I have a M&P 15 Sport II (SKU 10202) with the A2 post front sight. I bought it as my first AR several years back and now that I've added a nice optic to it (Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24) I'm finding that I don't like the front post and would like to remove it and add a free float handguard.

Ideally I'd like to convert it to something like SKU 13351. (I know this has a shorter barrel)

I assume S&W doesn't sell these parts directly, and the aftermarket is loaded with so many different companies.

I know removing the A2 front post can be quite a pain from experiences helping a family member on their rifle so I was debating buying a new barrel, etc. which made me consider buying a complete upper and ultimately considering looking at just adding another AR like a Ruger AR-556 (SKU 8529), Daniels Defense dd4m v7, etc. But can't really justify spending that kind of money right now.

Looking online it seems like a ~ 15" hand guard is $200 which seems more reasonable. But obviously I'd need a armorers wrench, punch set, vice block, etc.

I guess my question is more looking for recommendations for OEM-like parts related to swapping out to a free float handguard. The only modifications to my Sport II are a sling and optics so I'm looking to keep it similar to OEM quality.

You can call S&W to see what they offer. As for handguards pick one of the multitude that you prefer. Not sure why you want to replace the barrel unless it's to change twist rate or length.

I believe UTG makes the free float handguards. If not someone will correct me.

What I'm guessing is you want the handguard, gas block and maybe tube. A gunsmith will replace it all for about $75-100. Or buy the tools and have at, those may run up to $200 depending on what you get.

Changing the gas block is not that difficult. You could also cut the existing sight base down to where it is basically just a gas block that will fit in the free float handguards.

Least expensive way I went was to just hack the dang front sight off!

This is/was a Ruger AR-556 (steel) front sight that I didn't want in my way either, so out came the hacksaw and files.

I wanted to keep the cross pins because they are a very secure way of attaching a front sight and the gas ports are already aligned from the factory.

I bought a free float handguard from Monstrum Tactical. Cheap prices, but it's been on there for 2 years and a few thousand rounds with no problems. I also cut the sight post off the gas block and ground it down enough to fit inside the hand guard.

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HA!

Speaking of cheap prices, the handguard that is covering my ex-front sight in my previous post is a $30 shipped OhHunt.

The only modification I added was some stronger Ace Hardware clamping screws because the Chinese seem to be rather fond of soft screws that could possibly strip or shear off if you really torque down on them...well what do you want for $30 shipped.

They are made of the same material as handguards costing $450+ and do the same job, and so far the tin cans downrange haven't complained at all.

I figured I'd try one out for the price and replace it later if I wasn't satisfied but to be honest I really am quite pleased with it.

I just ordered the same SKU rifle as you, (it’s sitting at my FFL waiting for pickup). And I ordered a VISM AR15 M-LOK Handguard - Carbine Extended VMARMLCE
K2-HZ-VMARMLCE-EE from optics planet. It fits around the existing front sight/gas block. Although it’s a drop in hand-guard, not FF, it still gives me more accessory room with it’s Mlock/pick rails, but not the cooling aspect that a FF offers, (by not touching the barrel), that you might be looking for. But accessory and aesthetic wise, it looks like a great upgrade, too bad it’s on back order !

I’ve been shooting irons for 44 years, I’m new to optics. I now have 2 rifles with optics, I’m not sure I would ever want one of my firearms to rely on optics only, the glass can break, these devices can fail and or have the battery die. It just makes Sence to have redundant systems, like an airplane!

TT

Well it turns out that even though I beefed up my handguard with stronger screws and even added 4 extra up top, an AR ban is coming here that even bans the future purchase of parts .

So rather than trust my handguard to hold up over the long haul, I purchased a Areo Precision Atlas S-1.

If you notice the ribs inside the tube, they extend the entire length, so no matter how hard you clamp it, it is only those ribs that make contact with the barrel nut and I'm not willing to trust that.

Why not add the good stuff while you still can.

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I've always liked YHM's line of free float handguards. They have threaded endcaps to help keep a bunch of stuff from getting inside them. Even their micro size for 7" barrels.

Hey I like that little shield there wood714, be kind of neat to have one that fills in the small gap between the gas block and the front mounting point for an original type handguard.

Speaking of gas blocks, I didn't even have to trim down my front sight any further, my new handguard has sufficient clearance.

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