Hello everyone, long time reader, first time poster :).
My question is in regard to drop-in free-float handguard systems, the two examples I am thinking of in particular are the VLTOR CAS-EV, and the Troy Delta rail. These are both marketed as free-float handguard, but both also leave the handguard cap in place. Is this just a matter of convenience for installation? If the barrel is truly free-floating, can the handguard cap be removed with these particular forends installed? If the handguard cap is engaged, it couldn’t be considered free-floating, could it? I hope this question makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to look.
I have a drop in troy Charlie free float rail on my colt 6920. I left the handguard cap in and there’s absolutely no contact. I believe the delta is the same 2 piece design like the Charlie rail.
I love it, it’s a little on the heavy side, but that just tells me that i should probably hit the gym.
The main reason for me getting the Charlie was that I feel more comfortable with my support hand under the front sight. I kept on burning my fingers with the hot fsb when I would go to the range. Also, I didn’t have to modify the rifle at all to get it on there. If I ever feel the need to put the factory hand guards back, it’ll take maybe 5 minutes to swap it out.
It sounds like your situation and mine are incredibly similar. I currently have a standard carbine length quad rail, but would like to be able to stretch out my support arm more than that 7" allows. And, since that would mean changing out the handgaurd anyway, I would like the barrel free floated as well (while .maintaining my fsb). The Troy setup looks like a pretty good solution.
If I understand your question right I think you should look at other free-float systems that do not use the standard barrel nut. They have a proprietary nut, but it does essentially the exact same thing that the stock barrel nut does for the Troy, for example. It locks the barrel into place and provides a mounting point for the rail. In other words, even if you get another rail with a different barrel nut, it is still doing the exact same thing as the stock nut and a Troy handguard. It is just as much a free-float as any other make or model.
Thanks Nate. I’m relatively familiar with the options available for free float rails. I’m really more curious about extended length carbine models that utilize the delta ring specifically, and whether or not they are engaging the handguard cap.
Can they be mounted in a solid reliable fashion using just the delta ring? I’m definitely interested in hearing everyone’s experience/ opinion.
So, I’m really not trying to be dense, but just to be 100% clear, for the Troy Delta and Charlie type rails, they mount using only one point of contact: the barrel nut. Correct?
The Midwest Industries extended carbine rail is a great free float option for carbine with fsp. I have one an it locks up tight. It retains your FSP and cap, and only requires removal of delta ring/spring pak. It uses your factory barrel nut, and is free float. If searching around, rail can be had for $170-180 new. P/n # MCTAR-20XG2
