I just finished my first AR build and I want to upgrade from my MOE handguards to a free floating rail. I watched a few vids on youtube and they all show that you can slide the front sight and delta ring off the barrel but the first step is removing the brake. Can I still switch to a free floating rail and if so does it require that I cut off the front sight and delta ring? I am just trying to figure out what to expect.

Cut them. Replace the front sight with a clamp on one or a clamp on gas block and sight on the handguard.

 

Dremel cut off wheels work well.

You can also go with something like the troy delta rail that is free float and will fit around the front sight post. Google 2 piece free float rail. Its easier than cutting everything off and there are several options.

FWIW I bought the troy delta and its pretty damn solid. If you want to check it out let me know, I think our locations are pretty close.

 

Yhm two piece gas block could work as well. I have two, they are convenient and solid

 

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FWIW I bought the troy delta and its pretty damn solid. If you want to check it out let me know, I think our locations are pretty close.

 

I really like how this looks with the fixed front sight. Might have to give this a look.

I got some Daniel Defense omega rails and I'm very happy with them. No need to cut anything. Installs similarly to drop in but is free float.

 

 

I got some Daniel Defense omega rails and I'm very happy with them. No need to cut anything. Installs similarly to drop in but is free float.

 

 

How lightweight are these omega rails?

Is there aby benefit to freefloating vs drop-in or vice versa?

Are you looking to take the front sight base (FSB) off and install a rail in it's place? If that's the case you'll need to either cut off the FSB. You can install a two piece free float rail that will go around the FSB. Troy and Daniel Defense both make models.

 

Daniel Defense

 

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/omega-x-rail/omega-x-railtm-12-0-fsp-carbine.html

 

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/ar-15-lite-rail-2a/ar15-lite-rail-iitm-9-5-fsp-carbine.html

 

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/ar-15-lite-rail-2a/ar15-lite-rail-iitm-12-0-fsp-carbine.html

 

Troy Industries

 

https://troyind.com/products/charlie-blk

 

https://troyind.com/products/delta-carbine-blk

 

https://troyind.com/products/delta-mid-length-blk

 

https://troyind.com/products/mrf-12cx-blk

 

https://troyind.com/products/vtac-delta-carbine-blk

 

Troy also has them in FDE color, but I didn't feel like linking them all

So these drop in models work with the delta ring as well, or do you need to purchase the barrel nut and remove the delta ring? 

 

Actually on second look I can see the Delta ring in the pictures so how exactly do these count as free float? Aren't they pretty much just drop in rails? 

From Daniel Defense Website:

 

 

This two piece free float rail system secures to the Omega X barrel nut with our Omega X Barrel Nut Wrench so initial gunsmithing is required for installation. Once the rail system is completely installed, it can easily be removed from the barrel nut to allow the end user to perform maintenance to the barrel and gas tube while still maintaining a true free float design.

 

You'd have to swap barrel nuts.

 

 

I'm not sure about the Troy models.

Is there aby benefit to freefloating vs drop-in or vice versa?

 

How lightweight are these omega rails?

DD is heavier by .75 ounces. Free floating the barrel would give the rifle increased accuracy.The omega rail (not the omega x) do not use a barrel nut. They utilize your existing configuration

From Daniel Defense Website:

 

 

You'd have to swap barrel nuts.

 

 

I'm not sure about the Troy models.

 

Oh alright, its actually pretty easy then.

DD is heavier by .75 ounces. Free floating the barrel would give the rifle increased accuracy. The omega rail (not the omega x) do not use a barrel nut. They utilize your existing configuration

Hmm, interesting. I get what your saying but I am confused how it could be free floating if it attaches to the exiting hardware like a drop in. Ill definitely look more into it. Thanks for the info guys!

I wish I could show you. You insert the rails into the delta ring like the drop in but its never attached to the front cap. There are a few Allen head set screws that screw into the slots in the delta ring,(think of where the gas tube fits through) to keep it from moving around. The rails are also screwed together

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?65-Daniel-Defense-OMEGA-Rail-install-guide-and-pictorial-review

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?65-Daniel-Defense-OMEGA-Rail-install-guide-and-pictorial-review

Ahhh okay I get it now, have you noticed any significant difference in your rifles accuracy from the upgrade?

To be honest I switched to a geissele SSA-E at the same time and that helped more than anything I'm sure.

To be honest I switched to a geissele SSA-E at the same time and that helped more than anything I'm sure

 

Oh okay, I'm sure it does make a difference though. I think a geissele upgrade may happen down the line but as of right now Im more interested in upgrading the hanguard for cosmetics more than anything else lol.

Omega is a Good choice I'd say

I really like the look of the odin works or Fortis rails but Im not sure Id be able to to git the hardware overvthe fixed brake to do so.

Yhm two piece gas block could work as well. I have two, they are convenient and solid.

I just now saw this comment and it might just be the answer ive been looking for.

I just recently changed to a free float handguard with ease. Delta ring assembly and nut slid right over pinned brake and replaced with FF nut. Aligned and bolted two piece back on and G2G. YHM also makes a low pro version called the specter

 

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I just recently changed to a free float handguard with ease. Delta ring assembly and nut slid right over pinned brake and replaced with FF nut. Aligned and bolted two piece back on and G2G. YHM also makes a low pro version called the specter

specter

Which free float did you go with?

And it just occured to me that I vould probably just dremel down the a2 sight and use that as a gas key in a worst case scenario right?

 

I guess the only real thing thats stopping me from switching to FF using a two piece is I dont see a real lightweight option.

I used a fancy shmancy aluminum one i bought from ebay for $36. seems solid so far and lined up nicely

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281140870880?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

You must remove the gas block and tube to swap in FF barrel nut.

Can anyone comment on heat transfer with the aluminum hand rails?

I bought a MP Sport. I wanted to try my hand at grinding the FSB off an A2 and it wasnt worth cutting my DD all up. So I cut and shaped the A2 FSB on my Sport then cut the delta ring off and slipped a Troy VTAC 15" FF Alpha rail over it. Leaves about 1" of the barrel sticking out the end. I love it. It gave me another reason to buy a gun.

This thread might have some relevant info...

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/52111-free-float-rail-suggestions/page-2?hl=+free%20+float

Can anyone comment on heat transfer with the aluminum hand rails?

 

 

yes...

 

after 3 30 round rapid mag dumps my handguard would burn the shit out of you if you touched it.. it was warm through gloves.. 

it is what is prompting me to retro fit KAC rail covers to my aluminum rail.. 

 

now you may be thinking.. I am not going to shoot 90 rounds of ammo that fast ever.. and maybe you wont.. but if you ever need to.. like really have a need to.. the last thing you want to worry about is if you remembered to grab a pair of gloves first.. 

 

not being able to handle a weapon bare handed is impractical at best..