jimstc Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 What do you recommend ,and why, for free float handguards? They will go on a 16" barrel upper and a 20" barrel upper. Thanks, Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDave Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 For 3-gun? Many will say JP because, (1) its a nice piece of metal, (2) you have a lot of choices in terms of where to mount accessory rails and (3) its a made by a company that supports 3-gun. The free float tube on my rifle is a DPMS and I think it does just fine, too and they do plenty to support 3-gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeMartens Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 I have just recently bought a Bushmaster Varmiter that has the aluminum free float handguard. It is vented and has a really nice checkered gripping surface. You might want to also check out the DPMS carbon fiber handguard. You can't mount anything on it, but it supposed to not heat up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTOSHootr Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 I recommend the customizable forearm set from Yankee Hill Machine. It's vented, you can add rails where you want, and its reasonably priced. You'll see YHM on some parts they make for Bushmaster. http://www.yankeehillmachine.com/store/forearms.html Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpspeed Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 I'm not so sure that any one is "better" than another as far as improving accuracy so it's a simple matter of appearance / esthetics and function as far as mounting accessories like bipods or forward vertical grips. I'd definately get one that is 3 pieces - tube, barrel nut, lock nut. They make for a very trouble free install and adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstc Posted August 30, 2005 Author Share Posted August 30, 2005 For 3-gun? Many will say JP because, (1) its a nice piece of metal, (2) you have a lot of choices in terms of where to mount accessory rails and (3) its a made by a company that supports 3-gun. The free float tube on my rifle is a DPMS and I think it does just fine, too and they do plenty to support 3-gun. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Dave, Yes for 3 gun. I was also looking at the DPMS Carbon Fiber tubes. They look like a good value. My upper is a DPMS. Are you in Louisiana yet? Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstc Posted August 31, 2005 Author Share Posted August 31, 2005 I have just recently bought a Bushmaster Varmiter that has the aluminum free float handguard. It is vented and has a really nice checkered gripping surface.You might want to also check out the DPMS carbon fiber handguard. You can't mount anything on it, but it supposed to not heat up. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Jake, I agree regarding the DPMS carbon fiber handguard. I'm thinking that is where I may end up as I don't mount anything on my handguard. Nice shooting this Sunday BTW. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reneet Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 Depends upon your specific needs. For max versatility, I would go with either the DPMS vent aluminum or Al's Custom Indexable vent aluminum. For lightweight and heat handling properties, Clark Carbon Fiber. It's the lightest on the market and we offer it for the shorty as well as full length. $ 100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunny Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 +1 On the Clark Custom Fiber. Used one at the IRONMAN on several barrel burning rifle stages and it never heated up! Its super light weight and nice looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstc Posted August 31, 2005 Author Share Posted August 31, 2005 Depends upon your specific needs. For max versatility, I would go with either the DPMS vent aluminum or Al's Custom Indexable vent aluminum.For lightweight and heat handling properties, Clark Carbon Fiber. It's the lightest on the market and we offer it for the shorty as well as full length. $ 100 <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Renee, Most 3 gun matches here in the Midwest are at ranges under 100 yds. So light weight is generally desirable The handguards on my 16" bbl DPMS upper are 7" +/-. Which Clark Carbon Fiber model would fit this ? Thanks, Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chp5 Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I really like the new JP FF tube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDave Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I have just recently bought a Bushmaster Varmiter that has the aluminum free float handguard. It is vented and has a really nice checkered gripping surface.You might want to also check out the DPMS carbon fiber handguard. You can't mount anything on it, but it supposed to not heat up. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Jake, I agree regarding the DPMS carbon fiber handguard. I'm thinking that is where I may end up as I don't mount anything on my handguard. Nice shooting this Sunday BTW. Jim <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Jim, Not yet. I'm on standby. When my wife ordered my Gator from Clark's - they were between the carbon fiber and the aluminum. Joe talked with Jim Clark, Jr and they decided on the aluminum because of durability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chp5 Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 They will go on a 16" barrel upper and a 20" barrel upper. Thanks, Jim <{POST_SNAPBACK}> BTW - you can put a rifle length tube on a 16" upper if you use a low profile gas block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 JP (fat and thin style are both great) DPMS Clark Fiber Bushy vented lumynum All good, but I love my JP phat guard (not the skinny one) better than any other on any AR I have ever tried PERIOD -- Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpspeed Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 Depends upon your specific needs. For max versatility, I would go with either the DPMS vent aluminum or Al's Custom Indexable vent aluminum.For lightweight and heat handling properties, Clark Carbon Fiber. It's the lightest on the market and we offer it for the shorty as well as full length. $ 100 <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Rene, I reaaaaallllllllly like the look of the carbon fiber but it looks like a one piece handguard. How much of a PITA is it to get it tight and correctly indexed ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singlestack Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 JP (fat and thin style are both great)DPMS Clark Fiber Bushy vented lumynum All good, but I love my JP phat guard (not the skinny one) better than any other on any AR I have ever tried PERIOD -- Regards, <{POST_SNAPBACK}> +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trjasgunr Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I like JP's new handguard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerjg Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I reaaaaallllllllly like the look of the carbon fiber but it looks like a one piece handguard. How much of a PITA is it to get it tight and correctly indexed ? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You'll need a differnet barrel nut wrench and block for the upper reciever. But it is well worth the extra tools. FREE FLOAT TUBE WRENCH UPPER RECEIVER BLOCK Another +1 for the Clark handguard. Ive used it in the past and I am planning a build here in a few months using this handguard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidwiz Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I'm getting good use out of the EGW knurled aluminum free-float handguard on my AR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reneet Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I reaaaaallllllllly like the look of the carbon fiber but it looks like a one piece handguard. How much of a PITA is it to get it tight and correctly indexed ? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It is a 1 piece. NO PITA at all. All you need is a receiver block and Craftsman Rubber strap wrench. We'll cut and finish to any length you specify. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerjg Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I reaaaaallllllllly like the look of the carbon fiber but it looks like a one piece handguard. How much of a PITA is it to get it tight and correctly indexed ? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It is a 1 piece. NO PITA at all. All you need is a receiver block and Craftsman Rubber strap wrench. We'll cut and finish to any length you specify. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Reene I tried using that method, I ended up breaking the strap wrench b4 i could get the barrel nut aligned for the gas tube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reneet Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 I reaaaaallllllllly like the look of the carbon fiber but it looks like a one piece handguard. How much of a PITA is it to get it tight and correctly indexed ? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It is a 1 piece. NO PITA at all. All you need is a receiver block and Craftsman Rubber strap wrench. We'll cut and finish to any length you specify. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Reene I tried using that method, I ended up breaking the strap wrench b4 i could get the barrel nut aligned for the gas tube. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Jim said you need the 1" wide model (red one) and are welcome to phone him and he'll walk you through the installation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raz-0 Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 well, I suggest the full length handguard for both the 16" and 20" if you are shooting 3-gun with it. I have the yankee hill, and it is nice, but the JP is definitely a better design hands down, and the price diff isn't that great. If you want light, the clark is REAL light.. and cool looking. If you want insulating and cheap.. armalite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reneet Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 I told Jim about breaking the strap wrench and he had me take some photos to show how to... And for those tight handguards that are hard to break loose, he says put 2 wrenches on it in this fashion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerjg Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 Thanks for the pics. I didnt think of double wraping w/ the wench. Thanks for taking the time to have Jim take some pics of his own hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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