main reason I want a BUIS in the rear s for easily changing between the scope and iron sights.  Taking off the scope then screwing on the handle would get old.

I have a enough questions for one more post after I get some answers for this one.  Thanks guys.

Quoted: Thanks for the replies on my previous post.  It helped quite a bit to hear some views.  Now for a few more questions. I am looking at putting a vertical foregrip on my rifle.  At the moment it has standard handguards.  What are some good/popular rail guards?  I prefer non-free float so it can be something I can easily install on my own, being a beginner I figure this would be the wiser choice. simple non-freefloat would leave you with surfire,yhm, and a few others but there are free-float ones out there that install just as easy I also would like to attach a bi-pod.  I've heard a lot of good things about the harris ones.  I've fondled one in Gander Mountain recently and likd what I saw.  I would most likely go with the notched legs model.  Any input on harris or the notched leg style?  As well, what is a decent mount? i like the brms which is the 6-9" swivel harris with notched legs. a decent mount for it would be yhm, fobus, tdi, knights, there are quick release ones as well but price is much more for the later. larue and arms are two i know of. i have the larue and think it does the job well Again with the vertical fore grip, what does one look for in one?  Durability, cost, rigidity...etc.  Being that we have a pretty small local gun shop, I would most likely order one "in the blind" without handling it first.  What are some models people go with? i went out a got a tango down vfg and it fits the hand great and it has a sealed tube which will hold spare parts and what not along with a tape switch holder when a panel is removed for lights/lasers. I have an A3 upper.  At the moment I have the standard carry and would like to replace it with a BUIS and maybe a flip up front sight that I could retract when using a scope.  Any problems with leaving the front site base and using a scope with it?  The main reason I want a BUIS in the rear s for easily changing between the scope and iron sights.  Taking off the scope then screwing on the handle would get old. i recommend the troy buis, its great, low profile, sturdy and everything else. with the front you could get a folding sight but with a powered scope you wont really notice it. with my 2x-3x there is a slight blur that i would have to look for to see it. with higher power scopes its not there. I have a enough questions for one more post after I get some answers for this one.  Thanks guys.

Non-ff, a Midwest Industries 2-piece. Its a very solid unit..

With a scope 3X and up, you won't really notice (at all once you get up over 5X) the front site. There might be a gray ghost of the FSB at low power, but you won't even notice it at higher powers.

WIZZO

What are some easy free float tubes to install?  I have no experience nor tools for the AR.  Would I be just as smart to buy a rail and send it in to have it installed?  I'd prefer to do it on my own so I wouldn't have to skip shooting it for a few weeks.

Also, how hard is it for a beginner to change a barrel?  I know you have to check headspace and all so I figure it'd be easier to send it in and get a different barrel put on professionally.  Its a preban barrel with a perm-attached mini-y comp.  It's loud as hell and I'd prefer to put a fh on it.  Otherwise I can always send it in to ADCO and get a new one attached.

Check out the build it yourself section on this sight. Tons of info on how to change barrels and add a free float tube.

You basically going to have to remove the barrel to install the FF tube anyways.