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  #1  
Old 05-13-2013, 01:16 AM
Blades Blades is offline
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Default Diamondhead USA Free-Float Handguard

I recently tried a new handguard that I really like it so I thought I’d pass along the word.

The first time I picked up my 15-22, I hated the way the handguard felt so I started looking for something to replace it with. In one of the handguard threads, a member was offering to sell his Diamondhead handguard. I went to the Diamondhead webpage to take a look at what he was selling and saw this free float one under it and it caught my eye: V-RS Drop-In & Free-Floating Rail Systems . The shape really intrigued me so I called Diamondhead USA and spoke to Dave. He is a really nice guy and was very helpful. After talking to Dave, I made my purchase. As soon as I hung up with him I called Jody at Tacticool to get the adapter parts coming.



When all the parts came and I unwrapped everything, the first thought I had was that it’s a shame that barrel nut is going to be hidden. The machining is seriously that slick looking. The handguard itself is very light, yet very solid feeling, and has a really nice texture to it.

Installation was easy. Here is a little tip to make it even faster. I’ve read that a lot of people have used a pocket knife to take the coating off the adapter so that the threads will fit easier. However, what I did was put a light wire brush on my bench grinder and it only took about 10-15 seconds to get all of the coating off which left the adapter slick and able to tighten all the way.



Everything is very tight and precise, there are no gaps, and the rail seats perfectly. The two hex head screws run through the handguard and fit into two grooves on the barrel nut helping lock it down. The round triangular shape is perfect as far as I’m concerned. It’s very light and sits in your hand just right. It doesn’t come with any rails, but it is pre drilled. They sell different length rails and bumpers so it can be configured anyway you want. I think it’s sleek the way it is, so I only bought one rail for the bottom. For you guys that like all the bells and whistles I would think being able to put different length rails and bumpers together in any configuration would be a major advantage.



After using it I can say this is by far the best handguard I’ve ever used. Ventilation was well thought out too. I ran it hard and heat was not a problem. I’m pretty hard on my gear so time will tell how it holds up, but I can’t see anything happening that would make me not like it. I even think it looks really good which is pretty rare for me.

On a side note, anyone who is into iron sights should check out the ones on the Diamondhead page, they are very interesting .
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Old 05-13-2013, 01:53 AM
Claymore_Dude Claymore_Dude is offline
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Looks really good! Did you shave off the tabs to make it that flush?
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Old 05-13-2013, 08:42 AM
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Exactly which model did you use (length & model #) I really like the looks of it.
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Old 05-13-2013, 09:47 AM
Blades Blades is offline
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Claymore- yes


Compshootfl- this one: Diamondhead V-RS™ T Modular Free-Floating Handguard System
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Old 05-13-2013, 10:07 AM
Claymore_Dude Claymore_Dude is offline
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Quote:
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Approximately how much of each did you shave/sand off? Thanks for the reply!
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Old 05-13-2013, 10:31 AM
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I handled one of those in my LGS. It really is an impressive piece of machining, and is a compact handgrip which I prefer. However, what made me look elsewhere (for my full bore 5.56 MSRs) is the weight. I compared the Diamondhead versus a similar length Troy and the Diamondhead was noticeably much heavier. Enough to make me say, "Whoa" when I picked up the Troy. Regardless, The Diamondhead is one of the nicest feeling (and looking) hand guards I've handled, and the S&W15-22 is so light that the additional weight would be welcomed. So much so, you now have me reconsidering it for my 15-22.
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Old 05-13-2013, 04:29 PM
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Thank You !!


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Old 05-13-2013, 07:38 PM
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Damn you Blades! I was trying to ignore the whole forearm replacement thing on my 15-22. Now you perked my interest and it will probably cost me money....

Anyway, thanks for the post. Your rifle turned out great.

I assume you had to remove the old forearm indexing flanges from the receiver?
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Old 05-13-2013, 07:45 PM
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Looks good!... A B5 Bravo stock and a BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 would finish it off nicely
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Last edited by yugowego; 05-13-2013 at 07:47 PM.
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Old 05-13-2013, 08:58 PM
Rob4607 Rob4607 is offline
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So since I'm new to all of this what parts did you get from tacticool? This:

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Free Float Handguard Converter (Standard) [HGC-1] - $26.25 : Tacticool22, Tactical .22 Rifle Parts and Accessories

Thanks.
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Old 05-13-2013, 09:09 PM
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I'd have to agree with Dirt Dart. Looks so nice I'll have to add this to the "possible upgrades" list.
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Old 05-13-2013, 09:54 PM
TheMaineEvent TheMaineEvent is offline
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I really wish I didn't click on this thread!! I wouldn't buy this for my 15-22, but it'd look real sweet on my 15T.
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Old 05-14-2013, 02:35 AM
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That is a great looking hand guard.
Thanks for the great review too.
If the barrel nut you are supplied is mil-spec it will fit my adapter with no wire brush needed. Unfortunately some nut suppliers are making them too small.
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Old 05-15-2013, 07:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob4607 View Post
No this is what I got: Free Float Hand Guard Kit (4 piece) for Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 (Modified) [Free Float Hand Guard Kit - 1A] - $84.00 : Tacticool22, Tactical .22 Rifle Parts and Accessories

The vice jaws I had were to long so I needed the shorter ones. That was also the only real problem I had, my vice is to big. I had to do a little rigging. Even if you just want the adapter don't get the one you linked to, get the 1A so it will sit flush.

For all you guys that have asked about the tabs. I ground them all the way down. I'm never going to take that fore end off so I didn't care.
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Old 09-20-2018, 01:11 AM
breekarms breekarms is offline
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Looks great ..how much does it weight?

A best free float handguard is an outstanding handguard option that will add a world of versatility and improve your tactical weapon.
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Old 09-20-2018, 07:03 AM
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I have one on my AR-9 pistol they are very well made and comfortable in the hand.
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Old 10-03-2018, 10:09 PM
Andyk Andyk is offline
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I have two of them on ARs. I love the grip on them but they are anything but light. They are one of the heavier i've felt. Be advised on a centerfire, they get hot. Primary Arms puts them on sale cheap every once in a while. Last one I bought was a 15 in under 100 bucks. They make a matching comp that looks really cool with it.
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Old 10-12-2018, 02:03 PM
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Hand guard for the 15-22 that comes with the correct barrel nut and no modification to your rifle is needed.
10" (factory length) 12.5" and 15" lengths
No GAP, Anti-rotation built in, M-LOK, Push button limited rotation QD sockets, light weight and very rigid.
We have them for your AR-15 too.
Very slight differences in vents from time to time.
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Old 10-12-2018, 03:36 PM
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Those are sweet. Make one for my Scorpion carbine.
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Old 10-24-2018, 04:50 PM
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Quote:
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Those are sweet. Make one for my Scorpion carbine.
If it's like an AR, we have those now
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