An AR15 Handguard replacement can be easy or a little more complicated. You may have read some of our previous posts about our AR15 6.5 Grendel Hog Hunting Rifle and the 223 Wylde upper receiver projects. Both of those projects began with a Smith & Wesson (S&W) AR15 Sport rifle. We have upgraded the trigger, changed the stock and forend, and built new complete upper receiver assemblies.
The original upper receiver remained pretty much unchanged because of the front post sight assembly makes upgrades more difficult than just adding a new complete upper receiver. I did replace the factory handguard but it was still only 7 inches long. I recently mounted a Leupold Patrol 1.25-4 scope on the old receiver and at lower power, the front sight post obstructed the view through the scope.
Our ODHA resident predator hunting expert, Doug Graham, is not only an outstanding hunter but also builds his own AR15 hunting rifles. When I decided that the old factory upper assembly from the S&W Sport should also be updated with a new handguard assembly, he was more than willing to help. I wanted to remove the tall front sight post and add a slim M-Lok handguard. The 16″ factory S&W barrel is a tack driver so I wanted to hang on to it.
Doug was nice enough to take on my project and it turned out great. I thought I would give you a rundown of the project. I am sure many of you have thought about doing this same project yourself.
Parts for the AR15 Handguard Replacement
I did not want to put a lot of money into this AR15 handguard replacement project but wanted a good finished product. There are many brands of parts to choose from for AR15 rifles, but as of June 2020, many of the parts seems to be a very limited supply.
After looking at available options, I selected a Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Custom Series Cross-Cut Lightweight 13.5″ MLOK Partial Picatinny Handguard. I used this handguard with my first 6.5 Grendel upgrade and it is a high quality, lightweight handguard with mounting hardware for $99. Scroll to the bottom of the post for a complete description.
Doug said he would also need a new low profile gas block and gas tube for the project and recommended the CMMG Low Profile .750″ Gas Block Assembly and gas tube. This project required a carbine length gas tube. The cost of the gas block and tube was $50. All of the parts were available from Palmetto State Armory and we received them within four days after the order. Thanks to PSA for speedy service.
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Removal of AR15 Barrel and Front Sight Post
My dad once told me that most projects are not too hard if you have the right tools and the right person doing the job. First I did not have the tools and second only limited experience. Fortunately, I do know the right person with all the tools. I dropped everything off with Doug’s place he made it look easy. Here are a few photos of the process.
The hardest part of the task was removing the front sight post which is also the gas block for the factory rifle. The sight is staked in with two pins that are difficult to remove without the proper jig to hold it in place while the pins are driven out. After the flash suppressor is removed, the old sight and gas tube can be slipped off the barrel and barrel nut unscrewed.
Doug then removed the barrel and cleaned it and the upper receiver before replacing the barrel and torquing it down with the new barrel nut supplied with the PSA handguard. After the barrel nut is tight and properly aligned, the gas block and gas tube can be installed. The last things to be done were to replace the flash suppressor and attach the handguard with the provided hardware.
I now have a new slim handguard that feels great and more comfortable to shoot. It has plenty of slots for adding rails for accessories, sling swivel holes, and a Picatinny rail on top to add iron sight if I choose. The center top portion of the handguard has no rail on top. It is comfortable and easy to wrap your thumb over the top for better control during rapid fire. I also have a place to attach an Arca-Swiss dovetail mount on the bottom of the handguard to use with my tripod for varmint hunting.
I like the feel of the new slim PSA handguard and the old front sight post is gone so it is not blocking the bottom of my sight picture when my Leupold VX-R 1.25-4 riflescope is turned down to 1.25 power. I highly recommend Palmetto State Armory parts and accessories. Excellent quality, very good prices, and quick delivery.
Parts Descriptions
Palmetto State Armory now offers the new PSA Custom Series Cross-Cut Lightweight 13.5″ MLOK Partial Picatinny Handguard. Built from durable aircraft-grade aluminum. They have removed all the excess weight that will slow you down while retaining structural integrity. For weight reduction, the full-length 12 o’clock Picatinny rail has been replaced with front and rear Picatinny sections with M-Lok compatible slots for the remaining portion of the top. The 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions have M-Lok compatible slits for additional accessory options. This handguard also includes an innovative anti-slip and anti-rotation design that is integrated into the unit, keeping the handguard tight and stable. The PSA Custom Series Cross-Cut Lightweight 13.5″ MLOK Partial Picatinny Handguard is hard coat anodized for corrosion resistance and is made in America and backed by Palmetto State Armory’s Lifetime Warranty.
**Includes Barrel Nut & Hardware
