MOE-SL on BCM Midlength [Archive] - M4Carbine.net Forums

Sanford02

02-23-16, 16:59

Not sure if this should be in tech or general....but here goes.

I love the carbine length MOE-SL hand guards that I have, and now I want to put the mid length version on my BCM mid length rifle. Of course the problem is that I have the triangle rather that the round retaining cap. Am I an idiot if I want to swap out the triangle with a round retaining cap while keeping the fixed front sight? I know I will screw it up, so I will have the work done by a trusted professional, but I worry about unknown risks, and whether or not it’s worth the effort.

Any thoughts?

titsonritz

02-23-16, 17:10

If you want the SL it is worth it assuming you do not have a 14.5" barrel with a pinned MD. It really isn't that difficult to do if you want to give it a shot or you could just wait for the new BCM handguard to come out.

Sanford02

02-23-16, 17:17

I have a 16" barrel with removable MD. What's the new BCM hand guard you mentioned?

adh

02-23-16, 17:18

just wait for the new BCM handguard to come out.

Do this

adh

02-23-16, 17:19

I have a 16" barrel with removable MD. What's the new BCM hand guard you mentioned?

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?179436-Bravo-Company-USA-SHOT-201-by-SMGLee

ETA this https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?180796-New-BCM-Stock-and-handguard-is-on-their-new-site

Alpine2k3

02-23-16, 17:19

Should be a rather easy job. I can't think of any risks for swapping caps. I would check its zero after the job is done.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sanford02

02-23-16, 17:27

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?179436-Bravo-Company-USA-SHOT-201-by-SMGLee

ETA this https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?180796-New-BCM-Stock-and-handguard-is-on-their-new-site

It looks like it's only available in keymod? I'm wanting M-Lok...hence the MOE-SL

GH41

02-23-16, 17:39

It looks like it's only available in keymod? I'm wanting M-Lok...hence the MOE-SL

Why? Are you already invested in M-Lok or did you drink the coolaid?

Sanford02

02-23-16, 17:45

Why? Are you already invested in M-Lok or did you drink the coolaid?

You may have noticed in the OP that I mentioned my carbine length MOE-SL hand guards....so yes, I am already invested in M-Lok. But even if I wasn't, I still get to have my own personal preferences.

zackmars

02-23-16, 17:59

Get the moe mlok version.

Its not worth the trouble (in my opinion) to remove the muzzle device, gas block, and gas tube just to use a different type of "drop in" handgaurd.

mack7.62

02-23-16, 19:13

Done it. Worth it.

Sanford02

02-23-16, 19:18

Done it. Worth it.

Thanks...good to hear from someone who has done it. I understand how all the parts go together, but I don't really have the tools (or skills) to feel confident that I won't screw something up. I'm mostly concerned about reassembly....making sure everything gets back on nice and snug.

What should I keep a look out for? any common pitfalls?

adh

02-23-16, 19:38

Thanks...good to hear from someone who has done it. I understand how all the parts go together, but I don't really have the tools (or skills) to feel confident that I won't screw something up. I'm mostly concerned about reassembly....making sure everything gets back on nice and snug.

What should I keep a look out for? any common pitfalls?

It's easier than you'd think....most common problem I've seen are folks trying to torque the barrel nut too much and sheering off teeth on the barrel nut.
BUT, you only want to do it with the correct tools.

ETA: I missed the fact that you were already invested in M-lok in my previous post....you wont see BCM investing in M-lok any time in the near future from what I understand

Sanford02

02-23-16, 19:45

It's easier than you'd think....most common problem I've seen are folks trying to torque the barrel nut too much and sheering off teeth on the barrel nut.
BUT, you only want to do it with the correct tools.

ETA: I missed the fact that you were already invested in M-lok in my previous post....you wont see BCM investing in M-lok any time in the near future from what I understand

I appreciate you pointing out other options. I'm not sure how I missed the new BCM stuff.

I struggle with the absurdity of taking off the gas tube, front sight and MD only to accommodate a polymer "drop-in" hand guard....but dang I really like the MOE-SL.

MistWolf

02-23-16, 20:15

I struggle with the absurdity of not getting what I want for my money, time and effort.

I like the Slimline handguards and I would most certainly swap or modify the cap so they'll fit. The Slimlines are longer than other handguards and cover the gas block. They have slots (Mlok) making it easier to attach something without having to buy a special adaptor and if you don't want to make something yourself, you can buy a mount. They also work great protecting the shooter when the barrel and gas block are hot enough to brand cattle.

If you're in the Salt Lake area, I'll even help you

masenomics

02-23-16, 21:09

Whatever you do don't over torque your muzzle device, ask me how I know haha.

modelbuilder56

02-23-16, 22:20

The hardest part is removing the FSP taper pins, I had to have my neighbor who is a gunsmith do that for me and the rest is easy. I like the diameter of the SL hand guards and the extra length .
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn178/modelbuilder56/apollo/DSC03785_zpsrzsyfir0.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/modelbuilder56/media/apollo/DSC03785_zpsrzsyfir0.jpg.html)

scooter22

02-23-16, 22:26

titsonritz

02-24-16, 00:52

It's easier than you'd think....most common problem I've seen are folks trying to torque the barrel nut too much and sheering off teeth on the barrel nut.

No need to do anything with the barrel nut. You will need to remove the MD, simple process (lefty loosey, righty tighty). Knock out the taper holding the FSP and remove the FSP. Remove the triangle handguard end cap an replace with the proper barrel diameter round endcap. Reinstall FSP, confirm no drag on the bolt carrier and gas tube, reinstall the MD with a new crush washer. Install the SL handguard. Go shooting.

Iraqgunz

02-24-16, 02:47

Somewhere there is a thread where I discuss how I remove the FSB pins. It's been about 95% effective thus far.

titsonritz

02-24-16, 11:46

Iraqgunz describes his method in this thread (post#7): Remove and reinstall front sight? (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?172822-Remove-and-reinstall-front-sight&highlight=taper) It works beautifully.

Somewhere there is a thread where I discuss how I remove the FSB pins. It's been about 95% effective thus far.

Sanford02

02-24-16, 12:10

Ryno12

02-24-16, 12:13

Here's a thread from Paul (BCM) himself stating the process they use.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showpost.php?p=500119

adh

02-24-16, 17:29

No need to do anything with the barrel nut. You will need to remove the MD, simple process (lefty loosey, righty tighty). Knock out the taper holding the FSP and remove the FSP. Remove the triangle handguard end cap an replace with the proper barrel diameter round endcap. Reinstall FSP, confirm no drag on the bolt carrier and gas tube, reinstall the MD with a new crush washer. Install the SL handguard. Go shooting.

typing faster than my brain was working....just started thinking about breaking down an upper entirely or building one up and not the specifics at hand.

This tool and the proper punch
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/sight-tools/ar-15-front-sight-bench-block-prod20727.aspx

titsonritz

02-25-16, 21:10

typing faster than my brain was working....just started thinking about breaking down an upper entirely or building one up and not the specifics at hand.

This tool and the proper punch
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/sight-tools/ar-15-front-sight-bench-block-prod20727.aspx
I took IG's advice and got one of these instead:
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/barrel-tools/scg-ar-15-m16-accu-grip-barrel-vise-jaws-prod12799.aspx

Sanford02

02-26-16, 12:09

Thanks for all the info. I just got the MOE-SL delivered yesterday, so I'll be swapping out the retaining cap soon.

titsonritz

02-26-16, 15:33

Thanks for all the info. I just got the MOE-SL delivered yesterday, so I'll be swapping out the retaining cap soon.

Just keep in mind there are .625" and .75" caps (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ar15-parts-barrel-s/90.htm), be sure to get the correct size for your barrel.