[jashoffa]

Okay I am pretty much decided on what I am going to get for an AR. It can be seen at this link.

I plan to order the rifle with a 4 rail handguard installed. I could get it now and add the 4 rail handguard later but then my options are limited as to what handguard I can get. I will explain a little more below.

RRA offers two 4 Rail handguards that are free float tubes. A free float tube helps make a more accurate rifle. Since they are Free Float tubes I would either have to order them on the gun or I would have to get the part and have it installed by a gun smith. I have heard one can install them as a do-it-yourself project but it is not easy and I am all about easy. Both of the Free Float tubes are made of aluminum. The first one is the standard one and the other is a lightweight version of the first one. Check out the links here: Quad Rail Aluminum Free Float and Quad Rail Lightweight Free Float. I like the looks of the Quad Rail Aluminum Free Float tube but wonder if I would be adding too much weight and if the Lightweight one would be better, I am not sure about the lightweight looks but I don't hate it. Both would be about an extra $100 to the price of my AR. Not too bad considering how much the tactical rails run in price.

Another option is to get the rifle stock (with the Ambi Safety added) and add the SureFire Tactical Rail Handguard or something like it later. This is not a Free Float tube and so will do nothing to improve accuracy but it is a simple drop in swap of parts. While this is an option I kind of feel like it would be dumb to get something that will cost more and not improve accuracy when I can get one of the other 2 installed from the factory for less and improve accuracy.

Look the links over and see what you guys think. Give me your opinions. Let me know what pros and cons you guys see and I will take your opinions under advisement.

[Rex Kramer]

The 16" barrel does not respond to a free float rail as well as longer barrels, so save some money and get the lightest non free float rail you can find.

HTH ~

[at4rxj]

I think on a 16" barrel you need all the help accuracy-wise you can get. It's not that much more, and surely doesn't hurt anything.

It's really not hard to install that later on. I'd actually recommend spending a little more and getting a Midwest Industries 2 piece free float handguard. I ALMOST got the YHM ones, and decided to spend a little more on these.

Since they're 2 piece, they install just like regular handguards, and don't require you to take the entire upper apart. You just pop yours off, cut off the delta ring, and put these on. (You can take the gas block off to get the delta ring off, but that's your call).

This is a much better setup in my opinion. The YHM leaves a small gap between the upper and the tube... this one does not. It looks MUCH better if you pay attention to that stuff.

Given your choices, though, I'd say the lightweight if you insist on getting in installed from them.

[jashoffa]

at4rxj, That isn't a bad idea either. I will consider that as well. I looked it up on their website and I like the way that one looks a little better than the YHM ones. It would save me a little money when I order the gun and I could stash some money to get that forearm later. I am going to give that careful consideration! How much does the midwest industries one weigh? I am worried that as I add accessories I will end up with a very front heavy gun.

[at4rxj]

11 ounces per their website...

Midwest Industries: Carbine Length FF

Assuming you want the carbine length... I don't think the handguard will make all that big of a difference in the weight. A few ounces here or there... It all comes down to what you put ON the handguard.

I just saw you're getting the ambi safety... are you a lefty? If so, did you know Stag makes an left handed upper? If not, why the ambi safety?

[jashoffa]

I am rigt handed, I shoot long guns left handed because I am cross eye domant. I know about stag's left handed AR's. I am used to shooting right handed guns, shotguns, .22 rifles, and bolts. I want other people to be able to shoot the gun without any problems so I will just get a right-handed gun and I don't see me having any problems with it. The army doesn't even give leftys the ambi safty so I am sure I will be just fine.

[jashoffa]

Well I told my guy to order my rifle. I am going to go with the Elite CAR A4 with the stock handguard and add the Midwest Industries Free Float handguard later!

Thanks at4rxj for your suggestion. After looking at that handguard and getting some input from the guys on AR15.com I decided that this was just as good a way to go as any. What I liked it I could order the rifle now saving the cost of adding a handguard now and the extra money is worth the improved looks.

Thanks again for all your help!

[at4rxj]

no prob, just be sure to post pics