Should I retro float it?

[RX-79G]

I have a 10.5 CAR-15 type. I wanted an A1 upper, but didn't want to pay for that premium, so I just put a nice UTG fixed A3 rear sight and called it good. Otherwise, plastic slim delta handguards and CAR stock. I'm considering doing something like this with an old-school float tube:




Actually, with one of these FTF fluted units:

AR15 CAR Carbine Length 7.25" Fluted Free Float Handguard

Check out the deal on AR15 CAR Carbine Length 7.25" Fluted Free Float Handguard at FTF Industries

www.ftfindustries.com

I'm gunsmitherific, so I don't fear removing and reinstalling the sight tower, but it will be a pain. Plus the whole barrel wrench/receiver block PITA.

Pros:
Might be more accurate, might be lighter.

Cons:
Might not seem any different with iron sights, might be less comfortable to shoot, might be heavier. I will be about $70 lighter, all told.


Opinions?
And if I do it, should I spend another $50 and get a slick side A3 upper while I'm at it?

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[Stomper]

If it were me, I'd get a detachable carry handle and put that on and go USGI round hand guards.

 

[Koda]

I'm gunsmitherific, so I don't fear removing and reinstalling the sight tower, but it will be a pain. Plus the whole barrel wrench/receiver block PITA.

it would be more expensive but if your going to go that far Id get a full top rail mlok handguard.

Opinions?
And if I do it, should I spend another $50 and get a slick side A3 upper while I'm at it?

yes, but then youd have to buy a new lower and wind up with another project rifle....
This is how these things reproduce easy like that...

 

[titsonritz]

If it were me, I'd get a detachable carry handle and put that on and go USGI round hand guards.


View attachment 1426669

I look at that and I want to put this on it...









https://centurionarms.com/c4-rail-carbine-length-cutout-rail-handguard/

 

[Oro]

I just went through this with a c. 2012 S&W sport 1 upper I got from another member here.

This is what I did, above a WC lower with a 2-stage match trigger:

A) BKF 7" FF handguard

BKF AR15 7″ M-LOK Handguard

Machined from a 6061-T6 extrusion, BKF standard line of free float handguards will provide you with a lifetime of service. The 6061-T6 aluminum barrel nut does not need to be indexed for gas tube clearance. The anti-rotation tabs are designed…

bkingsfirearms.com

B) Until I can get a target 1-4 LPVO for it for competition, a good quality Carry handle like this will work (have one I bought from him already, great quality S&W OE):

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/988156937

That particular auction is for a non-f carry handle, but it can be massaged.

I have I think three a1 uppers in the shop/garage not used. They are getting more pricey and rare; finding alternates is a reasonable effort. I was about to sell off two of the three I have, but right now it's just not worth selling but rather holding. Tough market.

Crap in the garage it's just not worth selling right now:

 

[RX-79G]

it would be more expensive but if your going to go that far Id get a full top rail mlok handguard.

yes, but then youd have to buy a new lower and wind up with another project rifle....
This is how these things reproduce easy like that...

I can't buy a new lower - WA.


I know all the cool kidz have the railed forearms, but I am trying for a retro thing.

 

[VinnieBoomBah]

Or maybe do a fusion of the suggestions and go with something like this

 

[Koda]

I can't buy a new lower - WA.


I know all the cool kidz have the railed forearms, but I am trying for a retro thing.

Ive always wanted a retro Vietnam era CAR15 carbine.

But I like the round free float handguard you picked out, will look very nice.

 

[Hooyah DeepSea]

You could always go with the not quite so retro, Mk18 Mod 0. You already have most of it.

 

[monkeybutler]

That tube will look weird. A float tube is totally out of place for a compact carbine which likely has a cheap-o barrel in it and is never gonna be particulalrly accurate.

 

[Knobgoblin]

That tube will look weird. A float tube is totally out of place for a compact carbine which likely has a cheap-o barrel in it and is never gonna be particulalrly accurate.

Nah.
Atlas bipod, precision adjustable stock and some $5000 glass . Stubby sniper.

 

[Member 53328]

I look at that and I want to put this on it...


View attachment 1426696

View attachment 1426693




https://centurionarms.com/c4-rail-carbine-length-cutout-rail-handguard/

That's what I did on my last SBR but I got a DD rail and chopped it to fit….. cause I'm cheap.

 

[Camelfilter]

Or maybe do a fusion of the suggestions and go with something like this
View attachment 1426723

 

[Oro]

I can't buy a new lower - WA.


I know all the cool kidz have the railed forearms, but I am trying for a retro thing.

The most "retro" thing to do is to just use CAR handguards, tbh.

I may also have a cowbell in the garage I could chip in, if the thread thinks we still need more…

 

[monkeybutler]

Nah.
Atlas bipod, precision adjustable stock and some $5000 glass . Stubby sniper.

Right. For those hot midget shots.

 

[Knobgoblin]

If it were me, I'd get a detachable carry handle and put that on and go USGI round hand guards.


View attachment 1426669

Hold the phone.
Is that an actual NWFA marked lower??

 

[Stomper]

Hold the phone.
Is that an actual NWFA marked lower??

Yes it is! NWFA existing WAY before your knobgoblin' self started peeing on all the carpets around here!


Actually, Joe Link did a run of those lowers some years back, I happened to have won it during one of the annual fund-raiser/give-aways. One time I also one a 9mm PCC, but I donated the cost of it back NWFA instead.

 

[Knobgoblin]

Yes it is! NWFA existing WAY before your knobgoblin' self started peeing on all the carpets around here!


Actually, Joe Link did a run of those lowers some years back, I happened to have won it during one of the annual fund-raiser/give-aways. One time I also one a 9mm PCC, but I donated the cost of it back NWFA instead.

Color me jelly

 

[Stomper]

Color me jelly

Wish I could, but all the Marine vets around here keep eating all the crayons.


Damned savages!

 

[Mikej]

Hold the phone.
Is that an actual NWFA marked lower??

Yeah. @Wifey got one from a raffle too. That meant I had to build this for her.....