Hey guys!

I have not purchased anything yet as I am deployed at the moment but I will be assembling my first AR when I get back (couple of months). I would like to build a rifle that is similar to an M4 SOPMOD Block II - in terms of color and design, not necessarily exact NSN matches or parts. My question right now is if I bought this BCM complete upper, would I be able to swap out the SSK handguard with one similar, just in the FDE color? How simple would this be? What, if any, tools would I need?

I hope this isn't a dumb question and that it is in the correct area. If it is not, please point me to where it needs to be Thank you for your time!

-Hobo

Yes you can. Midwest Industries has a proprietary barrel nut but should come off easily. After that your home free.

Thank you for the response!

So I could purchase a similar KeyMod rail - just in FDE, and swap it out with no special tools?

I think Midwest sells that rail in FDE but to answer your question you really need just a barrel nut wrench which are $10-15. Some other brands of rails will have a proprietary barrel nut or sometimes use a standard mill spec barrel nut so just read the description. Oh you may also need a torque wrench to make sure you get proper torque on the barrel nut. I got one from harbor freight for like $20. If you need help with anything shoot me an email: [email protected]

Appreciate it! I'll keep an eye out. It would probably be beneficial to have those tools handy anyways so I may pick up a set. I don't mind buying some AR specific tools either, I just don't want to have to go out and drop $1k on tools just for one job

not sure of your situation but i wouldnt buy an upper to swap rails. if it was me i would just buy the upper i want or parts that i want,,,

Heck no I would'nt either. I've built all my AR's with these tools:  
upper and lower receiver vise block -$25
Rolls pin punches-$20
Regular or brass punches-$10-20
Hammer (brass and polymer)-$5
AR15 armorers wrench-$20 ( with barrel nut wrench)
Torque wrench-$20
 *optional: if you install a barrel I recommend checking the head spacing using headspace gauges. They're about $30 a piece ( only need 2) but worth it if doing multiple builds. More then likely if you stick with mill spec parts and tighten barrel nut to proper specs (30-80 ft/lbs) you should'nt need them.

It sounds like you like the rail but want to change colors, if so I'd just send that rail off to be coated. Taking it off is a snap and the barrel nut will stay on. I think that rail comes loose with nothing but a hex key.

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a lot of rails use a specific barrel nut and most come with the tool you will need to install them

OP - are you just referring to buying another SSK in FDE?

If so - you just need to loosen the two hex bolts at the bottom of the rail near the receiver then you can slide the handguard off, slide the FDE version on, and tighten. You can probably sell the black one with the new barrel nut on the EE to recoup most of your costs.