Are free float handguards strong enough to handle very snug sling use without damage?
I've been looking at these from Rock River but the question would apply to most of them on the market
(http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/rraTROvv.gif)
Yes, I haven't had any issues with mine.
I use a VTAC (11") on a .22 upper that I built. No problems whatsoever.
AJ
They should be. I can't speak for those specifically, but all of my ARs use free float tubes, and the sling has not been a problem.
If you use a sling with a non-free float hand guard, expect your zero to vary up to 8-12 MOA when using support (e.g. a bipod/bag) instead of the sling. I'd recommend a float tube for any AR setup anyway, but doubly so if you plan to use the sling properly.
Quote from: Two Mikes on September 08, 2015, 09:19:36 AM
Are free float handguards strong enough to handle very snug sling use without damage?
I've been looking at these from Rock River but the question would apply to most of them on the market
(http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/rraTROvv.gif)
Never had a problem with mine. I've used both RRA and Midwest Industries FF tubes.
A word of caution, if you mount your front sight to the tube, expect your POI to shift if you change the tension on your sling...
Quote from: peterlandsiedel on September 08, 2015, 09:35:00 PM
Never had a problem with mine. I've used both RRA and Midwest Industries FF tubes.
A word of caution, if you mount your front sight to the tube, expect your POI to shift if you change the tension on your sling...
Huh, I never thought of that; I replaced the USGI handguard on mine with a Troy Alpha rail, with built-in flip sight. The handguard itself is solid, and I at least don't see it deflect with a tight sling (unlike the gas block-mounted sling). Maybe I should try shooting from a rest and see if my groups improve.
This is great information. Thank you. Now, I know what I need to do. A new gun and shoot KD.
One thing you might think about is that while pressure applied on the handguard by the sling will not affect the barrel, it will move the handguard slightly. If your front sight is mounted on the handguard, POA will differ from POI (because your sight picture will move) with sling tension. With the age of my eyeballs, I use a scope that is mounted on the portion of the rail in the receiver itself, so tension, even though the handguard will move in response to tension applied by the sling, POI won't be affected.
aj