Ok, so I've decided to spend the money and buy a free float hanguard setup. I will be going with the Daniel Defense 9.5 FSP. I have a Bushmaster 16" M4 car length with the bird cage style flash hider. I read the sticky on installing a FF, and I am reasonably sure I can do it. Here are my questions.
1. Would it be reasonably cheaper to take my rifle to a gunsmith to have this perfomed rather than me buying all the tools to do it myself, I figured in the neighborhood of $125 to do it myself, after buying an action block, wrench, punches etc.
2. If I do opt to do it, why does the flash hider have to come off? And how do I take mine off, or is this one permantly attached, Bushmaster website does not say for sure. See pic below, sorry about the poor quality, I took it with my camera phone
3. How hard are these things to install? I have lots of mechanical experience, and am good with tools and my hands, but I have almost no experience taking firearms apart.
4. Who makes the best rail covers? I have read so many differing opinions, I don't know what to get.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/4593/flashhider2au.th.jpgHere is a link to what my rifle looks like
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3f16m4.asp
Any help is greatly appreciated!