I want to put a carbon fiber free float tube on a 20" rifle.  The ability to attach a sling or bipod to the tube would be nice, but I do not need a lot of rails for other gizmos.  Basically, I want something is light, cools well, is durable and that can be installed without too much trouble.  I'd get the PRI tube, but I don't really want to spend $300+ and I don't need the rails.

Can anyone suggest a quality tube, and a good vendor?

Thanks.

FULTON ARMORY,,,not carbon,,aluminum   79$$
rails  xtra   http://www.fulton-armory.com/
Go to  AR / FAR under sites check freefloat hndgrds

This should be just around $100 or slightly more. I have one of the carbine length ones. Its a nice piece of gear.

[img]http://www.hiperform.com/firearms/20inar.jpg[/img]

Here's a link to the place that sells them;
[url]http://www.hiperform.com/hand-guards.htm[/url]

I like my hiperform Carbon fiber tube. [url]www.hiperform.com[/url]. My carbine length was about $100, I think the standard length are slightly higher.

Rails, Holes, and studs can be added.


Edit: new-arguy beat me to it. [:D]

Thanks guys, I sent an e-mail to Hiperform.  What was required to install it?

I notice that Brownells sells two carbon FFTs, one by Clark Custom and the other from Briley.  Does anyone have experience with one of those?

Clark:  Lightweight, Unique Appearance, Stays Cool.  One-piece tube and barrel nut eliminates barrel pressure points to improve accuracy. Lightweight and strong, carbon fiber won't absorb heat, so tube remains cool even after long strings of fire. Attractive and durable with a distinctive weave pattern that changes with the viewing angle. SPECS: Carbon fiber, black. 12" (30.6cm) long. 2" (5cm) diameter. 6.2 oz (175 g) weight.
[img]http://www.brownells.com/Images/Products/181000013.jpg[/img]
Briley: Carbon Fiber Stays Cool; Easy To Grip Surface.  Lightweight, carbon fiber tube does not absorb heat, remains cool during rapid fire strings. One-piece design gives a solid fit and eliminates barrel pressure points to improve accuracy. Non-slip surface provides comfortable positive grip.  SPECS: Carbon fiber, black, matte finish. 12-5/16" (31.5cm) long. 2" (5cm) diameter. Fits barrels to 1" (2.5cm) diameter.
[img]http://www.brownells.com/Images/Products/129510001.jpg[/img]

imposter,

I understand why you are considering carbon fiber for a handguard, but most are of one-piece construction (barrel nut is bonded to the tube).  This would not be a problem by itself, but may be at a later time.
The issue w/ a one-piece handguard is that it is not indexable. If you add a sling swivel, rail, etc. later, and for some reason remove handguard, it may not re-install in the same position and the components added will not be in the correct location.
For this reason I personally would reccomend the ArmaLite fiberglass indexable handguard.  I believe that they are selling for ~$90.00.  They come w/ a sling swivel stud already installed.

Harry

That's is very true what Harry says. That is the only drawback to these types of Carbon fiber tubes.

I also like the Armalite tube as well it is very sturdy and like Harry said it is indexable. However it is a very heavy unit. If you are not worried about weight that might be the way to go.

But the Carbon Fiber tubes are just so light. I've had mine on for almost a year now an can't think of any reason I would want to take it off yet (if that helps any).

I wish someone would make an indexable one though.