AR 10 help

[nolesfan]

I am wanting to replace the handguard on my AR 10. I want to put a bipod on it also. This is my first AR and I need some information. What kind of parts and tools will I need? Any help will be appreciated.

 

[ohbejuan]

You have quite a few ways/upgrades that you can go (or not go) with:

Rails:
The M&P 10 supposedly uses the DPMS-Low profile rails. The most common are the Troy Battlerails, they have one smooth version and one quad rail version. Or you can just get standard handguard replacements that are drop-in and leave the gas block in place

Bipods:
I am a fan of the Harris line with the Larue Quick Detach. Other people really like Atlas

Of course there's also:
Triggers (Geisselle, Timney, etc)
Compensators (Battlecomp, Dynacomp)
Buffers (Heavy, Hydralic, Captured)
Stocks (Magpul, etc)
Handgrips (Magpul, etc)
Fore Grips (Troy, Larue, Daniel Defense)
Optics (Iron sights, red dot, acog, traditional)
Rail Accessories (lights/lasers/etc)

 

[nolesfan]

Do I have to change the gas block with the Troy rails?

 

[ohbejuan]

Yeah, the way it works is this:

If you're just looking to replace the handguards and leave the gas block on, that's really easy to do, and doesn't require any special tools or removal of the gas block or anything like that.

However, if you want to install quad rails (or you may hear something like free-floating the rails, which is a better option that doesn't put stress on your barrel), you'll need to remove the gas block, and get a low-profile gas block. Usually this also entails removing the delta ring and the existing barrel nut (although not in some cases) in addition to removing/replacing the existing gas block with a low-profile one (that will fit under the rails).

Troy also makes an excellent low-profile gas block

 

[MassDave]

check out mine, MOE hand guard with rails and bipod, done with basic home tools, though the hand guard was a very tight fit. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p10-rifles/306596-my-m-p-10-so-far.html

 

[nolesfan]

ohbejuan, what size handguard do I need, I have seen different sizes?
Do I need a rail on the bottom to attach the bipod to?

Massdave, that is similiar to what I want.

 

[jbowpsp]

just this past week i ordered and installed a JP Modular 12" handguard. It cost me $155 shipped from opticsplanet. That is by far the cheapest free float handguard I found anywhere among the JP or Troy options. The cheapest I found Troy was $172 shipped from grabagun.

The size of the rails is listed as DPMS/LR308 Low Profile Handguards.

For Magpul, you need the mid-length handguard. You will need to widen/alter the rear part of the heat shield so it does not scratch/contact the barrel. I had one installed on mine and i decided it just was not what i was looking for, not to mention I had already scratched my barrel.

If you go the JP route, it comes with two swivel studs you can place anywhere you want on your handguard, so you do not have to attach a rail to add a bipod. The swivel is already provided for you. If you go the troy route there may be swivel kits they make but i am not sure, but its either an add-on you have to buy or you add one of their supplied rails and attach that way.

 

[nolesfan]

Thanks for everyones help.