Hello all,

Though I'm no stranger to Smith & Wesson, this is my first post as a member of the forum!

I'm having a bit of trouble figuring how to go about working around a few things on my M&P 15 OR.

I was wanting to get a handguard that extended past the carbine length gas system on the rifle because I like the look and I could also get a bit longer sight radius for my BUIS. I was thinking a 2 piece drop in, since I'm not so concerned with floating the barrel (even though I realize most of these handguards are designed by nature to float it) and I'd rather not have to change the delta ring out for a new barrel nut, even though I have the means to should it come to that.

My problems arise in changing out the massive gas block in favor of a low pro block. I live in the DPRNJ, and so, I have a pinned brake on my barrel. I entertained the idea of cutting it off and installing a yhm specter and rail for a bit. Also, troy and mi make rails with cutouts for a fsb, but I don't think they'll fit around the gas block.

I was wondering if there's any other way aside from buying a completely new barrel or upper.

Thanks!

I have not tried this so not sure if it would fit...

AR-15 Extended M4 Carbine Quad Rail Black Leapers UTG PRO Forearm Replaces Original Handguards 10.7" MTU015

I wonder if that would clear the gas block on the 15OR?

Yeah, I've seen this one too.. they don't list the inside diameter, though, so I don't know if it'll fit the bottom.. I saw a video on youtube of a kid who hacksawed (no bull, he said so on the video) almost a quarter inch off the bottom of the gas block to fit a Troy CX Delta with a cutout up top for an FSP. I would really have no qualms about doing that, since it'll be under the hand guard, but the top is what is killing my dreams.

The problem with the blocks on the OR is that they're railed, and they're flushed with the rails on the upper, which means that I'll have to hack the top off as well (I'm not really in love with the look of a cutout and would prefer one without), since hand guards top rails are in the same position.. which I'm beginning to realize I have no qualms about either, since I DIY'd an FSP on another build.. I'd just have to figure out how much I can shave off the top...

Or you could "bite the bullet" and have a gunsmith remove the birdcage and install a lopro gas block. You can then pick whatever handguard you want. I did the same that you want to do BUT my birdcage was not pinned. You may also consider getting a "better" muzzle device while your at it. I've been told ADCO does good work. https://www.adcofirearms.com/

My son shooting my M&P 15 OR.


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Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

It looks like a lot of work, but you will be happier in the end to remove the barrel and install a free float tube. You will have to remove the brake and the gas block, but you want a new gas block anyway. I haven't seen a dropin that extends past the gasblock.

When you are done, just get a new muzzle device, drill and pin it. Then hit the pin with a welder. The first one I welded, I used 3 car batteries and welded DC with a positive ground. It was prettier than the next ones I did using a welder.

Not sure what your comfort-level with grinding tools is, but...

I recently took on a project similar to this, only I already knew the handguard being used was a Troy, which utilizes the factory barrel nut. After a lot of research, I decided to cut down and re-shape the factory FSB, rather than remove it for a low-profile gas block. The existing FSB was proven to work perfectly and already pinned to the barrel. I also didn't have to remove the muzzle device. The end result was phenomial, and the same gun with a 13" VTAC rail is totally different.

Technically, you'd have less work to do, since you only have a railed gas block and not a full FSB like I did.

I was hoping someone would chime in that's done it before.. I'm pretty comfortable with grinders/cutting wheels, I've used them to "adjust" multiple things to suit my needs in the past.

My gas block is also pinned, and I was thinking the same as you.. Less work, and less money.

Thanks!

I was thinking that since the rail on the 15OR gas block is the same height as the receiver that it would fit in the cut out portion on top and be flush with the rail on the hand guard. You probably would have to shape the bottom though...

The Troy Delta BattleRail with work with the stock OR gas block, with only minor trimming on the bottom of the block. The top of the rail and the OR block should line up as well

Read this... (not an OR but you will get the idea...)

M&P15 picture thread

Then this one, and the next few posts... Unfortunately Kevinc32's pic links are deal, and they are the ones that actually show the Delta on an OR. You could PM him and see if he still has them somewhere...

M&P15 picture thread

I almost bought one, but decided to go ahead and remove the OR gas block and installed a low pro one, which gives you the most flexibility.

Actually, here's a youtube with exactly the config mentioned above...