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Old February 1, 2013, 10:42 PM   #1
Chowder
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Carbon fiber tubes.

I am getting together the final pieces to my AR build and was wondering about carbon fiber free float tubes. Are they strong enough to be used on a hunting rifle? I am tempted by the weight savings and the look. This is the tube I am thinking of getting.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...1=Free%20Float

Thanks for the advice.
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:13 PM   #2
MarkCO
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We came out with the first non-glue on Carbon Fiber tubes several years ago and several people have come out with similar designs since, but with a lot less R&D. The weight savings by cutting slots in the tube is minimal at best since the stuff is so light. However, the slots also are not sealed and thus are prone to fracture and moisture absorption. Carbon fiber has it strength in being monolithic, not slotted, which is why we do not even offer slotted tubes. No way I would use a slotted CF tube on a hunting rig.
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:27 PM   #3
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Thanks for the info MarkCO. I have worked with carbon fiber in the automotive world but am a bit worried about it as a hand guard. I also Just noticed that the JP mid length modular free float tube is only 3 oz heavier.
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:27 PM   #4
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I've got a Clark on mine, along with a Cav Mk2 lower, Weaver 1-3x20 scope, and and KT-68 ultralight barrel. I've got no complaints and It's right at 6 lbs:

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Old February 1, 2013, 11:29 PM   #5
Chowder
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I just noticed the link in your sig. I was looking at your hand guards also and like the non slotted look. But 15 inches is too long for my application, any plans on a mid length version anytime soon?
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:31 PM   #6
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I was typing a response as you posted Bedlamit haha. That's a nice looking hand guard also. That's an interesting reciever/stock set up you have, I have never seen one like it.

EDIT: wow the clark is 5 ounces! I am still torn between carbon and the JP.
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:32 PM   #7
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We do custom cuts. I have a few Carbine, and Rifle length at the shop currently. I have a few that are sanded and prepped for paint as well if you want a non-shiny surface. That is what I run on my .450BM which is a hunting rig.

Realize that the Clark is the tube weight only, the JP and ours are listed as the handguard, which is the barrel nut and tube. The Clark is a perment glued onto the barrel nut.

If you are concerned about the CF, look at the lightweight Troys.
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:34 PM   #8
bedlamite
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GWACS bought the tooling from Cavalry Arms and is now making the Mk2 lower.

http://www.gwacsarmory.com/cav-15-mkii.html


Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkCO
Realize that the Clark is the tube weight only, the JP and ours are listed as the handguard, which is the barrel nut and tube.
No, the listed weight includes the barrel nut. from their site:

Quote:
Standard length weighs only 6 ounces including the barrel nut!
Yes, it does require glue, I used epoxy and it's solid even with a tight sling.
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Last edited by bedlamite; February 1, 2013 at 11:40 PM.
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Old February 1, 2013, 11:50 PM   #9
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Just sent you PM MarkCO. By the way, the white tube on your website looks SLICK... don't know how it would look on my build though haha.
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