Just run it the way it's set up now--you won't gain anything appreciable over it.
Not true. What you gain with a free float handguard is consistent POI regardless of sling or rest pressure/tension on the forend. People use them for good reason, and it's not just for looks.
Leaning that way. Just a short, stout, narrow, aluminum, freefloat, retaining the A2. Or, who knows.
Appreciate all the help and suggestions, learned a few things too boot! I know it's old hat to ya'll, that's why I asked.