Free Float Quad Rail

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backy33

New member
I am looking for a free float Quad Rail hand guard for my AR and don't have the slightest clue where to start looking, or what to look for.

I have a Model 1 upper with a 24" bull barrel. The existing free float handguard I have measures 12.5". Do I need to get a quad rail that is the exact same length? I'm looking in that prices range of $100-$150.

After the purchase, then I have to figure out how to remove the hand guard. Is this something a newbie could figure out or do I need special tools to pull it off?
 
You'll likely need an armorers tool to remove and replace a barrel nut, but this depends on the kind of quad rail you get. Some of the 2 piece designs are made to replace the old school plastic hand guards.

I have seen about 3 basic types.
1.) Round tube with attached rails.
2.) Rails milled into the tube.
3.) 2 piece clam shell tube that fits together over the barrel/gas tube.

The kind you get is up to you, but you can find quite a few for less than $150. The next time I get one, it will have the built in flush cups into the rail, it will just save me from needing to buy another part to mount a sling.

The new half rail for ends that RRA has are nice, but I would rather have full length rails that I can put rail guards on. Putting your hand directly on the aluminum tube get's a little cold for my liking.

As for the length, most of the rifle length quad rails are going to be 12.5" but you can get longer ones that will extend over your gas block. (you may need a low pro gas block to utilize them though)

Places like this specialize in lots of stuff from many makers.
Midwest Industries
Bravo Company
M & A parts

Lots of reputable AR builders have their own as well.
I would hate to guess how many different kinds of railed hand guards you can get. Thousands.
 
In my opinion YHM makes the best for price full length rifle quad rail: Light,Vented,Durable,Well Made & Manufactured in USA.

Prices seem to average about $119-$125 for the Rifle Length.
 
YHM are pretty economical compared to many "higher end" rails.

The YHM Diamond/Lightweight seem to be the most popular with OUR customers, but I dunno about overall.

YHM Handguards at JoeBob's. There are literally thousands of handguards out there, so I'm sure you can find something with the features/price range you want to spend. The Diamond rails are the ones I personally like the best out of the YHM lineup.
 
Depends also on how much 'rail' you plan to use and price options. A very economical way to go is the Magpul MOE hand guard. There are slits at various locations that you can add rail sections to where you want them. I have used this on my 'self defense' carbine to mount a vertical grip and surefire.
They have a different look than a full quad rail and are not free floated, but for the purpose of that rifle it is very functional. I don't need the rail space to really justify a full rail on my guns. Magpul MOE
 
I really like the looks and functionality of the RRA Advanced Half Quad Aluminum Free Float Handgaurd.
It's what I am wanting to put on my Predator Pursuit. I originally wanted the Hogue tube but I am having my dealer call them tomorrow to see if they can change my order and put one of these on. They don't offer it as an upgrade but I don't see why they couldn't/wouldn't put one on.
I am really hoping they do!
Anyway check them out. Maybe there is something similar that is better or cheaper, I dunno.

RRA Handrguard
 
Originally Posted By: HPWDepends also on how much 'rail' you plan to use and price options. A very economical way to go is the Magpul MOE hand guard. There are slits at various locations that you can add rail sections to where you want them. I have used this on my 'self defense' carbine to mount a vertical grip and surefire.
They have a different look than a full quad rail and are not free floated, but for the purpose of that rifle it is very functional. I don't need the rail space to really justify a full rail on my guns. Magpul MOE

The MOE are decent priced replacements for standard carbine/midlength handguards but....he's got rifle length & free float tubes on there now, so they aren't an option for him currently.
 
I really appreciate all the feedback guys. I really like the looks of the RRA handguard but can u find them closer to the $150 range? I'd be willing to buy a used one if anyone has one for sale.

May have to go with the YHM if the price is more affordable. Thanks again to everyone for the input!
 
Not sure where else you would be able to get them. I doubt anywhere really. I guess if you have a local RRA dealer you could see what he could get you one for. What I would do if it's the one you want is just wait till you have the extra cash and get it. Shouldn't take too much to save $30 extra.
 
Remember that you can sell the handguard you have to make some money back. Got a YHM customizable in specter for my carbine. It's like the no. 1 described by cbass. wouldn't mind seeing what a rifle length looks like on a carbine though.

Cbass, are the rail covers that much less cold? Pardon me Elementary school teachers. I can't call them warm, neutral? Are they that much more neutral?
 
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Dust,

I would love to sell my existing model 1 handguard but it has two pre-drilled holes for a versa pod. I would be willing to sell it but its going to take the right person that wants these large holes already drilled. I'm not sure if a stud for a harris bipod, or other pods, would fit in that size hole?
 
Well I know when I first bought my AR, before I upgraded to the quad rail...I went out on a hunt that was about 40* and raining. I had on leather construction gloves from walmart i think. My hands have never been so cold in my life. I was actually hoping that I wouldn't have to touch the tube because it transferred the cold so easily.
Since getting the quad rail, and getting 2 different kinds of rail covers (I prefer low pro ladder rail covers) I've never had my hands get cold. Your hands stay elevated just enough that you're not in 100% contact with the bare metal. Not only that, but you'll find those rails are SHARP when they are new.
They protect your rails that arn't being used from dings, they protect YOU FROM THE RAILS and they can give you a better or more familiar grip on your rifle.

Are they necessary? You'll have to go without them to find out, but I'll be putting them on any quad rail I ever get.
 
Originally Posted By: JoeBobOutfittersOriginally Posted By: HPWDepends also on how much 'rail' you plan to use and price options. A very economical way to go is the Magpul MOE hand guard. There are slits at various locations that you can add rail sections to where you want them. I have used this on my 'self defense' carbine to mount a vertical grip and surefire.
They have a different look than a full quad rail and are not free floated, but for the purpose of that rifle it is very functional. I don't need the rail space to really justify a full rail on my guns. Magpul MOE

The MOE are decent priced replacements for standard carbine/midlength handguards but....he's got rifle length & free float tubes on there now, so they aren't an option for him currently.

I didn't catch that he already had a free float set up in the first post. They do have them in rifle length, but not for a free float set up.
 
Decided to go with the RRA Half Quad Free Float Handguard form JoeBob's. I have to give a +1 to Joe. That is as easy as it gets to order online or over the phone. If something is wrong I know he will make it right without any question. Thanks again Joe.
 
Good choice!
I eneded up getting the RRA Advanced Half Quad Free Float put on my PP that I just ordered. They didn't offer it as an upgrade so it took a little investigating but they said they would put it on. I can't wait.
Post of pics up of your rife when you get it put together!
 
Will do. The military laser will be here today to attach to the quad rail and I'll post pics of the whole setup. Thanks for the help.

Boandme, where you located in SD?
 


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