Front handguard opinions

[pdelcasino]

I'm looking at a Daniel Defense quad-rail, a RRA quad-rail, and a SureFire M-73quad-rail...all carbine length. The RRA is $120, the SureFire is $200, and the DD is $365. Other than cosmetic differences (more holes here, less holes there), they all do basically the same thing, they're all anodized aluminum, and they all have complete picatinnny rails.

Is there any reason other than brand for this massive price difference?

[00leland00]

I have a DD Omega Rail, and love it. I don't know about the RRA, but the DD is free-float and built like a brick shithouse. My Omega Rail replaced an aluminum CAA quad rail I still have laying around if you're interested.

[SuperMoose]

check out LaRue Tactical...you get all sorts of cool free stuff with your order and they make a hell of a product from what I've heard.

[endorphin rush]

First, the Surefire rail is NOT free-floating. I believe the Daniel Defense and Rock River Arms rail ARE free-floating. Free-Floating rails are typically more expensive.

Second, when talking about free-floated rails, some manufacturers build theirs with a rock solid locking device where others don't. Those with rock solid locking devices are typically more expensive.

Third, forends are made to varying degrees of quality. In other words, some are exactly to the specifications as to size of the rails themselves to assure an exact fit to all pieces of equipment that are designed for Picatinny rail mounting. Also consider that some are made with better materials and are just designed, hardened, finished better.

Fourth, the name sometimes has lots to do with it. Many times (DD and Larue) it's because they build good shit.

In the end, you won't go wrong with either Daniel Defense, Larue Tactical or even Surefire. The advantage to the Surefire Rails is that they can be installed by the user, where as you might need a gunsmith to install the DD or Larue rails unless you have the tools and know-how.

Unless you are looking to mount optics on your forend, or are looking to assure a greater amount of accuracy from you barrel, most do not "need" a free-floated forend. I don't have them on a majority of my AR's and have no problem making my rifles shoot within an acceptable level of accuracy.

If you don't know why you "need" for free-float your barrel, you man want to do some research as to whether it's going to make a difference to you.

Hope this helps!!!

[pdelcasino]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I can't find a detailed justification regarding why to free-float a barrel. All I see is vague reasoning having to do with "improved accuracy". Is that it?

[1blindref]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I can't find a detailed justification regarding why to free-float a barrel. All I see is vague reasoning having to do with "improved accuracy". Is that it?

Improved accuracy is it.
The Rock River is made by Yankee Hill. It's a nice rail for the $$

[Burnsie]

Check out Yankee Hill Machine's stuff. I just got their FF rails on my AR and they are awesome.

Another benefit to the FF is that if you plan on putting a bunch of attachments on your rails, it does not put that weight on the barrel therefore keeping your barrel straight and more accurate.

I plan on getting a bipod and trying target shooting with this AR, so it was necessary for me. I want the most accuracy for my money.

-Burnsie

[Newt_177]

If your looking for a good rail for a great price I got the UTG from Aim Surplus...if your looking for match quality you might want to go free floating, but if your just looking for a more comfortable grip and a place to mount some gadgets it will do the trick just fine

[Slick17]

another thing that I considered and ended up doing was looking at the rail. Is there a gap in between the rail and the receiver. I picked the Troy rail. 12" and it meets right up with the receiver so I can slide I scope mounts even further. this may not be something that applies to you but something to think about.

[Scubastevie00]

I also have a troy... Great quality and I'm really happy with it... Pretty cheap too... Maybe $110?