Need help AR free float? which one?

[theboss365]

OK, I am still working on building an upper. It is a 20" Krieger barrel attached to a RRA upper, I have a float tube on it for now, but its carbine length. I know its dumb, but I got it for 15 bucks and it made the upper shootable.
I have been looking at the Hogue rifle length.

I'm looking for a new tube in a rifle length, but I have 2 questions

1. whats the difference between a $60.00 tube and a $400.00 tube.

2. Will I notice the difference. I don't shoot alot and when I do it's just for fun at this point.

 

[mvician]

Don't put a cheap FF on a Krieger barreled upper, that would just be

 

[theboss365]

So. I'm an ar noob, what makes the exspensive ones better vs. the "cheep" ones

 

[JTinIN]

Differences range from the rail system, materials, R&D/Markup, warrenty, weight and how the tube index / locks to keep from rotating.
The the questions are:
1: Do you have any uses for rails other than a bipod?
2: Will this be carried in the field or mainly fired off the bench / fired at fuzzy varmints?

If not then can get buy with a simple tube forend that you drill and tip on the bottom for a sling swivel to put on a Harris bipod for $50.
You do loose any actual indexing besides being tight but works ok on my 24" SS HB upper.

For a light (but not low cost) I like the PRI also nice off hand.

For a nice rail would start with LaRue.

 

[esrice]

So. I'm an ar noob, what makes the exspensive ones better vs. the "cheep" ones

Quality of materials used
Little design features that are more "shooter" friendly
Quality of the mounting system and hardware
Overall weight

 

[esrice]

2. Will I notice the difference. I don't shoot alot and when I do it's just for fun at this point.

Will you be mounting anything to it? A bipod? A sling?

If a bipod, how will you attach it? Swivel stud? QD lever (like LaRue)?

How are you going to be shooting it mostly? From a bench? Prone? Offhand?

 

[theboss365]

planning on mountin the bipod from the gas block. I am mainly looking for a smooth I think. Or is mounting the bipod on the gas block a bad Idea? This rifle will be mostly used for bench shooting, but I do want it field ready.

 

[theboss365]

Oh yea, what about these carbon fiber jobbies?

 

[dom1104]

Bipod on the gas block is a bad idea yes.

I suggest a JP Vtac tube, if you are going to go with a tube type. Its a pretty nice tube as tubes go.

 

[theboss365]

ok, then I'd rather just tap the tube for it if I used a smooth tube. The railed tubes just don't excite me. I just don't like the rails on my carbine, they are to big for my baby hands. I want this to be comfortable.

 

[slow1911s]

DPMS makes a great smooth FFT. I like mine a lot. If you want higher end, go for JP's VTAC.

 

[rvb]

planning on mountin the bipod from the gas block. I am mainly looking for a smooth I think. Or is mounting the bipod on the gas block a bad Idea? This rifle will be mostly used for bench shooting, but I do want it field ready.

yes, bad idea. mounting the bipod on the gas block defeats the purpose of floating the barrel.
-rvb

 

[irishfan]

Troy makes a tube style but also has rail pieces that will give you the option to mount a light, VFG, bipod or whatever else you want. They are a little more expensive but not as much as the Larue and are also VERY lightweight. BloodEclipse on here used one in a build and if you do a search on his name you will find it...and its nice. I bought a TRX and then decided to just use a cheaper bolt on since I don't really use a VFG or a bipod. Just another option besides a regular tube only design and its free float.

Troy BattleRail TRX Extreme 13" | Troy Industries

 

[sloughfoot]

Since we have met and talked face to face and I have a feel for what you want to do... here is my suggestion:

From World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

The DPMS AR15 Free Float tube Part No. 231-015-006AF for $53.99

It will do everything you want a free float tube to do, including mounting your bipod on it.

They have a vented version also for $26.00 more, your choice.

They have a Hogue that will also work.

My offer to help still stands...

 

[Litlratt]

^^^^+1^^^^
As long as the tube is two piece there shouldn't be an issue with getting it to index if you've drilled or slotted it.

I've used the inexpensive Model 1 tubes with app. 17 Kriegers without issue.

 

[theboss365]

Thanks, Sloughfoot you right, you know what I want and I value your opinion very highly. I was going to go with the Houge anyway. You just helped me make it make it my choice.
Thanks to everyone for the help. I now have a better understanding of these things.

 

[mertbl]

I would spring for the vented tube. It will help let heat dissipate. I just put a vented DPMS rifle length on my carbine. $78.95 from DPMS and it shipped free.

Looks good. Functions as expected. I don't plan on a bipod or anything like that.