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  #1  
Old 12-01-2012, 02:17 PM
frudoc frudoc is offline
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New member, new to AR15's and pretty new to guns all round. Just got my first AR15: the Sport model, and I have a question.

One thing I would like to do is install a light on the gun. I would like mount one closer to the end of the barrel but the short carbine handguard obviously will not allow that. So, is there a way to install a longer handguard with rails onto this gun? I suppose it would require removing, moving or replacing the front sight, but that's fine. Even if I can't afford to do it all now, I would like to know if it is at least possible, and how it might be achieved. If it is possible, what products might you suggest I consider?

Thanks for your time!

Last edited by frudoc; 12-01-2012 at 02:28 PM.
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Old 12-01-2012, 02:40 PM
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There are a number of options. I did the Magpul handguard with the Magpul Scout light mount. There are mounts that attach to the front sight post too. Look thru the photo section for ideas, that's what helped me. Congrats on the sport, you'll love it
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Old 12-01-2012, 02:52 PM
frudoc frudoc is offline
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Great! So, the short answer is that it is possible? As long as that is the case, I can start researching without fearing a dead end. : )

I will head over to the photo section now. Thanks!
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Old 12-01-2012, 03:09 PM
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I've learned from everyone here that the options are never ending. It's up to you and how you want to accessorize them. The knowledge and experience here is incredible. If you have a question, just ask it and you'll get tons of replies that will help.
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Old 12-01-2012, 03:29 PM
frudoc frudoc is offline
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That's great to hear. Thanks for the encouragement. I have been on a few gun forums since I started getting into this and I am sad to say that some of them are less friendly, less helpful and more fanboyish than others.

Looking forward to digging in here.
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Old 12-01-2012, 04:05 PM
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SimpleWeaponSolutions SimpleWeaponSolutions is offline
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There are tons of options and ways to customize the AR15 platform. If you stick with the stock style handguards, you can use the Mossie Tactics light mounts that I sell or upgrade to a free float handguad that will give you more mounting options. Take a look at the picture thread to get a good idea of what others are running on their rifle.

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Old 12-01-2012, 04:22 PM
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I'm certainly no expert, but I would think one would want the light mounted as forward as possible to have the best effect. That way it won't shine all over the front of the rifle.

Also realize (flame suit on) that if you use the rifle for home defence you need to know the implications of pointing a rifle at someone when you may use the light. Just food for thought.
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Old 12-01-2012, 04:28 PM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
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The more lights , the better!

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Old 12-01-2012, 04:38 PM
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The more lights , the better!

and only need 1 AAA battery right
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Old 12-01-2012, 06:00 PM
BillyJack2012 BillyJack2012 is offline
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As stated above, the modifications are endless. Mine started like this:



And now looks like this:

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Old 12-01-2012, 08:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frudoc View Post
One thing I would like to do is install a light on the gun. I would like mount one closer to the end of the barrel but the short carbine handguard obviously will not allow that. So, is there a way to install a longer handguard with rails onto this gun?
Install a free float handguard that can support the placement of the light. You can install a full length quad rail, or a set up that allows you to install rail sections only where you need them.

This will involve removal of the gas block, replacing the barrel nut with whatever comes in the kit, installation of a low profile gas block.

In the meantime, you still need a light. There are a few ways to achieve this, without breaking the bank.

Drop in quad rail handguard. This one is an Omega Tactical.



Just remove old handguard, install new one.

Install a MagPul carbine length MOE handguard. Install onto that the MagPul scout mount. Then you'll have an elevated rail section to which you can mount a light. I chose to mount an inexpensive LED pistol light.







The scout mount creates a nice thumb shelf that acts as a grip index point.

If you're going to do this, I highly recommend purchasing an inexpensive AR handguard removal tool. While you can compress the delta ring by hand, it is a tough and awkward job to do by yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcT44a04yqg

The tool makes the job quick and easy. Mine cost about $10.
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Old 12-01-2012, 09:08 PM
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JaPes,
That's exactly how I want mine to look. I cant wait for x-mas
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Old 12-01-2012, 09:17 PM
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JaPes,
That's exactly how I want mine to look. I cant wait for x-mas
Cool man. I'd qualify that statement with the addition of "for now".

My rifles appearances have changed since those pictures.
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Old 12-02-2012, 11:27 PM
frudoc frudoc is offline
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Great stuff all. Thanks! I have plenty to think about and research. Fun!

As far as pointing a weapon-mounted light at someone, I completely understand the concern and it is wise to point it out. I am aware of the implications. As for myself, I have a rather thorough lighting situation set up at our home, and so it would be unlikely a flashlight would be required. For the rare times that it might be, however, I have non-weapon mounted lights as well and am comfortable with the risk of a weapon-mounted light as a third option.

Thanks everyone. This forum is much better than one or two other popular gun forums I have been in . : )
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Old 12-02-2012, 11:28 PM
frudoc frudoc is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyJack2012 View Post
As stated above, the modifications are endless. Mine started like this:



And now looks like this:

I really like that! That is exactly the kind of handguard I am talking about.
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Old 12-02-2012, 11:31 PM
frudoc frudoc is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JaPes View Post
Install a free float handguard that can support the placement of the light. You can install a full length quad rail, or a set up that allows you to install rail sections only where you need them.

This will involve removal of the gas block, replacing the barrel nut with whatever comes in the kit, installation of a low profile gas block.

In the meantime, you still need a light. There are a few ways to achieve this, without breaking the bank.

Drop in quad rail handguard. This one is an Omega Tactical.



Just remove old handguard, install new one.

Install a MagPul carbine length MOE handguard. Install onto that the MagPul scout mount. Then you'll have an elevated rail section to which you can mount a light. I chose to mount an inexpensive LED pistol light.







The scout mount creates a nice thumb shelf that acts as a grip index point.

If you're going to do this, I highly recommend purchasing an inexpensive AR handguard removal tool. While you can compress the delta ring by hand, it is a tough and awkward job to do by yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcT44a04yqg

The tool makes the job quick and easy. Mine cost about $10.
Excellent! Thanks for this. It gives me more to research and read tonight. : )
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