Swapping hand guard on OR carbine

JLM

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Hi all
I have an OR MOE rifle that I got several years ago. As I shoot more and more, I'm really not liking the bulky hand guard and would like to swap with a thinner model that's longer.

Will this require changing out the gas block since the front sight mounts there?

Thanks
 
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Not familiar with a OR MOE... I've seen an M&P 15 OR, and a M&P 15 MOE, but not an OR MOE. Sounds like you are confusing two different models.

As far as a longer handguard, it depends. Are you wanting a free float tube that extends past the gas block and covers it? Or would a Magpul MOE SL hand guard that just extends under the gas block work? Or maybe a drop in guard with a cut out for a front sight base that extends past the gas block? I am assuming that a quad rail is not being considered, as it would be bulkier than your current hand guards.

As you can see, there are many options... and some of them may require you to change the gas block on the OR, as it is bulky.
 
Based on the pictures I see on the S&W web site, you have a railed gas block. Assuming the information is correct and you want to go with a longer hand guard, you will need to change to a low profile gas block to do it.

With a caveat... There have been posts on here by people showing hand guards that can "wrap" around bigger gas blocks, so you may be able to work with one of those but I don't know what is available out there that may work with your rifle configuration.

Me personally, I would change out the gas block and be free to pick any hand guard you wish. You can always save the old one for a future build and gas blocks are generally not that expensive.
 
Thanks. I attached a pic. It's the OR model with MagPul MOE furniture on it. Came with this config out of the box. I like all the pieces except the bulky hand guard. Probably going to do away with the Nikon P-223 scope as well and go back to the Troy iron rear or a small red dot.
83f536b0896e131ef156fe151f108a19.jpg
 
I've never seen one come out of the box like that...

Magpul has released the MOE SL (Slim Line) and that handguard does extend under the gas block. It is made to fit the standard A2 FSB, but a little trimming of the polymer could probably correct any fitment issues on the top side.

If that isn't what you are looking for, then you will probably have to go to a low profile gas block to use one of the free float, extended rails or tubes.
 
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