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 01-27-2022, 08:36 PM
1BadSmith's Avatar
1BadSmith 1BadSmith is offline
Member
M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard...  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Liberty Township, WI
Posts: 111
Likes: 35
Liked 149 Times in 48 Posts
Default M&P AR-15 Different Handguard...

Took it in on trade, don't mind it except for the ***** handguard...any ideas? Kinda like the metal ones, but also like cheap! Can that front mini rail thing go away too? Might look nice for pic rail to extend down handguard??
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-27-2022, 11:36 PM
minconrevo minconrevo is offline
Member
M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard...  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 746
Likes: 154
Liked 567 Times in 289 Posts
Default

The convenient thing about the GI Spec AR-15's is that the multiplicity of other parts WILL fit. About the only thing to look out for is GI vs. Commercial butt stocks. If a fixed A2 style front sight is on there it can be replaced with a low profile gas block. Now open your catalogs and charge ahead!

On the front handguard you have a choice to make: plain GI style, GI with Pitcatiny 1913 rail, M-Lok and Key Mod.

There is a simple special tool to remove handguards if there is a fixed A2 in stock. I suggest buy the tool and save considerable aggravation. The free float option (no fixed A2 sight) takes a more sophisticated tool.

Regardless don't go too cheap and definitely don't make your AR too heavy to tote about.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-28-2022, 07:49 AM
mscampbell2734 mscampbell2734 is offline
Member
M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard...  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 748
Likes: 32
Liked 813 Times in 343 Posts
Default

Pics would help but it sounds like you have an Optic Ready Carbine, basic round handguards, flat top receiver and gas block.

The issue with trying to get your gas block rail to line up with a metal handguard rail is brand and tolerance. It would be hard to find a perfect, gapless match.

Replacing the current gas block is fairly straight forward if you know what your doing, which from your post, and I'm not trying to be an arse, you don't, which means a trip to a smith.

If you go with a low profile gas block you open yourself to unlimited possibilities. You can go with a replacement metal rail that would reach all the way to the muzzle if you want.

If you keep the current black and just want to go with handguards the simpliest would be Magpul OEM handguards. Or possible metal drop in quad rails.
MOE(R) M-LOK(R) Hand Guard, Carbine-Length – AR15/M4
AR-15 Quad Rail Handguard - Carbine | Drop-In

Again just be aware the quad rail may need to modified at the front to clear your current rail.

Last edited by mscampbell2734; 01-28-2022 at 07:51 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-28-2022, 11:53 AM
WR Moore WR Moore is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,580
Likes: 1,787
Liked 5,342 Times in 2,685 Posts
Default

If you intend any serious usage of the gun, you want a gas block that's pinned in place. I used to do 3 gun and I've seen several cases where set screw secured gas blocks loosened and blew forward during firing. The results are real interesting if you're spectating.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-03-2022, 02:41 PM
shep854's Avatar
shep854 shep854 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Birmingham AL
Posts: 578
Likes: 358
Liked 273 Times in 156 Posts
Default

I'm totally content with a Magpul MOE handguard. All I need is a bit of Pic rail for a light and sling attach.
__________________
Registration? NEVER!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-03-2022, 05:23 PM
The Mighty S&W The Mighty S&W is offline
Member
M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard... M&P AR-15 Different Handguard...  
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Missouri
Posts: 232
Likes: 175
Liked 384 Times in 147 Posts
Default

A lot of people go with Magpul MOE for an economical way to get MLOK comparability. I personally am old school and still like the look/feel/universal nature of the older metal quad rails. A decent two piece drop in version can be had for $50.00 or so and works just fine.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-03-2022, 05:39 PM
shep854's Avatar
shep854 shep854 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Birmingham AL
Posts: 578
Likes: 358
Liked 273 Times in 156 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mighty S&W View Post
A lot of people go with Magpul MOE for an economical way to get MLOK comparability. I personally am old school and still like the look/feel/universal nature of the older metal quad rails. A decent two piece drop in version can be had for $50.00 or so and works just fine.
Indeed! I often consider trying other handguards, especially the quad rails, but that Magpul just feels *soooo* good in my hands.
__________________
Registration? NEVER!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
MOE handguard Magload Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 4 01-10-2016 11:01 AM
Handguard conversion - securing front handguard cap to sight? 78Staff Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 7 04-11-2014 06:24 PM
m&p 10 handguard HELP!! Draxxus-_- Smith & Wesson M&P10 Rifles 3 03-11-2014 10:11 PM
Handguard Bluesguy72 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 27 08-27-2012 09:56 AM

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 04:32 PM.


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