Why is the free float rail the default these days?

[RMiller]

I like my Geiselle 9.5" rails on my shorty uppers.

It gives me a little more room, offers a convenient place to put my Surefire X300, I can load on a barricade and my sling, and (the last. but least) they look cool.

I also have more assurance in how long the Geiselle barrel nut is. It makes a rather stout foundation.

[MegademiC]

Free float specifically: all the benefits of a handguard and no/reduced issues of deflection.
There are no benefits to a non-free float over free float other than cost (that I can think of).

[MegademiC]

Man, I really hate this analogy as it doesn't make sense. The arrow is the ammo, so if you have crap ammo then it might not be the Indian. Same goes for the bow. If you have a sh1tty bow then again it might not be the Indian's fault. Anyway, I digress......sorry.

I agree. Skill trumps gear, but at some point gear can hold you back. People just need to be realistic about their skill level.
A good shooter with a shitty rifle will have mediocre results.

[Duffy]

We have ours made by CMT, it's not too different from what CMT makes, it's simply our interpretation of how FCD does hand guards: simple, robust, without varnish, it is one of the pieces in the complete FCD upper and full FCD AR puzzle. We moved on to other things long ago.

[sig1473]

NVM...

[grizzlyblake]

What about from a manufacturer / assembler standpoint?

Is a set screw gas block and FF rail easier to properly and consistently assemble versus a pinned FSB and delta ring?

[RHINOWSO]

Tactical Yoga

[Five_Point_Five_Six]

What about from a manufacturer / assembler standpoint?

Is a set screw gas block and FF rail easier to properly and consistently assemble versus a pinned FSB and delta ring?

On the consumer side, yes for most people. A manufacturer though should be setup to properly drill and pin FSB's, but the process to install a FF rail can be done on your kitchen table with a clamp on vice and a reaction rod.

[vicious_cb]

What about from a manufacturer / assembler standpoint?

Is a set screw gas block and FF rail easier to properly and consistently assemble versus a pinned FSB and delta ring?

Ask PSA how hard it is to properly pin a FSB.

[jackblack73]

For me, in addition to what has already been mentioned, a big reason was to have an unobstructed field of view. Red dots are very common now and it’s nice to have a clear view without a front sight post in the way. Add the reliability and long battery life of modern red dots and it’s tempting to forego the FSB.