I recently bought a new M&P Sport 2 in 5.56 and want to change the handguard from a carbine length Magpul M-Lok to a mid length Magpul M-Lok. Can this be done without changing the barrel? I can't find any definitive answers, thanks.
How to change an M&P 15 handguard length?
- Thread starter Redrider1
- Start date
ColbyBruce
Member
How would the new M-Lok handguard mount if its longer since they secure into what I believe is the gas block?
You will need to use a Free Float Handguard which means you will have to remove the front sight base, gas tube and the barrel nut.
Then install the new barrel nut that comes with the Free Float Handguard, a Low Profile Gas Block and a Carbine length Gas Tube. (You can reuse the original Gas Tube which will save you a few bucks). You will need to time the new barrel nut for the gas tube to pass through.
Next install the Free Float Handguard.
If you want to use iron sights then you will need a front sight that attaches to the handguard rail.
With a Free Float Handguard you have a variety of lengths and styles to choose from. The most important thing is to use a handguard that will fit over the gas block.
You will need a few tools so it is up to you to decide if you want to do yourself.
Then install the new barrel nut that comes with the Free Float Handguard, a Low Profile Gas Block and a Carbine length Gas Tube. (You can reuse the original Gas Tube which will save you a few bucks). You will need to time the new barrel nut for the gas tube to pass through.
Next install the Free Float Handguard.
If you want to use iron sights then you will need a front sight that attaches to the handguard rail.
With a Free Float Handguard you have a variety of lengths and styles to choose from. The most important thing is to use a handguard that will fit over the gas block.
You will need a few tools so it is up to you to decide if you want to do yourself.
Last edited:
Last edited:
ColbyBruce
Member
As stated above, the two I have in the photo are carbine length mounting compatible but the body is longer.
Attachments
Last edited:
So in other words there's no way to reposition the gas block and site in order to run a mid length Magpul? Free float is the only option
Ok that's the SL you have right? I see there's 1 more mounting keyway on the bottom and it's a bit longer but still a mid length SL would be nice. I have a pretty long reach so a carbine length feels cramped but I would like to stick with a magpul
M1903A3
Member
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2020
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 10
One thing you might consider to accommodate a long reach on a short carbine is a forward vertical grip. It might work for you and negate having to do all that work for one inch or so more total length.
Also, a more vertical grip (rear) might keep your elbow down and feel less awkward. I have a long arm span but with a Magpul MOE rear grip and the carbine length MOE forward grip the rifle fits me just fine.
Take a look at this photo. Same rifle, on the top with the original A2 style pistol grip, and on the bottom with a Magpul MOE K2 (I think!) You can see the difference in grip angle and you can think about how that would change your grip on the rifle.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ColbyBruce
Member
Correct, due to the gas port drilled into the barrel. The gas block position can’t change.
double-dipper
Member
What BSA1 said.
Mine was horible for accuracey, it wouldent hold 3" groups at 100 yrds from a bench no matter what ammo/weight bullet I shot. So i changed the barrel too.
The front sight post pins on mine were opposing one was put in left to right and the other was right to left.
Mine was horible for accuracey, it wouldent hold 3" groups at 100 yrds from a bench no matter what ammo/weight bullet I shot. So i changed the barrel too.
The front sight post pins on mine were opposing one was put in left to right and the other was right to left.
One thing you might consider to accommodate a long reach on a short carbine is a forward vertical grip. It might work for you and negate having to do all that work for one inch or so more total length.
Also, a more vertical grip (rear) might keep your elbow down and feel less awkward. I have a long arm span but with a Magpul MOE rear grip and the carbine length MOE forward grip the rifle fits me just fine.
Take a look at this photo. Same rifle, on the top with the original A2 style pistol grip, and on the bottom with a Magpul MOE K2 (I think!) You can see the difference in grip angle and you can think about how that would change your grip on the rifle.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have the same grip the K2, the rubber is a lot nicer to the hand as far as comfort, once I get the slightly longer SL handguard that may help, im used to full length shotguns and muzzleloaders from deer hunting. But an angled foregrip is also something I have on the way to see if it's more comfortable
Ok I guess that's what I was looking for, this is my first AR so I'm not familiar with their setup, however I'm not new to mechanics and fabrication. Do you know if a longer barrel changes the gas block location?
Thats all it would hold?
cyphertext
US Veteran
You could always put a low profile gas block on to keep the gas system carbine length and then move the original gas block / front sight further down the barrel to make a longer sight radius and to support longer hand guards... aka the dissipator.
Bushmaster XM-15 MOE Dissipator Rifle 223 Remington 16 Barrel Magpul
Bushmaster XM-15 MOE Dissipator Rifle 223 Remington 16 Barrel Magpul
shep854
Member
If the gas block is a flat top (lacks the fixed front sight tower), can't a dummy block be attached forward at the current length for a longer handguard? I believe that's what was done with the Dissipator rifles.
