freefloated accuracy theoretical?

[carterjamison1]

Hello,
So I definitely understand the theoretical advantage of accuracy of a freefloated barrel on an AR and when shooting 7.62/.308 and further distances that "theoretical" becomes much more realistic. However, do you believe that a drop in rail (rather than FF) would actually affect the accuracy of a AR ( 5.56, so at most your shooting 450-550, maaybbe even 600 yards)?
I wanna hear your thoughts! lol
Thank you in advance
-Carter

 

[McCrazy]

While I can not say that going from a free-float handguard to a design that interferes with barrel harmonics will result in X amount of degraded accuracy, I would say that in the vast majority of circumstances it would result in quantifiable reduction of accuracy.

There are a lot of variables to consider such as which handguards you are swapping to and from, the rifle, the ammunition, the barrel contour, etc.

 

[carterjamison1]

McCrazy, true facts and well phrased answer. Thanks for replying!
-C

 

[Redmanss]

What exactly are you asking here? Is the increased charge associated with a FF forearm worth it? It all depends on how accurate you want to be. If you're shooting standard ball ammo from a chrome lined barrel with a stock trigger; nope, sure isn't. If you've invested in a quality trigger, are loading SMKs or AMAX projectiles and have a quality stainless steel barrel, then why the hell wouldn't you go with a FF forearm?

I'll add I shoot 5.56 out to 800yds with my MK12. Proper tools for the job.

 

[carterjamison1]

Redmanss, that was just the kind of answer I was looking for. Once I finish putting together this AR it'll essentially be an 18in chrome lined barrel with a gieselle 2 stage trigger (nothing too fancy, just a somewhat decent setup) but I'm sure I'll eventually go FF. Just trying to decide if I should right away but thanks alot for the input. Also, thats impressive man. I'll shoot 800 all day but with my Savage, thats pretty awesome your shooting that with a mk12!
Anway, thanks again guys! I really appreciate the feedback.

-C

 

[Redmanss]

The endeavor for accuracy is always incremental and both in training and equipment. Some chromed lined barrels with the right loads shoot impressively well. With the forearm you will see increased shifts when loading a bipod or slinging it up tight to the point you are placing lateral pressure onto your barrel as well as the forearm. That is the biggest reason to run a free floated barrel on an AR.

Running 77gr SMK to 800yds is all about wind call training. It's similar to pushing a .308 at 1k; a challenge but far from impossible while being cheaper and less stressing on the body.

 

[VJJPunisher]

What's hysterical is the ff tubes on 71/2 , 10 1/4, 11 1/2, barreled ar's

 

[dddoo7]

What's hysterical is the ff tubes on 71/2 , 10 1/4, 11 1/2, barreled ar's

At that point it is not about accuracy. I have a 7 1/2" ar with a 12" ff tube. Purpose is to cover most of the suppressor as well. makes for a good looking package that is easy to handle.

 

[E. Bryant]

An interesting statement from one of the experts on M4Carbine.net:

M4Carbine.net Forums - View Single Post - trigger upgrade or free float?

I can vary POI by 5 MOA with sling or barricade pressure.
Lots of gnashing of teeth at the 500 yard line by folks using a sling-stabilized position with ACOGs with non-FF handguards due to alterations in sling tension. Problem is less pronounced with iron sights if the front sight is mounted to the barrel.

Approximately 200,000 data points of comparison to reach the correlation.

Make of this what you will.

 

[Redmanss]

^^^ Nice find. I didn't think it would be all the way to 5 moa, but virtually all of my non-FF sling shooting time is from running KD ranges at Parris Island with iron sighted M16A2s. Aside from my issued M4 at work and my rimfire upper at home, I don't have a single rifle that isn't free floated.

 

[Tactical]

Simple term AR/M16 before free float equals 300-400 yard weapon
With free float it has won 1000 yard matches.

Seriously what I have noticed even with same heavy bullets the free float does far better