In the midst of building my upper so I'm contemplating should I go free or non. I understand some of the benefits of free float...increased accuracy, barrel cooling, shoot longer with tighter groups. But what about how hot the fore end actually gets? I do 90% of my shooting standing off-hand no support (no sling). I do pause between shots, but for 5-10 seconds...not enough to let a barrel cool during cycles. I also like my rifle to be as light as possible. I do not attach any accessories to it, it stays bare. This build will not be for home defense. I have used a metal quad rail (non-floated) AR before and it is unbearable after 40-60rds slow shooting. Adding covers just makes it heavier. The rail just absorbs all the heat that I cannot comfortably grip it with a bare hand. I could glove up, but I'd rather handle the controls naked.
Some reviews I read said free float rails keep things "cool". They never specified the barrel or the actual fore end. The heat on the hand rail is kinda a big deal to me. Thoughts on this? Is there a combo that has a free float hand guard that stays cool to the touch? I think I know the answer to this question...which is no can't have the best of both worlds...but maybe I'm wrong?
Some reviews I read said free float rails keep things "cool". They never specified the barrel or the actual fore end. The heat on the hand rail is kinda a big deal to me. Thoughts on this? Is there a combo that has a free float hand guard that stays cool to the touch? I think I know the answer to this question...which is no can't have the best of both worlds...but maybe I'm wrong?
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