Flatlander Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Hey guys, new to the site. In the beginning stages of dpms build, and running into some snags on handguards. Ive noticed the Troy's, the Midwest Industries, and the Samson's (and probably others) are all a "clamp" on style rather than a thread on style. Any legitimate issuses with the clamp on? Ive read some bad reviews then some with no issues. Looks like the thread on versions would alleviate any problems, but most of those are $350+! Just want to make a good decision here and not one i will regret later. Any direction would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgecrusher Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 I haven't heard of any outstanding issues when properly installed. <<<< That's the key, and I bet some of those reviews were op error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ripper51 Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Flatlander, welcome to the site. A more knowledgeable and outspoken group on the topic of AR 308's you won't find anywhere else. Handguards vs Free Float tubes is where you are at. All handguards are relatively inexpensive. Free Float tubes cure a number of issues with accuracy. I fully intend to use my LR308 Classic in competition. So I searched and found several free float tubes that also function as handguards. I currently have an LMT free float slotted tube in place while I wait to buy the Troy Industries Rifle FF tube. In my mind, clamp on or snap on doesn't solve the problem of the barrel being pulled towards the shooter when the shooter is using a sling. And while this isn't a 223 clone with a thinner barrel, there is still some twisting and bending imparted. Enough for me to group nicely at 11 o'clock from 200yds with standard handguards and to cloverleaf the x-ring at 200 with the FF tube. If you can put the money out, call Troy Industries and have them walk you thru getting the right one. Nope, I don't work for them or sell their products. Just been suitably impressed in dealings so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unforgiven Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Welcome from Indiana brother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
washguy Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Hi never had a prob with my troy's and the clamp,but the Apex is sweet ...it locks up great...put a Sampson on a friends ar15 and it was threaded no clamp on...check into the sampson 308 it should be thread on too :) Wash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
survivalshop Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) Some of the screw on or threaded on, are made for the early DPMS rail heights , like JP Enterprises , which I like, but there Modular will only fit the old rail height . I also have a Troy Battle rail & have no problems with it on my 300BLK. I also have the Fulton Armory 308 hand guard on my 20 " with the screw on or threaded hand guard tube with the cinch nut & its been on that rifle for a long time . You can get a stock type DPMS one piece tube that is the barrel nut & hand guard all in one, if you don't want a upper rail. You could fit an accessory rail on , but if you ever remove the the hand guard for what ever reason , the upper rail may not match back up with the upper receivers rail ,when even reinstalling the same barrel .Its a crap shoot . Whats good about the clamp on ones , most use the existing barrel nut , not some proprietary system . Just make sure what rail height of DPMS Upper receiver you have & see which fit . If you want rails , that is . Edited July 27, 2014 by survivalshop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay5oh Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 What free float handguards use the oem DPMS barrel nut? Apex says it does, others? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hired_gun Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 I have a Diamondhead VRS on mine, they are also the clamp on type. To date I have had no problem with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
survivalshop Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 What free float handguards use the oem DPMS barrel nut? Apex says it does, others? Not many for. the 308AR , most are using proprietary Barrel Nuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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