Need recs for new handguard

[Ricrock]

Hello All,

I am complementing a change with my Sport II. It currently has a VISM hand guard, drop in, extended so the sight post is visible.

I want a lighter, free float handguard to replace it.

What freefloat handguard with KeyMod slots will work with the stock barrel nut? I want it to be as light as possible and have KeyMod slots. Price is not an object. It needs to be between 13-1/2" and 14" long and needs to use the stock barrel nut.

My plan is to grind down the FSB and slide another handguard over it. Must be free float and weight is very important.

Recommendations are very welcome.

Rick

 

[bamashooter]

Check out Sampson Evolution, Fortis Rev II Keymod, others. I'd likely go with the Fortis 14".

 

[Ricrock]

That looks great! Do you have any suggestion for a rail with Keymod slots at 2 and 10 o'clock also? If I can't find a rail with more slots, I'll probably go with the Fortis. Thanks for your input!

 

[bamashooter]

No. Is there a specific reason why you want Keymod?

 

[Ricrock]

Yep, I truly believe it is superior to mlok. I have had both and the m-lok system is way too complicated, and doesn't secure as solid if you use real keymod accessories with the locating rings.

I ordered the Fortis rail today from Tombstone Tactical, the best price I could find was $207

 

[bamashooter]

Good deal. Decent price and I believe you'll really like the Fortis.

 

[Kadonny]

Check out Troy rails also, they have to make a keymod 13" free float. Troy is a quality rail.

 

[Ricrock]

The Troy requires their own barrel nut. I want to keep the stock barrel nut and cut off the Delta Ring and chop down the front sight. I'm going to try to do this without removing the front sight from the barrel.

Thanks all for the input.

Rick

 

[80sgyrene]

The Troy requires their own barrel nut. I want to keep the stock barrel nut and cut off the Delta Ring and chop down the front sight. I'm going to try to do this without removing the front sight from the barrel.

Thanks all for the input.

Rick

I have an older Troy 11" free float modular rail. It uses the existing nut. If you can get past the fact it's not keymod, and might be interested in it let me know. Email would be best, and I can send some pics.

 

[Ricrock]

Sorry, Keymod is a must. I had ordered the Fortis from Tombstone Tactical for $207. Then got an email from Rainier Arms. They have the exact same 14" Keymod Fortis for $160.

I cancelled the $207 one and ordered the one from Rainier.

It's hard to argue with $47 savings.

 

[hugger-4641]

I bought mine from checkmate tactical on e-bay. $79 for 15" aluminum, key mod, free-float.

 

[Ricrock]

The one from checkmate tactical is NOT a Fortis. It appears to be a no-name cheap handguard. It also has it's own barrel nut.

15" Slim Keymod Handguard Free Float Clamp-On Lightweight 6061 T6 MADE IN USA!!! | eBay

 

[80sgyrene]

Glad you found one that works.

Semper fi.

 

[bamashooter]

Sorry, Keymod is a must. I had ordered the Fortis from Tombstone Tactical for $207. Then got an email from Rainier Arms. They have the exact same 14" Keymod Fortis for $160.

I cancelled the $207 one and ordered the one from Rainier.

It's hard to argue with $47 savings.

Goodness. Way to go.

 

[Ricrock]

REVISED POST

Well, I bought the Fortis Handguard and installed it after grinding down the FSB to make it a low profile gas block. Kinda difficult, but it worked OK. Cut off the Delta Ring and the spring and the snap ring with a dremel. Polished up everything and painted it with Krylon semi-gloss engine paint.

Then installed the handguard and re-installed my other goodies, light, laser sight, hand stops, etc.

The weight of the M&P 15 Sport II with a drop in VISM handguard with the FSB cut-out dropped from 8lbs. 1/4 oz to 7lbs 5 oz with the new Fortis handguard.

I also used the Fortis T-2 mount for my Primary Arms ADM red dot. It matches the handguard really well.

 

[Ricrock]

Here's more pics

 

[Ricrock]

The last of the pics of my new M&P 15 Sport II. The only Smith & Wesson parts left are the stripped lower receiver, the upper receiver with BCG, the Receiver Extension and the Barrel with flash hider.

 

[bamashooter]

Lookin' good. I'd say that was a good choice.

 

[Kadonny]

The Troy requires their own barrel nut. I want to keep the stock barrel nut and cut off the Delta Ring and chop down the front sight. I'm going to try to do this without removing the front sight from the barrel.

Thanks all for the input.

Rick

My Troy rail used the existing barrel nut. It was a Vtac.