Sport quad rail question

[Grymtyrant]

Afternoon everyone. New to the forum and new to the M&P 15 sport. Extremely excited to get it to the range soon. But I do have some questions for others like me.

1st- I want to install a rifle length quad rail to put on a vfg and be able to get my reflex sight on (going to mount a slide to side 3x magnification scope on upper receiver rail) but I really want to get the front iron sight off without having to put too much time and money into a quad rail. I like the rifle length look and options to install a bipod and flash light when I want. I've looked at the UTG rail Leapers, Inc. - Hunting/Shooting, Sporting Goods and Security Gear

I like this one cause it's extended and it's easy to install and fairly inexpensive. But the front iron sight still stays on. I certainly would install a front flip up sight if it were to be removed.

My question is, if I remove the front iron sight and want a rifle length qr, do I need to get a free float qr?

I know that they are considerably more money and require a bit more work. I don't mind spending some money on the things I really want but I'd like to keep costs down when necessary.

And if I were to go with a free float qr, what is one that is recommended and needed to do so?

I've already looked at some things, I know I would need an ar tool, set of punches and I've seen an upper receiver vice mount clamp.

Anyone have some recommendations for me? Much appreciated.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[JaPes]

IMO, there is no sense spending the $$$ for the AR wrench, roll pin punch set, and an upper receiver voice mount clamp just to do a single rifle. Do the job once, then the tools just sit gathering dust. If you're not planning to build another AR, then why buy the tools?

If you find a local reputable shop, buy all the parts from them and have their gunsmith do the install. You might be able to negotiate a discount by buying all the parts from the shop. You can also negotiate discounted or free installation. Choose a low profile gas block, a free float rail, the VFG, backup iron sights, and any other rail accessory. While you're at it, choose a new muzzle device: compensator or flash hider.

For a long time, I wanted to install a free float handguard on my Sport. While I can do the work myself, I didn't see the point in spending $$$ for tools I would use just one time. None of my friends have tools I could borrow. I went to my small local gun shop, bought parts they had in stock. They gave me a good price and installed the parts free of charge. They let me in the back of the shop to observe the installation.

15" Troy Alpha Rail. It affixes to the existing barrel nut, no need to spend $$$ on a new one. One section of rail to attach the Magpul railed VFG. One pack of Troy Squid Grip inserts. One Troy QD sling mount. A Troy folding front battle sight. One Yankee Hill low profile gas block. I wish I had swapped out the muzzle device while all the work was being done.

 

[Grymtyrant]

Much appreciated. Thank you for the advice.

 

[kb18no1]

Don't waste your money on UTG.

I have heard about plenty of problems with UTG rails.

They are made in China with low quality metal, bad machining, very heavy, etc.

For something quality but reasonable I would checkout Midwest Industries:

Buy once, cry once.

I would get rid of your delta ring and install a free float quad rail. You can either get remove the front fixed sight and install a new low profile gas block or you can cut your front fixed sight down and turn it into low profile gas block. It is cheaper but requires some work... plenty of youtube videos with instructions.

Or you can keep the delta ring and front sight and go with something like Troy Charlie Rail. https://troyind.com/products/charlie-blk


plenty of options out there....good luck

 

[kb18no1]

Quad rails that install with the delta ring are usually called drop in rails....like this one... make sure you order a carbine length one so it fits.

Midwest Industries: Gen2 Two Piece Drop-In Handguard

 

[BillyJack2012]

kb18no1, I agree with you on the UTG comments. However, the link he lists is for UTG Pro which is made in the USA. S&W actually uses UTG Pro as the rail that comes on the current M&P15 T.

 

[shawnfergie]

UTG Pro is decent stuff for the money. I would go with a Troy Alpha or Troy Vtac Alpha for the cost but UTG Pro stuff is machined in Michigan.

 

[Grymtyrant]

I did end up going with the UTG pro rail that I had linked to. Reason I decided to do that was to get mid to rifle like length right now. There's many things I'm sure I'll want to do to this gun. I'll keep the cost down at the moment and maybe next year or the year after I'll end up ditching the front sight and install a free float.

Really appareciate all the help everyone. Some great ideas here.

 

[JaPes]

The best part of AR-15 ownership is making the rifle your own. Don't forget to post a before and after pic of your rifle.