AR15 accuracy: Free Floated vs. Standard HG?

C

chiz45

New member
I am putting together a budget varmint AR upper. I have these components:

bbl: 20" HBAR 1x7 Colt preban barrel, with matching bolt carrier assembly
upper: RRA flattop upper
Handguards: standard Colt HGs.
Mount: Armalite 1 piece mount

Should i wait until i get a free floating tube before assembling? How much accuracy difference will there be between the standard HGs and a free float tube?

thanks!
 
Good question, and one that I'm surprised doesn't show up more. Unless you're going to use a tight sling, you're probably not going to see a tremendous difference. The free float tube is a tool that long distance shooters use since they put tremendous stress on the sling. By using a free float tube the barrel doesn't get pulled around all the time. You'll notice someimprovement with the tube if you're planning on using a bipod, as well, as the weight of the RRA upper is substantial.
 
Steve Smith tole ya right. Only military style tight sling shooters need a FFT. If you use a bipod, you should put it on the handguard not on the bbl also. HTH
 
thanks for the replies! i was getting impatient, and wanted to put this toy together already, but i guess i can wait for HGs. I do need a new trigger, as it has the stock BM. Gritty, heavy, but getting better with use. I also need some glass, but I've got a cheaper one for now. I guess the 3 pc. is next on the project list....

wish there was a cheaper way!

chiz45
 
CLE caters to the Highpower community. A direct quote from the CLE "Free Float" page, "There are many float tubes available on the market. Some cost more than the CLE unit, and some cost less. They all do the same thing, isolate the barrel from the random flexure and dampening induced by the sling and handguard system. " There is not mention on that page about vibrations. Now we all know that barrel harmonics do play a part, sometimes minor, sometimes major, on accuracy, but in the case of the AR, the float tube was designed specifically for long range, mainly Highpower, so that the sling wouldn't move your point of aim around by bending the barrel. It's become the latest craze to do it to ARs across the board, primarily because it makes the companys more money...however, in the short range game, off of a bench, I doubt you'd see much of a difference. Most of the factory ARs out there only have the tube as an option, and those that don't choose the option still report <1 MOA groups with matched ammo. There has not been significant evidence that the tube helps accuracy on the short range now without the sling in play."
 
i would have to remove my front sight base to get that tube on, wouldn't I? The idea of buying a ready-built upper did have its advantages, but I like that fact that my spare parts can be built into something completely servicable.

Thanks for all the replies gentlemen. As an experiment, i should actually try both ways, and see what kind of accuracy differential i experience.
 
If you try it both ways, I'd like to hear the results. Please make the experiment as scientific as possible (same everything except the tube). Good luck!
 
pressure, pressure! Ok, as soon as i pick a nice trigger (another post question in a few minutes), and some decent ammo, i'll give it a go!

Right now, its 107 out. I will attempt to get this testing done without roasting myself!
 
my bushmaster dissapator shot a 5 shot group of IMI greentip that i could cover w/ my thumb. that was 100 yards prone w/ iron sights.
how much accuracy are you asking for? unless you are shooting from a solid bench at 300 yards + I dont think you'll even notice. we are the weak link in this not the rifle, you know?
with that said, my colt comp. HBAR has the houge free float tube.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top