Not free all the time, but IK Multimedia usually gives away their Black 76 comp for free about once a year. It's probably the best 1176 plug-in there is, aside from the UAD ones. Keep your eyes peeled for the next time they are giving it away, trust me!
Otherwise, I would probably say that Analog Obsession's FETISH is one of the best free ones out there.
HoRNet also made a pretty nice 1176 inspired plug-in that was free through Computer Music magazine (the same comp as the FET mode in MultiComp MK1 and MK2). It seems that you can download it if you buy a copy of their magazines. You also get access to like a hundred other plug-ins if you do