Handguard

[dos10987]

I just got my Sport II on Tuesday, switched out the pistol grip cause I hate the stock with Magpul grip.

I ordered the Holosun 593C off Amazon for only 206$ w/ free shipping. (Originally 286$)

The only other think I want to do is get rid of that ugly front sight/ gas block combo and get a low pro gas block and a new handguard.

Can anyone give me some examples of a good low pro handguard that's light weight for a respectable price?

I cannot find the weight of the stock handguard but I would like the replacement to be lighter or close to it. I'm trying to keep it as light as possible.

Thanks in advance !!

 

[Kadonny]

Wow, so many options, so little time. There are just tons and tons of lighter weight handguards out there, it's all about what you want. A key point would be the mounting type. Quad rail, keymod, M Lok, what type of mounting system do you want to use? That would be the first step, then look at the weight to see if you can get close to the stock handguard.

 

[mkbruce]

The stock handguard is pretty light already, but the A2 sightpost is quite heavy (not sure what the actual numbers are). It will be hard to reduce the weight without spending a good bit.

A couple of options:

CMMG RKM - reasonable weight and price (available for around $130 including the barrel nut). 11" handguard + nut is 10.9 oz. You will still need to account for the weight of the gas block to compare. I have this one on a 300 BLK upper for my sport - very slim and comfortable to grip.

An even lower price option is the Matrix Aerospace Charlie - you can get these for <$60 including the barrel nut. 11" is 11.9 oz. including the barrel nut. I have never seen these in person but have read good reviews.

 

[jagular]

Best, and fastest, way to find what you're looking for is to go through the picture thread and see what tickles your fancy. Too many options out there to name them all. You'll have a hard time finding an aluminum rail that weighs less than the plastic (no heat shield) hand guard that it comes with. Any low profile gas block would work. Check out Midwest industries rails. Some of the lightest rails I've see with out breaking the bank.

Of course, you'll probably get a longer hand guard once you remove the A2 sight/ gas block so it makes it even more challenging to be lighter than you currently are.

 

[Kadonny]

Of course, you'll probably get a longer hand guard once you remove the A2 sight/ gas block so it makes it even more challenging to be lighter than you currently are.

He will lose a decent amount of weight getting rid of that iron on the A2 though and going low profile I would think.

 

[Engine Earl]

I like the A2 sight. Especially at mid-length

 

[dos10987]

After talking with a few places and reading reviews I purchased:

Midwest Industries 3GM Series Free Float Gen 3 M-LOK Handguard AR-15 Aluminum

Gas block is:

Midwest Industries Low Profile Gas Block AR-15, LR-308 Lightweight Barrel .625" Inside Diameter Matte

Gas block will fit over the free float rail. I will get the MAgpul flip up gen2 front sight.

I will have dropped 3.1oz on this mod.

Extremely happy with what I ordered. I even got a local gunsmith who I talked to who said he would swap everything out for 15$. Thinking I might take him up in his offer since I've heard nightmare stories about getting that F frame front sight/ gas block combo.

 

[cyphertext]

Hope you didn't get the .625" gas block, as I believe that is the wrong size.

 

[Kadonny]

Hope you didn't get the .625" gas block, as I believe that is the wrong size.

Yup, I believe the correct size is .750. The .625 is for a lightweight (pencil) barrel which the Sport II does not have. OP, hopefully you can verify your size ordered and swap it if you got the wrong size.

Also if your gunsmith is going to do the swap for $15 I'd let him do it. Although, there is some value in doing it yourself and seeing what all is involved.

 

[dos10987]

Good to know!! I already contacted company, returning the wrong one and just ordered the correct size !!

Thanks everyone

 

[dos10987]

Just home from work

Has packages at door.

New free float rail and low pro gas block

Stripped sport down to barrel and removed gas block front sight.

Realizing I don't have the proper tools to get that darn barrel/delta ring off next........devastating

Looks like I'm heading to gunsmith after all. ****. Thought I would be able to do it all after reading up and watching a handful of videos. Clearly I was mistaken.

 

[Kadonny]

Yup, you really need an armorer's wrench to do that job, now you know. Still, I would eventually get one, every AR guy really should have one in their tool box.

 

[Glockguy949]

Pictures we need pictures of how it turned out