M16a1 heatguard on a DPMS A4 upper.

Starbuck440 · Oct 19, 2014

I have tried to put an A1 heat guard on a DPMS A4 upper. I have a triangular end cap, but the A1 heat guard seems too big to fit it. I'm not interested in an A1 replica, I just like the feel of the triangle better. What parts do I need to place that heat guard on an A4 upper? Also, are there any other kinds of triangular-shaped heat guards out there for AR-15s?

Zach S · Oct 20, 2014

They are just a pain to install without the tool, or a buddy to help.

For a (somewhat) triangular, affordable ($35-$40), hand guard that's tough as nails, look into a Magpul MOE. You could probably sell the A1 HGs to offset the cost.

Magpuls ain't pretty, but they work. No burns from the gas tube on my thumb either (the biggest reason I hate A1 HGs) OE furniture on a several ARs. You could probably look at an AR in a LGS that has them. And if you like the feel, they may have some in stock.

greyling22 · Oct 20, 2014

I may be wrong here, but aren't the a1 handguards for rifle length gas system. You do have rifle right? you're not trying to jam handguards that are 2" too long on the gun?

But assuming that you have the correct gas system, they should go right on. Zach is right on about needing the tool of a spare set of hands to do it though. these guys say triangles work fine http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=234030

Starbuck440 · Oct 21, 2014

Yeah, it's a 20" A4 style upper with a triangular end cap, and an A2 barrel. It sounds like there's a trick to putting in A1 HGs. A2 HGs I just put the top and bottom halves into the end cap, then I squeeze them into the locking nut.

The same technique doesn't seem to work with the A1 L/R halves. Any tips on how to put them in?

Starbuck440 · Oct 22, 2014

Here is an update. I have a heavy barrel on my AR, that's why the A1 HG is not fitting on the front end of the barrel. The hole in it is too small a diameter to fit around it.

Starbuck440 · Oct 23, 2014

First ever AR-15 mod

DMPS lower, DMPS upper heavy barrel, OPMOD Vortex red/green dot, A1 handguard.

I had to file the handguard so it fit over the heavy barrel.

M16a1 heatguard on a DPMS A4 upper.

Starbuck440

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