Anybody install the MI Gen2 SS handguard on their 15-22? Did it require any modification to the Tacticool22 handguard converter nut (as I think the Troy Alpha rail requires for installation)?

Pics?

Just pick which converter nut you want (standard or modified) and assemble the hand guard in the normal fashion.
Some of their proprietary barrel nuts don't have enough thread relief in the bottom. So you might have to remove some threads from my converter, or have a machine shop put a thread relief groove in the bottom of the barrel nut. Or you might not have to do anything. It depends on MI.
Handguard Accessories : Tacticool22, Tactical .22 Rifle Parts and Accessories
Or the Free Float Hand Guard kit here;
Handguard Accessories : Tacticool22, Tactical .22 Rifle Parts and Accessories

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Buy cheap, pay twice.

I've got one of your modified convertor nuts on the way.

Also, what other handguards are people using that are like the MI Gen2 SS - i.e., rounded, small diameter, and lightweight? Anything besides the Nordic Components handguard that is less expensive than the MI Gen2 SS?

I have used the Samson Evolution, Nordic AR22, Hogue, Taccom CF and now the AP Custom carbon fiber. The Samson and the AP, just like the Troy I think, requires the use of a standard AR barrel nut on the Tacticool22 adapter to mount those handguards. The Nordic, Hogue, and Taccom just screw on his standard adapter without it. The Taccom and the Nordic because they are .22 upper dedicated units that don't use a gas block or gas tube and the Hogue because it has an integrated barrel nut in the rear of the handguard.
Basically those are the 2 types of handguards. Those that mount on an AR barrel nut and those that have a built in nut. Those with a rail on top or vents you can mount rail pieces on generally use the AR barrel nut because they have to line everything up. Those that are smooth with no opennings or top rail generally have their own nut and don't have to be lined up. As for quad rails it depends. Some need a Delta ring on them to mount and some don't.
I have not found any handguards as cheap as the Nordic AR-22 1.8" diameter one ($64). The Taccom is the same diameter but being carbon fiber it is around 2x the cost of the aluminum Nordic. Currently my Taccom one is on my Rem 597 VTR and the AP in on my 15-22.

I was considering the Nordic because it was inexpensive, but once you factor in the proprietary wrench (possibly shipped from a different vendor than the handguard) and maybe one rail section for, say, a front sight or sling attachment point, the savings evaporate fairly quickly.

That is true. I just don't like the MI because it seems kind of bulky. I like the AP well enough that I am considering changing out the Samson on my Stag 3-gun setup to lower the weight using a railed AP extended rifle (15") to match the length of the Samson one. It is just that the railed 15" AP is $200. No big deal on a 3-gun AR but overkill on a 15-22. That is why I use the vented non-railed 12.36" one ($135) on my 15-22.
On the Nordic I ordered the wrench and handguard direct from Nordic at the same time and they came in the same box. The big trick on the Nordic is getting the vents lined up so you can put a rail on the front that will line up with the one on the receiver. Eventually I got it correct.

I used the Troy Alpha VTAC 15"

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SaveLivesKeepCiviliansArmed

Nice job. From the pic, it looks like you really minimized the gap between the handguard and upper. I assume you used the T22 modified converter nut?

Yes with no mods to either nut. If you notice by the front pivot pin i had to do a little relief cut to allow the handguard to go back far enough... Not a big deal.

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SaveLivesKeepCiviliansArmed

Did you use a Dremel for that?

Yes, made a couple witness marks with a sharpie, pulled it off, 5 seconds later (well maybe 30) it was installed. Super easy!

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SaveLivesKeepCiviliansArmed

Look at this thread here Tacticool22 Handguard Converter Nut

It shows the mw gen 2 that I put on my 15-22

Chad