Grab it.
The handguard, not the front sight determines if it's free float or not.It looks like because the front sight is attached to the barrel I believe that means its not a "free floating barrel". How important is it to have a free floating barrel in terms of accuracy?
My experience is, if you're just going to use blaster ammo, you won't see much improvement in precision using free float handguards.
Be your own cool kid. It's fun to see what others are doing, but they're doing what works for them, or are too busy trying to be "The Cool Kid" to figure out maybe what they have isn't working well.See what all the cool kids are doing and why?
Colt 6920 with Slimline hand guard & stock. Gunfighter grip. Aimpoint Micro. Mossie Midnight light mount. Surefire light. Blue Force padded sling.
As simple as it gets and it works.
Yes. First, you'll need to register your lower as a Short Barrelled Rifle and get the tax stamp.Could I easier switch the 16 556 to upper with a 7 - 10.3" 300 BO?
You could start with an SBR and suppressor but this route requires a higher level of technical expertise to make sure it's right.Would I be better off just getting an SBR then add a suppressor...?
It's much easier to start with a 6920, then build or buy a AR pistol (or Colt 6933). That way, you'll have an AR to shoot while tinkering with your suppressed SBR.
Colt 6933