effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 So for anyone that can help let me know if this is possible. I currently have my 14.5 BCM Middy upper with the PWS FSC pinned and welded on. I want to swap out my Magpul handguard for a Midwest Industries M-Lok or Keymod free-float guard. The barrel is a .625 diameter and has an A2 front sight post on it. Since the muzzle device is welded on I cannot remove or install a new gas block. I do not think it is possible, but does anyone know if you can cut down a .625 diameter A2 front sight post low enough to slide the proprietary barrel nut over that the Midwest Industries hand guards use? If not I will just have to look at options that use stock barrel nuts for mounting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted March 6, 2015 I'm in FL, I'll call you when I get back and go over options. I trimmed my 14.5 BCM down to do almost the same thing. Took about 1/2 hour but I used a tube thy used a standard barrel but - Troy Alpha. I don't think you can get he has block small enough, but you could probably cut it off and get a two price gas block. Take a good look at the Troy Alpha tube. Slim handguard, free float, uses a standard barrel nut, and you can find them cheap lately Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 I'm in FL, I'll call you when I get back and go over options. I trimmed my 14.5 BCM down to do almost the same thing. Took about 1/2 hour but I used a tube thy used a standard barrel but - Troy Alpha. I don't think you can get he has block small enough, but you could probably cut it off and get a two price gas block. Take a good look at the Troy Alpha tube. Slim handguard, free float, uses a standard barrel nut, and you can find them cheap lately Of course your in Florida now.....haha The issue with that is that the 2 piece gas blocks are not small enough to fit under the MI rails that I am looking at. The alpha is one of the backup options I am looking at. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted March 6, 2015 The Alpha will fit over a cut down gas block with no issues and uses the standard barrel nut: BCM Carbine length upper with 14.5" barrel and perm muzzle device. Ground down the standard FS assembly, and cut off the delta ring and spring to fit a 13" Troy Alpha tube. No reason to go to a two piece block. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 Yeah that's probably my first option as a backup if i cannot get the MI hand guard I want to work. What are the viable options for weapon light mounts on the Alpha guards? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 6, 2015 I cut an A2 site down low enough to fit under a Noveske NSR and that is one of the smallest hand guards out there.. but there is no way you are getting a barrel nut over that.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted March 6, 2015 IWC makes some nice direct mount options for the Alpha. A WMLX at 12 o'clock works well too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 I cut an A2 site down low enough to fit under a Noveske NSR and that is one of the smallest hand guards out there.. but there is no way you are getting a barrel nut over that.. No problem, I didnt think so. Troy Alpha it is then. IWC makes some nice direct mount options for the Alpha. A WMLX at 12 o'clock works well too. Good deal, shoot me a text or call when your back in the area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 Changed my mind, gonna run it with this handguard http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1210 Gonna keep this rifle simple, leave the front A2 sight on and make this into a no frills gun. The next build that I am starting soon may go with the Alpha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 6, 2015 Changed my mind, gonna run it with this handguard http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1210 Gonna keep this rifle simple, leave the front A2 sight on and make this into a no frills gun. The next build that I am starting soon may go with the Alpha is the gun carbine or mid length... if its mid length I can sell you that cheap.. I have an extra one from before going to free float.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 is the gun carbine or mid length... if its mid length I can sell you that cheap.. I have an extra one from before going to free float.. Hmmm...Mid.... PM Inbound. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted March 6, 2015 Not to steal Vlads sale, but why switch from the MOE Handguards. They'll do everything you need for a "no frills" gun. Save your $$ and put it towards the new riflegun, training, ammo, etc... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 6, 2015 Not to steal Vlads sale, but why switch from the MOE Handguards. They'll do everything you need for a "no frills" gun. Save your $$ and put it towards the new riflegun, training, ammo, etc... I told him I would just get a Noveske NSR.. lol I had a different version of the hand guard he wanted anyway.. so no sale stolen.. and honestly at the end of the day.. the thing is just sitting.. I would rather have him get the right thing.. over convincing him to buy something just because I have one to sell.. lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lalo 13 Posted March 6, 2015 +1 on the Troy Alpha or Bravo that use the standard barrel nut, I have one of each. If you're going to upgrade the handguard, upgrade to a free float. These rails offer the easiest solution without having to remove the gas block. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 6, 2015 Not to steal Vlads sale, but why switch from the MOE Handguards. They'll do everything you need for a "no frills" gun. Save your $$ and put it towards the new riflegun, training, ammo, etc... I have so much money burning a hole in my pocket right now that I dont know what to do with it......oh wait....no I dont. Haha, this is a result of the problem of working 60 hour weeks and just sitting there looking at stuff to spend money on all night. But alas, you are right. Why bother with a no frills gun. If I get keyboard happy and order an Alpha tonight I will let you know Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 10, 2015 After much agonizing debate in my head I finally purchased the Troy/Vtac Alpha. Just visually prefer the slotted over the round holes for some reason. But basically maintains the same functionality. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted March 11, 2015 You have an angle grinder and a dremel? I used this video to help me through it. Took about 1/2 hour (except for waiting for the paint to dry). Go to Harbor Freight and get some hi-temp BBQ or engine manifold spray paint. A cold blue pen from Brownell's is good to use too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 11, 2015 Yeah I can use stuff from the FD. I already have cold blue, just need to get some high temp paint. I chopped off the bayonet lug myself when the upper came from BCM so I am comfortable chopping the A2 post. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 11, 2015 i did mine with JUST a dremel.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
effd27145 0 Posted March 12, 2015 Yeah its not too much work at all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted March 12, 2015 i did mine with JUST a dremel.. Absolutely. I didn't have any of the right wheels for the Dremel at the time I did it, but I had the AG so I went with that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
