Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Rifles and Shotguns > Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles Dedicated to the Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Rifles


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-26-2018, 12:49 AM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default Need recs for new handguard

Hello All,

I am complementing a change with my Sport II. It currently has a VISM hand guard, drop in, extended so the sight post is visible.

I want a lighter, free float handguard to replace it.

What freefloat handguard with KeyMod slots will work with the stock barrel nut? I want it to be as light as possible and have KeyMod slots. Price is not an object. It needs to be between 13-1/2" and 14" long and needs to use the stock barrel nut.

My plan is to grind down the FSB and slide another handguard over it. Must be free float and weight is very important.

Recommendations are very welcome.

Rick
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-26-2018, 08:05 AM
bamashooter bamashooter is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 724
Likes: 476
Liked 387 Times in 261 Posts
Default

Check out Sampson Evolution, Fortis Rev II Keymod, others. I'd likely go with the Fortis 14".
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 03-26-2018, 10:30 AM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

That looks great! Do you have any suggestion for a rail with Keymod slots at 2 and 10 o'clock also? If I can't find a rail with more slots, I'll probably go with the Fortis. Thanks for your input!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 03-26-2018, 08:11 PM
bamashooter bamashooter is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 724
Likes: 476
Liked 387 Times in 261 Posts
Default

No. Is there a specific reason why you want Keymod?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-27-2018, 12:43 AM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

Yep, I truly believe it is superior to mlok. I have had both and the m-lok system is way too complicated, and doesn't secure as solid if you use real keymod accessories with the locating rings.

I ordered the Fortis rail today from Tombstone Tactical, the best price I could find was $207
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 03-27-2018, 07:56 AM
bamashooter bamashooter is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 724
Likes: 476
Liked 387 Times in 261 Posts
Default

Good deal. Decent price and I believe you'll really like the Fortis.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-27-2018, 09:50 AM
Kadonny's Avatar
Kadonny Kadonny is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 809
Liked 689 Times in 417 Posts
Default

Check out Troy rails also, they have to make a keymod 13" free float. Troy is a quality rail.
__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-27-2018, 05:56 PM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

The Troy requires their own barrel nut. I want to keep the stock barrel nut and cut off the Delta Ring and chop down the front sight. I'm going to try to do this without removing the front sight from the barrel.

Thanks all for the input.

Rick
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-28-2018, 05:01 PM
80sgyrene 80sgyrene is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 447
Likes: 15
Liked 660 Times in 188 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ricrock View Post
The Troy requires their own barrel nut. I want to keep the stock barrel nut and cut off the Delta Ring and chop down the front sight. I'm going to try to do this without removing the front sight from the barrel.

Thanks all for the input.

Rick
I have an older Troy 11" free float modular rail. It uses the existing nut. If you can get past the fact it's not keymod, and might be interested in it let me know. Email would be best, and I can send some pics.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-28-2018, 05:55 PM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

Sorry, Keymod is a must. I had ordered the Fortis from Tombstone Tactical for $207. Then got an email from Rainier Arms. They have the exact same 14" Keymod Fortis for $160.

I cancelled the $207 one and ordered the one from Rainier.

It's hard to argue with $47 savings.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 03-28-2018, 06:00 PM
hugger-4641 hugger-4641 is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 139
Likes: 35
Liked 105 Times in 61 Posts
Default

I bought mine from checkmate tactical on e-bay. $79 for 15" aluminum, key mod, free-float.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-28-2018, 07:12 PM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

The one from checkmate tactical is NOT a Fortis. It appears to be a no-name cheap handguard. It also has it's own barrel nut.

15" Slim Keymod Handguard Free Float Clamp-On Lightweight 6061 T6 MADE IN USA!!! | eBay
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-28-2018, 08:21 PM
80sgyrene 80sgyrene is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 447
Likes: 15
Liked 660 Times in 188 Posts
Default

Glad you found one that works.

Semper fi.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-28-2018, 08:59 PM
bamashooter bamashooter is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 724
Likes: 476
Liked 387 Times in 261 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ricrock View Post
Sorry, Keymod is a must. I had ordered the Fortis from Tombstone Tactical for $207. Then got an email from Rainier Arms. They have the exact same 14" Keymod Fortis for $160.

I cancelled the $207 one and ordered the one from Rainier.

It's hard to argue with $47 savings.
Goodness. Way to go.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-03-2018, 12:36 AM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default REVISED POST

Well, I bought the Fortis Handguard and installed it after grinding down the FSB to make it a low profile gas block. Kinda difficult, but it worked OK. Cut off the Delta Ring and the spring and the snap ring with a dremel. Polished up everything and painted it with Krylon semi-gloss engine paint.

Then installed the handguard and re-installed my other goodies, light, laser sight, hand stops, etc.

The weight of the M&P 15 Sport II with a drop in VISM handguard with the FSB cut-out dropped from 8lbs. 1/4 oz to 7lbs 5 oz with the new Fortis handguard.

I also used the Fortis T-2 mount for my Primary Arms ADM red dot. It matches the handguard really well.

100_0469.jpg

100_0470.jpg

100_0471.jpg

100_0472.jpg

100_0473.jpg
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 04-03-2018, 12:39 AM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

Here's more pics

100_0474.jpg

100_0475.jpg

100_0476.jpg

100_0477.jpg

100_0478.jpg
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 04-03-2018, 12:42 AM
Ricrock Ricrock is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 245
Likes: 110
Liked 126 Times in 85 Posts
Default

The last of the pics of my new M&P 15 Sport II. The only Smith & Wesson parts left are the stripped lower receiver, the upper receiver with BCG, the Receiver Extension and the Barrel with flash hider.

100_0479.jpg

100_0480.jpg
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 04-03-2018, 08:03 AM
bamashooter bamashooter is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 724
Likes: 476
Liked 387 Times in 261 Posts
Default

Lookin' good. I'd say that was a good choice.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 04-03-2018, 11:36 AM
Kadonny's Avatar
Kadonny Kadonny is offline
Member
Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard Need recs for new handguard  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 809
Liked 689 Times in 417 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ricrock View Post
The Troy requires their own barrel nut. I want to keep the stock barrel nut and cut off the Delta Ring and chop down the front sight. I'm going to try to do this without removing the front sight from the barrel.

Thanks all for the input.

Rick
My Troy rail used the existing barrel nut. It was a Vtac.
__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
new handguard Bog8827 Smith & Wesson M&P10 Rifles 6 01-31-2019 08:14 PM
Sport 2 15" Free Float Handguard Recs Smithysport Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 21 04-13-2017 01:54 AM
Handguard conversion - securing front handguard cap to sight? 78Staff Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 7 04-11-2014 06:24 PM
MOE handguard Beef706 Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 3 02-10-2012 04:31 PM
Stainless .22 cal Revolver Recs OK Hog Shooter S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 19 03-31-2011 11:26 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:16 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)