So there's two models of Tacticool22s handguard conversions, the "standard" and "a1" model. However, besides the description of the "a1" prompting for mods, is there a physical difference between the two? Or will it just ship with different instructions. I know there's no difference between the price, but I would just like to know. Thank you guys! Hopefully Tacticool22 himself can answer

I have the A1 version, not sure if the barrel nuts are exacty the same, however I wanted my handguard conversion to look like its big brother so I opted to modify my upper. Looks pretty good. I also noticed that previous owners of the conversion nut recieved black annodized barrel nuts, mine was bare metal, doesnt matter because you cant see it when its installed.

Thanks for the reply. Did it require a lot of shaving or sanding?

It actually wasnt to bad, the upper has two tabs that the factory handguard seats in, only one of them needs to be removed complety cant remember which one the top or bottom what ever one is the bigger tab of the 2, I relized that after I removed both tabs, makes no difference either way its not needed anymore if you use the coversion barrel nut, I used a sharp seratted knife to cut the tabs and it went pretty smooth not hard at all, then I sanded it down smooth. overall pretty easy, just get a sharp serrated kife.

Do you have any pictures of what it looks like?

I will take a pic with my ****** phone, might not do any good, I am buying a digi camera in a couple of days and will take a better pic at that time. but for now I will do my best.

looking at the rifle, I can see it is the bottom tab that needs to be removed the top one can be left alone or removed, I removed the top one by accident but helps to make it look cleaner I think.

Thanks, it looks good! I'll see what I can do when I get mine to rectify that whole gap all together, if it's possible.

With the "Standard" all you need to do is screw on the adapter.
With the "1A" you need to remove ALL of the bottom tab and most of the top tab. The offset in the picture is very difficult to overcome without some cost.
The picture shows the "Standard" Hand Guard Converter.
The difference is spelled out in this listing. (I think)
Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Free Float Handguard Converter (1A) [HGC-1-A] - $26.25 : Tacticool22, Tactical .22 Rifle Parts and Accessories

The adapters are identical, except for the 1A has 4 spanner wrench holes instead of 3 and the bore inside the outer threads is deeper.

Attached Images

HGC-1 Side view with delta ring Showing Offset.jpg (36.6 KB, 285 views)

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This is with Jody's original adapter.

So just to confirm, the 1A is the one you want to get if you're doing the M4 handguard conversion I think it's called right? The shorter handguard that looks like the one off an M16?

If you're doing just a free float then I should be good with the standard?

From what I gather, the original allows you to convert to a standard handguard without any permanent changes to the 15-22, so you could return it to factory default configuration if necessary. The downside is that there is a gap between the handguard and the polymer upper receiver where the factory tabs are. The 1A requires that you remove the tabs on the 15-22's upper receiver, making this a permanent modification, but removes the gap and allows for a more accurate AR-15 appearance.
Either kit allows you to use whatever length handguard you want, since you decide where the front sight post/gas block is installed.

Or I could be completely wrong.

You aren't wrong Crazy

Ok, I think I get it now. So the tabs are what is preventing the adapter nut from screwing in more flush with the receiver so the 1A over comes this but at the expense of shaving down the tabs. Got it. So if I go with the standard, i'll just have a slight gap and the tabs will be visible.

I believe so.
A significant possible advantage to the standard kit is that, since it requires no permanent modifications to the rifle, there is zero chance of S&W rejecting warranty claims if that ever becomes necessary. I do not know what their stance would be if you ever needed to send in a rifle for service and they found the front tabs and the factory hand guard had been removed.

So what do the tabs look like? That's another thing I wanted to know. Thanks for all the clarification guys!

EDIT: saw the arrows! Thanks!

There was a gun in that picture?!

It's all a downside in my eyes.

What would be the point of going away from the monolithic rail sytem that comes OEM (good on S&W also I might add) and going with a 2 piece handguard???

Makes no sense at all, to me anyway.

Explain.

That way your trainer is set up exactly like your center fire rifle.
Or you can make your rifle your own. Some people really like the look and feel of 2 piece hand guards. Some are nostalgic for the Vietnam era triangle hand guards even.

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How and why is this considered a "2 piece" handguard? I see one tubular shaped piece that is the handguard. Aside from the way it's attached to the receiver, the handguard is still 1 piece isn't it?

Which this?
The picture Brett248Vista has shows a standard M4 2 piece hand guard. It is a 2 piece because one piece is on above the barrel and the other piece is below the barrel. It needs the spring loaded delta ring and the end cap at the gas block to keep it in place.
A one piece or free floating hand guard would just screw onto the adapter nut.

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Ok, that makes sense.

Those photos are in my "Favoritethings" album

dont scratch the paint on the challenger. lol

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Don't worry Smoke.. I set it down VERY gingerly