ryan45kim Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 What is the difference between the DPMS carbon fiber free float tube and the Clark Custom carbon fiber free float tube? The only difference I can see is the Clark comes with a sling stud. Has anyone used both and can give a review? Thanks, Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan45kim Posted July 19, 2012 Author Share Posted July 19, 2012 does anyone know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlamoShooter Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 The mounting would be biggest difference. the Clark Tube requires epoxy to attatch it to the nut and thin breaking the epoxy seal to remove it latter when you have to work on the barrel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan45kim Posted July 20, 2012 Author Share Posted July 20, 2012 From the descriptions I've read both the DPMS and the Clark are glued onto the barrel nut. I've never seen one besides on line but my impression is that they both are the same carbon fiber tubes and aluminum barrel nuts that are glued together. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=32439/avs%7CMake_3=AR-15zz1zzM4/avs%7CManufacturer_1=DPMS%20FIREARMS%20LLC/Product/AR-15-M16-CARBON-FIBER-FREE-FLOAT-TUBE http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=4998/Product/CLARK-CUSTOM-AR-15-CARBON-FIBER-HANDGUARD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangerguy Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 I have a Clark Customs on my AR. Instead of gluing it I drilled and tapped it for 3 screws and it works fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonF Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 If you're like me and dislike the notion of gluing your tube to the barrel nut and don't have the facilities to drill/tap it yourself, the AP Custom one come with a screw attachment method. I have two of these and they are pretty sweet. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/3139489461/ap-customs-free-float-tube-handguard-ar-15-carbon-fiber-black Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45shooter Posted July 21, 2012 Share Posted July 21, 2012 Lancer tubes are attached using screw as well. It makes them easier to take on and off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan45kim Posted July 21, 2012 Author Share Posted July 21, 2012 Thanks for the replies guys but no one has answered the question, is there any difference between the two besides the name? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braxton1 Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 Thanks for the replies guys but no one has answered the question, is there any difference between the two besides the name? I've used both. I'd put money on "same manufacturer".... Not positive; just saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan45kim Posted July 23, 2012 Author Share Posted July 23, 2012 Thanks for the response. I was thinking they are made by the same company and relabeled by others but since I’ve never seen either one in person I’m just guessing unless I would order both to examine. The only difference I can see is that the Clark comes with a front sling stud installed. So since you used both tubes do you have any recommendations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braxton1 Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 I'd go with straight PRICE. Look around and buy the cheapest one that you find, since they're practically identical. One caveat though: The CF tubes make the front of the gun VERY light if you're running anything other than a heavy barrel. The light front-ends don't seem to settle on targets very well. I can transition quickly, but getting the dot to settle down so I can confidently take the shot seems to take FOREVER for me. YMMV.... I run 15-inch aluminums on everything now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike4045 Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 I like the light front end. But the rear is also light. I run ace skeleton stocks. They just transition much quicker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan45kim Posted July 26, 2012 Author Share Posted July 26, 2012 Thanks guys I’ve been thinking about putting my rifle on a diet so I’m trying to figure out the best ways to save some weight. This is the biggest saving I found so far; it would save 7oz vs the Nordic that I currently run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Adam Carter Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 I have AP custom tubes and love them!!!!!!! Geat price for a great product!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip62 Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 does anyone know what are the diameters of the Clark, DPMS, and AP tubes are? thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan45kim Posted July 26, 2012 Author Share Posted July 26, 2012 I’m pretty sure the DPMS and Clark are both standard 2” tubes. I have no idea what the AP is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip62 Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 Thanks. I just ordered the AP, hope it's 2"....lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonF Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 (edited) I can measure the AP tube when i get home if you want. The tube itself is actually just a hair larger than the OD of the "star" part of the mil spec barrel nut so whatever that is, plus an extra 1/8" diameter for the tube itself will give you a rough estimate. BTW: why is the diameter of interest? Do you have concerns about your gas block? I have low pro gas blocks under both of mine and they all fit with room to spare. Edited July 26, 2012 by JonF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip62 Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I just like the smaller tubes. I held a carbon fiber at one point that was 2 1/4" and it was just uncomfortable. I have big hands, but like smaller tubes. I will be replacing a Samson Evolution that is 1 3/4" that I really like, but you can't go that small with just a round tube cuz of the gas tube. If it's only a hair bigger than the nut, it's gotta be pretty close to 2". Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonF Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Just mic'ed the AP tube and its 2" OD on the money! Tube wall thickness is .065" so that makes the ID 2-(.065*2)= 1.870" ID. Quick tip: if you want to attach any small rails lenths to the AP tube, thier own rail sections are rather pricy. Magpul MOE rail sections work perfect with the AP slot system and come in lots of different lengths. I used the longest MOE rail section to mount an AFG on mine and its perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonF Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I hear you and agree on the tube diameter. I generally prefer some sort of front grip device on mine, specifically the AFG as i find it more comfortable than just a straight forearm so i use that to grip and stabilize the front of the gun. However, i also have a 22LR AR with a real skinny TACCOM CF tube that must be ~1.5" and is somehow just comfortable enough to hold on its own without any other grip device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip62 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Excellent news, thanks for measuring. Great tip about the Magpul rails. That will help keep the weight down too. I only need 1 rail for light, and was wondering how I was going to do that. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip62 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Got the AP tube on shot, what a great hand guard. Thanks for the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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