I'd really like to get a VFG for my M&P 15OR, but it doesn't appear that the existing hand guard on the gun has the necessary rail system which allows you to do this. Is that accurate?

What sort of a rail should I get? Should I go with a free floating barrel and rail system?

Signed,

Confused AR-15 Noob

IF you actually mean switching bbl.s and mounting a FF rail, you have the option of any type rail setup you desire but it would be pretty expensive and I would recommend just getting another upper equipped as you like for a little more. That way you have very basic and light with one and your tactical type stuff on the other. Could even make it a mid length gas system or longer bbl. etc.

IF you mean adding a quadrail, you can go with FF rails that don't require removing the bbl. from Troy (MRF-C), Daniels Defense Omega and others. They are two piece and attach to existing hardware on the rifle. The Troy requires cutting off the Delta ring with a dremmel or hacksaw but it is soft alum. and easily done. The result is a very strong, FF quadrail of very high quality.

I've used both the Troy Drop in Battle Rail and Daniel Defense Omega 7 quad rails on my M&P 15OR.

Here is the install write-up for the Daniel Defense Omega 7 rail which is free floated. The Troy rail is even easier to install.

I am currently running the DD Omega 7.

Here is another write-up regarding my M&P 15OR. It has some info regarding the Troy rail.

__________________
Stu

John,

You have several options...

You can add a bolt on rail to the bottom of your existing handguards. While it may not be sexy, it will work.

You can replace your existing handguards with a "drop-in" set that has or allows rails to be added. This is what I did with a set of Magpul MOE handguards for under $40.00, but you can go as high as $150.00 or more to add a drop-in Troy set of quad rails.

Or you can replace the handguard you have with a "Free Floating" style for between $200.00-$300.00.

As I said, I went with the Magpul MOE on my MP-15-OR - here is what it looks like (with other changes too)...



Take care,
Bob S.

"Or you can replace the handguard you have with a "Free Floating" style for between $200.00-$300.00."

Actually the Free Float Troy MRF-C os available for well under that price range and is first rate, solid and secure. My experience with the Magpul MOE was that it was loose and unstable, not strong enough for a forward grip. YMMV but many have reported problems with fit and durability of the MOE. It is fine for bench use or as a hand hold for target use but relatively fragile compared to aluminum FF models.

Excellent Troy FF battlerail for $159.99
Troy BattleRail MRF-C 7"

This is great information! Thanks guys!

I was under the impression that the FF barrel option would require a gun smith as cutting was involved,which made it less palatable. It sounds like the DD Omega 7.0 rail would work well. It's a little pricey I suppose at about $230-$250.00 but looks like I could install it myself.

This option is considerably cheaper than the DD Omega 7.0. The description on the link suggests it's "user installable." Does that mean that, like the DD Omega 7.0, this rail requires no cutting?

No BUT , as Geico says, it is so easy a Cave Man can do it.

All you do is remove the stock handguards.

Then, you wrap towels around the upper and the exposed portion of the bbl., leaving only the D ring exposed. (this is a safety precaution and not even necessary IF you are steady handed).

Take a dremmel or small hacksaw and cut through the D ring in two places to remove it (it is very soft aluminum and cuts very easily).

Remove the springs that keep tension on the D ring with needle nose pliers (they just pull off).

You are ready to install the Troy MRF-C by just using the screws supplied to the bbl. nut.

It is supremely easy and hard to mess up. Don't fear it if I can do it, LOL, almost anyone can.

Here is a link to install a Midwest Industries rail but the D ring removal is the same for the Troy which I consider a better rail.

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum...ctorial-review

deleted response.

I bought rail segment from CTD. It was $9 for two. You take off the bottom of the handrail, pop off the aluminum heat shield, bolt the rail to the handguard, and snap the hand guard back in. That's it. I mounted a trip pod on it, it's awesome and cheap.

PM me if you heed part numbers and more detailed instructions.

If you have factory M4 carbine handguards, you can replace them with Magpul MOE handguards for under $30 and then add the Magpul MFG for under $20. These mods are top notch and the best quality--best for the $$, brand, and function. A free floated tube, rail, etc. is nice to have, but not all that necessary for a carbine--this coming from a guy who has a rail on every rifle he owns, so my opinion is probably not worth much. The MOE handguards have slots in them that offer the opportunity to install accessories, like the MVG (vertical grip), sling attachment points for the Magpul MS2 sling, and even rail sections so you can apply other things.


Go to Bravo Company USA and do a search on Magpul in the product search.

MVG - Magpul MVG – MOE Vertical Grip - BLACK
MOE Handguards - Magpul MOE Enhanced Handguard
RSA - Magpul RSA - Rail Sling Attachment - BLACK
L5 Rail Section - Magpul MOE Polymer L5 Rail Section with 11 Slots

Going with a rail system really makes you go all in all the way. the gas block on the M&P15 should be replaced because it is an ugly block of metal. If you replace it, get a low-profile gas block, like a Daniel Defense block and get a Lite Rail from them, or get a LaRue Tactical rail, a Spike's Tactical rail, or a Midwest Industries rail; and if you get a rail, get one longer than carbine length, hence the low-pro gas block so the rail will fit over and hide it. A longer rail will give you more real estate for your hand to grip further up the barrel for more control.