Hand Guard Options

[AFWhirlybird]

Hello yall
Just picked up my 15-22 today and must say im really impressed. I would like to swap the hand guard out though but the only ones I seem to be able to find are the stock one and the free floated one from S&W.

With the ar platform taking the world by storm does anyone know of an aftermarket hand guard that will work for these or are we stuck with the two choices?

Thanks in advance
JG

 

[CPTBeaker]

but the only ones I seem to be able to find are the stock one and the free floated one from S&W. JG

The handguard on the 15-22 does not attach to the receiver like a standard AR. The barrel nut sandwiches the handguard to the upper receiver. This isn't how a standard AR handguard attaches.

I don't know what you are refering to ref. the free floated one, but there are currently NO after market or S&W replacement handguards available for the M&P 15-22 that can be used without modification.

In order to replace the handguard on the 15-22, you need a couple of items. (1) a barrel nut wrench designed specially for the 15-22. (2) a replacement barrel nut designed to allow the 15-22 to use a free float screw-on AR handguard.

Both of these items are available here:

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Conversion Accessories, Specifications, Manuals, Photos, and Videos

Here is a thread link to one of the S&W forum member's video series. He's made a bunch of instructional videos pertaining to the 15-22.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/125703-m-p-15-22-instructional-video-series.html

After you have installed the new replacement adapter barrel nut, you can install any of these (and more) handguards:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Free-Floating-Tactical-Handguards-s/54.htm

 

[QuadCam]

With the barrel nut adapter, you can screw on an ar15 delta ring assembly to open up your handguard possibilities even more.

 

[AFWhirlybird]

Thanks everyone I will definitely be doing that in the near future

 

[AFWhirlybird]

@Quadcam
Does the delta ring assembly work similarly to the replacement barrel nut offered by tacticool?

**disregard I just re read that am I correct in assuming that it screws on to the barrel adapter?

 

[AFWhirlybird]

Gentleman I hate to be asking all of the newb questions, this is my first AR style platform so I really dont know much.
If the barrel but is replaced with the MOE handguards fit?

Magpul MOE Rifle Length Handguard

 

[Brett248Vista]

That's what a 15-22 looks like using a Tacticool22 barrel nut adapter with an AR15 Barrel Nut/Delta Ring, Carbine Length hand guards and an A2 front sight post. This is not all "bolt on" the sigh post requires some spacers to be machined and a way to affix the post.

 

[AFWhirlybird]

Brett!
Thanks for the pics.. I have watched some of your YT stuff and its been great so far thanks!!

 

[tacticool22]

Here is a pic with the MOE stock, grip, handguard and BUIS in FDE. With a shroud and with just a flash hider. You can do anything you want to with these rifles. So ALL aftermarket and S&W replacement handguards are available for the 15-22.

 

[AFWhirlybird]

Thanks looks great! I really appreciate all of this info folks

 

[shawnr5]

Here's mine with one of Tacticool22's free float adapters used to attach a delta ring. I just used a quad rail gas block on mine. The handguard end cap had a lot of play which let the handguard move around, but I put a 10/32x1/2" SHCS through the gas tube hole and it doesn't move at all, now.

I am just waiting for some MOE rail sections I ordered so I can remount my MBUS on the MOE handguard. It's also going to get a Magpul ACS stock so it matches the AR I'm building.

 

[Brett248Vista]

Shawn,

That looks great!

 

[shawnr5]

Thanks, Brett. Might have to do the conversion on my brother's FDE 15-22. Maybe, he'll go for mid-length or rifle length.

 

[Gunguy2331]

How about this one

Troy TRX Standard Battle Rail - Black

 

[BPD4]

How about this one

Troy TRX Standard Battle Rail - Black

that a nice handguard if you want to spend the $$$

 

[Gunguy2331]

Will this one work


Troy BattleRail TRX Extreme M7 7.6" |

 

[tacticool22]

Either of those should work just fine.

 

[Gunguy2331]

If possible how short do you think you could cut the barrel and still maintain accuracy and power

 

[CPTBeaker]

If possible how short do you think you could cut the barrel and still maintain accuracy and power

At least as short as the 15-22 pistol version, however, If you cut it any shorter than it is now (16"), it will be an SBR which requires approval from the 'Man' first, or it would not be legal.

 

[spleify]

You can chop the barrel to 14.5" ( a safer length is 14.7") and then have your flash hider permanently pinned and welded to bring your total over all length to 16+" The "accuracy" that is lost is negligible and in a .22 will likely not be noticed. I have several 14.5(14.7") pinned and welded AR's.

You ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT cut a barrel down to a pistol length unless that firearm is registered as a pistol.

Hope this helps