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Handguard Install

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RobertH:
i don't like the A2 front sights, so all of my barrels are "free floating".  the have a lo profile gas block with a free float handguard over it.  getting out tapered pins can be a pain.  that's why i just buy a barrel, gas block and tube.  but then again, i assemble AR's, i don't buy off the shelf.

Silver:
So I manned up and bought the tools.  Those pins are indeed a damn pain.

I ended up floating both the AR-10 and AR-15 as well as putting in Geissele triggers in both (AR-10 SSAE, AR-15 SSA)

I've got everything installed and took the rifles to the range.  The Colt AR-15 was a champ.  The S&W AR-10, not so much.

I've had problems with FTF on it before but drowning it in oil and giving it a good cleaning seemed to fix the problem.

After the handguard swap which included a new low profile gas block, it decided to go into blot action mode.  I used 5 different round types (fired 3 of each type) and none of them would feed the next round or only partially fed the next round (2 instances of this happening).

Reading up on the subject for the specific rifle, there was no consensus on the issue.  Some folks said just put on a bunch of oil.  Others said it's simply a matter of breaking it in with a couple hundred rounds (which is about where the rifle is right now.  Another group said that the port on the M&P 10 is significantly smaller port in the gas tube than other AR-10s. 

Their solution was to open up the port or install a new gas tube.  It seems that the M&P 10 gas tube is proprietary (a bit longer or shorter than the rest) but an Armalite carbine length gas tube is close enough.  So I installed one tonight and am anxious to get out and do a function check.

Got some questions on the use of the adjustable gas block but will start a new thread for that.

That said, I wanted to thank Shooter for the offer to help with the handguards.  Kind of glad I did it on my own because it's been a serious confidence builder though I missed out on the chance to meet another member.  Probably an indicator that I need to get my butt out to one of the meetups.

Waltherfan:
I took the easier way out. I bought an AR with a free floating handguard like I wanted. It cost more up front but I'd have basically paid for a handguard I didn't want and then bought a different one and either have it installed or do it myself.
Glad yours worked out.  :)

Silver:
I think I'm set on ARs for now but if I ever do buy another, I think I'm going to go the build it yourself route and get mostly what I want the first time around.

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