Handguard install question on AR15

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  • pleasant1911

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 12, 2012
    10,184
    I want to replace the plastic round cylinder handguard that came with the upper with a 15 inch metal one. Don't really know which brand of hand guard, but I know I want the metal handguard that covers most of the barrel.

    Researched on YouTube and it looks like I will need to get some tools and accessories. To many of you who have done it, my question is, is it "cheaper" to buy the tools and accessories online, or just take it to a gun shop to get it installed?

    Any advise would be greatly appreciated on the best way to getting a hand guard installed on my ar.
     

    bmorewineguy

    Active Member
    Sep 29, 2013
    216
    Edgewater
    It sounds like you want to replace a normal non free floated handguard with a free floated handguard.

    To do this you will need to take the barrel nut off because most free float handguards come with their own proprietary barrel nut that the handguard secures to. Depending on the gas block you have on the current barrel you may need to replace that as well, especially if you have the A2 (triangle) front sight or a gas block that's too large to fit under the new handguard.

    It's not hard just need to make sure you don't miss any steps.
     

    DaemonAssassin

    Why should we Free BSD?
    Jun 14, 2012
    23,953
    Political refugee in WV
    I want to replace the plastic round cylinder handguard that came with the upper with a 15 inch metal one. Don't really know which brand of hand guard, but I know I want the metal handguard that covers most of the barrel.

    Researched on YouTube and it looks like I will need to get some tools and accessories. To many of you who have done it, my question is, is it "cheaper" to buy the tools and accessories online, or just take it to a gun shop to get it installed?

    Any advise would be greatly appreciated on the best way to getting a hand guard installed on my ar.

    I'd send it to Chad. Let him do the work on it, so you know the work is done right.
     

    DaemonAssassin

    Why should we Free BSD?
    Jun 14, 2012
    23,953
    Political refugee in WV
    It sounds like you want to replace a normal non free floated handguard with a free floated handguard.

    To do this you will need to take the barrel nut off because most free float handguards come with their own proprietary barrel nut that the handguard secures to. Depending on the gas block you have on the current barrel you may need to replace that as well, especially if you have the A2 (triangle) front sight or a gas block that's too large to fit under the new handguard.

    It's not hard just need to make sure you don't miss any steps.

    Oh, he will have fun with the cross pins on the block...
     

    DutchV

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 8, 2012
    4,695
    Troy tubes attach to the standard barrel nut. You have to cut down the front sight base, which isn't hard at all.
     

    INMY01TA

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 29, 2008
    5,805
    I like Midwest Industries handguards. They make several two piece ones that do not require removing the barrel nut and are very easy to install. If you want a handguard that extends past the front sight post then you need to remove the front sight post and shave it down. There's Youtube videos on how to do almost anything with your AR. Definitely do it yourself.
     

    cap6888

    Ultimate Member
    Oct 2, 2011
    2,552
    Howard County
    Someone will be along to say “airsoft/Chinese junk.” But UTG makes nice handguards. I have put 15 inch one on one of my ARs and I like it. It is slim and lightweight. Not only that, but they have a lifetime warranty.

    I actually had to take advantage of that. I needed to remove the handguard, and when removing the screws, two broke (they were Rocksetted in). I sent an email, and less than a week later, they sent me the screws, a new barrel nut and all the installation accessories.
     

    jrumann59

    DILLIGAF
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 17, 2011
    14,024
    Someone will be along to say “airsoft/Chinese junk.” But UTG makes nice handguards. I have put 15 inch one on one of my ARs and I like it. It is slim and lightweight. Not only that, but they have a lifetime warranty.

    I actually had to take advantage of that. I needed to remove the handguard, and when removing the screws, two broke (they were Rocksetted in). I sent an email, and less than a week later, they sent me the screws, a new barrel nut and all the installation accessories.

    UTG handgaurds are fine along with most of their parts its their optics that cheap airsoft chit.
     

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