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Slings and Free Float Handguards?

Started by Two Mikes, September 08, 2015, 09:19:36 AM

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Two Mikes

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

Proud Member of GeorgiaCarry.Org

If you remove from people all ability to protect themselves, they will insist upon a police state, for their own safety.

Roswell

#1
September 08, 2015, 10:17:48 AM
Yes, I haven't had any issues with mine.
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again."
– Thomas Paine
Common Sense; 1776

airplanejoe

#2
September 08, 2015, 10:32:46 AM
I use a VTAC (11") on a .22 upper that I built. No problems whatsoever.
AJ

lupis42

#3
September 08, 2015, 01:53:37 PM
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


You can never be too rich, too good looking, or too well armed.

peterlandsiedel

#4
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...

maxwell

#5
September 08, 2015, 09:48:56 PM
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.

Two Mikes

#6
September 09, 2015, 07:56:14 AM
This is great information.  Thank you.   Now, I know what I need to do.    A new gun and shoot KD.
Proud Member of GeorgiaCarry.Org

If you remove from people all ability to protect themselves, they will insist upon a police state, for their own safety.

airplanejoe

#7
September 09, 2015, 09:47:13 PM
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
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