Inexpensive M&P 15 free-float handguard reco

[ArgentFix]

My M&P 15 barrel gets hot quickly when I'm LARPing at my unstaffed roadside public range. After 30-60 rounds, the POI shifts and groups open up considerably beyond my skill level. I'm looking for an inexpensive free-float handguard to help minimize the shift when I'm shooting rested. I won't be mounting anything on the rail, this rifle is just for fun. Preferably something easy to install as I'm no mechanical genius. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[Shoresy]

My M&P 15 barrel gets hot quickly when I'm LARPing at my unstaffed roadside public range. After 30-60 rounds, the POI shifts and groups open up considerably beyond my skill level. I'm looking for an inexpensive free-float handguard to help minimize the shift when I'm shooting rested. I won't be mounting anything on the rail, this rifle is just for fun. Preferably something easy to install as I'm no mechanical genius. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

No idea about whether they still have any, the ALG EMR-0 series sounds like it would fit nicely (cheap, VERY no-frills, lightweight, and were getting closed out by ALG a bit ago... no idea if any remain).

[ArgentFix]

No idea about whether they still have any, the ALG EMR-0 series sounds like it would fit nicely (cheap, VERY no-frills, lightweight, and were getting closed out by ALG a bit ago... no idea if any remain).

The EMR V1X is on clearance. I don't care that it's M-LOK, but it appears to be a single piece. I'd rather not have to remove the gas block to install a handguard if that's possible.

https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-emr-v1x-m-lok.html

[WobblyPossum]

I don’t know of any inexpensive free-float handguards that use the stock barrel nut and don’t require filing down the gas block/front sight base. The Centurion Arms C4 meets all your requirements except being inexpensive. It’s a two piece system that uses the stock barrel nut and has cutouts for the front sight base.

[ArgentFix]

I don’t know of any inexpensive free-float handguards that use the stock barrel nut and don’t require filing down the gas block/front sight base. The Centurion Arms C4 meets all your requirements except being inexpensive. It’s a two piece system that uses the stock barrel nut and has cutouts for the front sight base.

They have some project overrun 9" rails for $184. Over my budget but tolerable if my options are limited.

https://centurionarms.com/rail-systems/c4-rail-9in-10in-with-no-front-qd-sockets-project-over-run/

I don't need the guard to extend beyond the front sight. Would this be easy to install?

[WobblyPossum]

They have some project overrun 9" rails for $184. Over my budget but tolerable if my options are limited.

https://centurionarms.com/rail-systems/c4-rail-9in-10in-with-no-front-qd-sockets-project-over-run/

I don't need the guard to extend beyond the front sight. Would this be easy to install?

I haven’t installed one myself. I believe the most difficult part would be cutting off the Delta Ring and the handguard retaining cap. There are a bunch of YouTube videos and instructions available online. It doesn’t look tough.

[theJanitor]

I haven’t installed one myself. I believe the most difficult part would be cutting off the Delta Ring and the handguard retaining cap. There are a bunch of YouTube videos and instructions available online. It doesn’t look tough.

You could also disassemble the front sight, and delta/nut assembly and reinstall, without cutting. The DD omega system leaves all that intact, including the delta ring and the handguard cap

[vcdgrips]

Edge of my lane

As someone who is not super mechanically inclined, I rejected free floating rails and went with something that snapped in using the delta ring by Midwest Industries

https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/product-p/mctar-17g2-blk.htm

Those and gloves have been the ticket for me to date.

[Mark D]

One option is a Troy Industries Delta Battlerail. It will fit around a traditional M4 front sight gas block, and is attached using the standard AR Delta ring and barrel nut. So no cutting is required. The rail may not fit the definition of inexpensive, but it will free float the barrel and they work well.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/troy-delta-rail-carbine-m-lok.html

ETA: the sling swivel needs to be removed. It's an easy job, just one roll pin, and the nubbin that holds the sling swivel and pin can remain in place.