Re: Need Help find a Free Float Fore End for my AR10!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is it about the Badger Stabilizer HG that you like? I ask because there are other companies that currently make handguards with similar features, but aren't the same as the Badger for a variety of reasons.
If you really want the Badger, they do come up for sale on occasion if you keep your eyes peeled. In your other thread on your AR-10, I gave you a direct link to the AR-10/Accessories for sale forum at AR15.com...that's a good place to keep a watchful eye. Also, try placing a Want to Buy (WTB) ad here on the Hide, as well as on AR15.com in the Equipment Exchange Section. You may have to wait little while for one to come available, but they are excellent products and worth the wait in my opinion.
Also, assuming that one of the reasons you like the Badger is the flat bottom portion of the rail, you should also have a look at the new AR-10 "Delta" Handguards from PRI as seen here:
http://www.precisionreflex.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=186614&CAT=4823
These are truly excellent options, lightweight, stable/strong, and offer some modularity in terms of rail placement (or removal altogether if you want a cleaner look). I have PRI handguards on a couple different AR's and they are first-rate!
Aside from that...this is something I've posted before but it bears repeating...knowing what your specific needs are will go a long way in getting you moving in the right direction.
For example, some people seem to think that having MAXIMUM real estate available for mounting everything from NV to Bipods to lights to IR illuminators to PDA's/ballistic computers to the kitchen sink is of high priority and they opt for options like the Daniel Defense, Larue, etc. which have full-length rails at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock running the entirety of the handguard. Other people want lightweight, quick cooling, etc. and opt for carbon fiber, fiberglass, or lightweight aluminum, vented, etc. with no rails or fewer, smaller rail sections that can be added/removed/positioned as necessary. It really all comes down to what you want/need from your particular setup that dictates what the best options are for you.
Also, just as a cautionary word of advice..."AR-10" does NOT equal LR-308 for the purposes of shopping for handguards/freefloat tubes. They each require options specific to the platform so you need to be sure that you are looking ONLY at those made for the ARMALITE PLATFORM, with a RIFLE length handguard (your gas system is rifle length on the AR-10A4). Anything made for the DPMS, KAC, RRA, etc. will not work.</div></div>
ORD,
You sir is the Bomb! Always so detailed and informative! Yes, I understand the difference between LR308 vs Armalite Parts not being interchangeable. I've been looking for parts specifically for the Armalite platform, but just recently I aquired a upper for my DPMS Lower as well, a 16 inch Heavy Barrel M4 style. So, I guess eventually I'll be shopping for parts on both rifles.
The PRI stuff looks great! But man, that price range is pretty High for my current budget. I guess I'll either go a different route or save up some funds and invest it. Since this is the only major mod I will do to this rifle, maybe it's worth the investment.
I really like the Badger unit because of it's cleaness. I don't really Want/Need lots of rail space as I am not going to mounting a whole lot of crap on the gun, so I just want to keep it clean and simple but with the ability to mount rails later if I need to. Something that extend is what I am looking for. Thanks again for the kind input sir!
