M&P 10 hand guard

[copemech]

Hello all, new to here but an old guy getting back into shooting. Picked up the "10 because it pushed most all the buttons, and I have looked for a while!

I do not want or need to re-engineer the gun, but there were a coupla things I wanted to do.

First I ordered a Magpul ASAP sling mount, well it did not fit the obviously (now) larger lower of the 308. A fair amount if fileing on the tabs that overlap the lower fixed that, but still a PITA.

Next the handguard! I do not want a cheese grater, so the Magpul looked like a reasonable option that would allow mounting rail options if wanted later.

Well, I ordered the mid length one listed in the factory accessory catalogue, received it and tried to fit it, no joy!

I do not know exactly how to explain it other than it seems there is no "machined " surface on it to lock into the rear slip(spring loaded) retaining ring and thus the retainer will not move forward to lock things into place. It is crammed back hard against the stop. The front of the MOE guard seems fine.

Other issue being an interference with the riveted in heat shield seems to not like the larger 308 barrel, but that could be fixed I suppose.

Right now I am stuck! Perhaps other may chime in with suggestions for a simple fix, and before I go nuts.

 

[apiccola]

Copemech, the midlength Moe handguard is just a real tight fit. Mount both halves into the front retainer at the gas block together and close the rear halves as close as possible to the delta ring. The internal heat shield will contact and scrape and finally clamp the barrel as this is done ... and will actually help hold that half in place for the next steps. Next compress the delta ring as much as possible with a handguard tool while further closing the rear halves. Once the rear halves are somewhat seated onto the lip of the delta ring, release the tool a set it aside. Now clap real hard on both of the rear halves and they should finally mate together and pop into the delta ring. You might also find it handy to tap them together with a rubber mallet, but clapping real hard on the rear halves a few times usually does the trick.

 

[copemech]

Copemech, the midlength Moe handguard is just a real tight fit. Mount both halves into the front retainer at the gas block together and close the rear halves as close as possible to the delta ring. The internal heat shield will contact and scrape and finally clamp the barrel as this is done ... and will actually help hold that half in place for the next steps. Next compress the delta ring as much as possible with a handguard tool while further closing the rear halves. Once the rear halves are somewhat seated onto the lip of the delta ring, release the tool a set it aside. Now clap real hard on both of the rear halves and they should finally mate together and pop into the delta ring. You might also find it handy to tap them together with a rubber mallet, but clapping real hard on the rear halves a few times usually does the trick.

Thanks for that reply, maybe there is hope, but I was hesitant about bringing out the hammers.
I have no handguard tool, possibly I need one, but had the other issues.

Did you actually get your ring to move forward to proper lock in?

 

[webfarmer]

Copemech, the midlength Moe handguard is just a real tight fit. Mount both halves into the front retainer at the gas block together and close the rear halves as close as possible to the delta ring. The internal heat shield will contact and scrape and finally clamp the barrel as this is done ... and will actually help hold that half in place for the next steps. Next compress the delta ring as much as possible with a handguard tool while further closing the rear halves. Once the rear halves are somewhat seated onto the lip of the delta ring, release the tool a set it aside. Now clap real hard on both of the rear halves and they should finally mate together and pop into the delta ring. You might also find it handy to tap them together with a rubber mallet, but clapping real hard on the rear halves a few times usually does the trick.

This sums it up pretty well. I installed the same set you're trying to install and can't improve on apiccola's directions. Having the tool is key. Good luck!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/610165/ar-stoner-handguard-removal-tool-ar-15-steel

 

[apiccola]

The fit of the magpul Moe handguard is so tight that I can't see how it would be done without the tool compressing the delta ring. For the original handguard, I was able to compress the delta ring sufficiently by hand.

When the Moe handguard pops into place, the delta ring will slide over and latch onto the handguard collar sufficiently. You will notice that the delta ring will not travel all the way back to its uncompressed position while latched onto the Moe handguard ... but this is ok because its a spring loaded component (latching by spring tension) in lieu of a "snap-lock" type component.

 

[azureoval]

Make sure you install the top piece first then the bottom with the heat shield. Here is the best vid I have seen on the install.
AR15 Modifications: Magpul MOE Handguard Installation - YouTube

 

[copemech]

The fit of the magpul Moe handguard is so tight that I can't see how it would be done without the tool compressing the delta ring. For the original handguard, I was able to compress the delta ring sufficiently by hand.

When the Moe handguard pops into place, the delta ring will slide over and latch onto the handguard collar sufficiently. You will notice that the delta ring will not travel all the way back to its uncompressed position while latched onto the Moe handguard ... but this is ok because its a spring loaded component (latching by spring tension) in lieu of a "snap-lock" type component.

Thanks to all for the help, yes it is super tight!

I did manage without the "tool" , but then I am a professional mechanic and used other similar(handles of large rubber coated channellocks) cheating device, then gently beat into submission!
A few thousandths may yet come off that end for clearance, though. No need for the delta to be bound up in the process that I can figure, will take calipers to it, oh well it worked!

Cheers all,

 

[JustAnotherGunGuy]

I changed mine out with the MOE furniture w/o the tool. Pain in the you know what but I did get on finally. Much better than the stock furniture it came with. Here is mine in the foliage green.

 

[apiccola]

Copemech, glad to hear you were able to improvise and adapt.

 

[LASigmon]

I have the same problem. I actually removed the heat shield and still can't get mine to snap tight. I tried smacking them with my hands. Haven't tried a rubber mallet yet. Does anyone know if Magpul is going to come out with one for the m&p 10?