AR handguard/gas block question

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fireman 9731

fireman 9731

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I have a little Christmas money to spend on gun stuff. I have an S&W M&P-15 with the Magpul MOE furniture. Carbine length gas tube and handguard. Standard A2 front sight.

Is it possible (or reasonable) to install a low profile gas block and then a rifle (or mid) length free float handguard? Would it look silly having a rifle length free float handguard on a 16.5 inch barrel? How would the balance be? Or would it be best to just put the carbine length free float handguard and keep the A2 front sight?

I'm just looking for a few thoughts. I want to keep it simple, I don't want a lot of rails. I like the looks of the Houge tubes but would also like something in FDE to match the rest of the gun. I need to be able to install a backup front sight as well.
 
16" barrel, low-profile gas block, and long float tube? Sure!

attachment.php


That's a 15" long tube from Midwest Industries.
 
That rifle balances just at the front edge of the magwell.

I don't like carbine-length handguards because the shooting technique that seems to be fastest and most controlled puts the support hand either on top of or in front of the gas block -- which can be painful! I like having a long tube so I can position my hand and/or hand-stop wherever is most helpful.
 
I like the look of it and yes it would be possible.

Knock out the A2 sight, not hard at all. Best done with a small hammer and a punch. A little heat from a heat gun will help, otherwise it is pretty easy. The pins may take a bit of whacking at first but then will go pretty easy. It will be best done in a vice or the mold that the front end seats in so that it doesn't wiggle around (Can't remember the name of it).

You will probably also need a replacement for your delta ring assembly.
 
I believe 'most all free float tubes will come with a proprietary barrel nut that will eliminate the delta ring assembly completely. I know the MI ones do.
 
I believe 'most all free float tubes will come with a proprietary barrel nut that will eliminate the delta ring assembly completely.
Click to expand...
The DD Omega's are the sole exception that I know of.
 
I found the JP Enterprises tube that I like and is in FDE but it costs a little more than I was wanting to spend. I like the looks of the Houge but I wouldn't have the option of a backup front sight with it. Anybody know of any FDE tubes out there that aren't covered in rails and are reasonably priced?
 
I just discovered you can get the Houge tube in FDE with an accessory kit that would allow for attachment of a backup sight.
Thanks for all the info!
 
Knock out the A2 sight, not hard at all. ...
Click to expand...
One need not even go through that trouble and expense. Take a rotary tool (aka Dremel) and trim the FSB down, finish it off with a little high temp paint and voilà instant low-profile gas block at almost no cost.
jBkuCOLTks74b.JPG


A full- or extended-length handguard with just the tip of the muzzle sticking out? It's da beez kneez, especially now that you can get KeyMod or _____ lightweight tubes and avoid the unnecessary weight of quad Picatinny rails.

newar60.jpg
 
When I first saw rifle or longer handguards on carbines I thought it odd. Now I think it's awesome.

Believe it or not, the UTG Pro super slim free float made in USA tube is super nice for the price. It has a proprietary barrel nut that does not engage the gas tube so you can accurately torque your barrel. And they have an FDE Cerrakoted version. $120 on eBay delivered.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UTG-Pro-15-...697?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51c36aed71

Read all about the UTG handguard on the 6.8 Forums if you want more feedback.
 
I wish more companies would list the weight, I would like to keep it as light as reasonably possible. Thanks again for the suggestions.
 
The more I look at it, the UTG is looking like my best bet. I also like the idea of grinding down my A2 sight instead of installing a new one.
 
I just wanted to add that Vltor makes an extended carbine free float handguard that allows you to keep the A2 front sight. It's the CASV-EL. It certainly doesn't extend anywhere near the muzzle though, just about even with the front of the sight.
 
The UTG Freeloat SuperSlim just arrived! I went with the 13 inch model as opposed to the 15 incher. Just to save a few bucks and a few ounces. I might update once I get it installed.
 
I really want to add the BCM KMR free float. Expensive but very light and haven't been able to find much negative feedback. My plan is to just cut the FSB when the time comes like 4thpoint suggested.
 
I got a 13" troy 2 piece free float tube. It leaves the factory front sight in place. It made a big difference in accuracy when shooting from the bipod. Kind of a pita to install. Very pleased overall. No buyers remorse.
 
I bought the 13" utg rail a while back. It's been great. As far as functionality and quality, if you covered up the labels on it and the midwest ss gen2 I couldn't tell which one was cheaper. Pics were requested, so here is the diameter of the UTG compared to the stock m4 handguards, and another picture of the UTG installed on my gun (all black), and the ssgen2 installed on my brother's very similar gun (stainless barrel).

My only regret about the utg is that they didn't have the 15" when I bought my 13".

PS: after cutting my FSB, I'd be inclined to just buy a lopro block next time. it was really kind of a pain to cut and grind smooth and paint.
 

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holy moly that's tiny compared to the stock handguards.... no way that would fit over my gas block....
 
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There's at least a couple free float tubes on the market that use the existing barrel nut. The Samson Evolution tube is one. You do have to cut away the delta ring, but then it uses two adapters that fit over the barrel nut, the tube attaches to the adapters. Very nice system and lightweight too, but of course, not as cheap as other options.

You can get them at any length and some have cutouts that allow you to retain the standard front sight tower but still extend the tube further down the barrel.
 
I just sawed and grinded off the A2 sight on my m&p15 and installed a freefloat. Cheaper than buying a new gas block.
 
I plan on chopping my front sight as well. I'm still waiting for my AR wrench to arrive in the mail before I get too involved. I may start on it this weekend if I have time.

I wanted an extended hand guard so I wouldn't have to deal with a hot front sight/gas block when I grip the rifle. A hand guard that allows for keeping the front sight wouldn't provide that pleasure.

Chopping the front sight may be a little work but seems to be the best option for a well fitting and secure gas block.
 
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