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1/14/2008 5:18:58 PM EDT
I've had a Bushmaster for about two years now and would like to start getting some nice parts on it. It's a flat top model with an 11.5 inch barrel w/ 5.5 inch flash hider.

I have been told that in order to get a railed hand guard on my gun, I'm going to need to get a new barrel because my flash hider is fixed. Is that true?

In short, I would like a continual + railed hand guard, as well as to eliminate my front A Post.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.
1/14/2008 5:38:10 PM EDT
[#1]

Quoted:
I've had a Bushmaster for about two years now and would like to start getting some nice parts on it. It's a flat top model with an 11.5 inch barrel w/ 5.5 inch flash hider.

I have been told that in order to get a railed hand guard on my gun, I'm going to need to get a new barrel because my flash hider is fixed. Is that true?

In short, I would like a continual + railed hand guard, as well as to eliminate my front A Post.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.


No, it isn't true. There are plenty of hand guards that don't require you to remove the barrel, FSB etc. Check out TROY, Samson, Midwest Ind. All nice and they don't cost a fortune or require significant gunsmithing.

Just a dremel, 30 minutes and some guts. taking a dremil to your rifle is a bit nerve wrecking
1/14/2008 5:56:37 PM EDT
[#2]
check out this thread for some of the FF/railed HGs being offered:

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=172238

if its got a 11.5" bbl w/ a 5.5in FH, the FH is permenantly attached

so, your options are kinda limited to:

get a smith to remove the FH; dremel off the FSB and replace it w/ a clamp on gas block (probably the best option if you want to keep your current bbl); replace your bbl (my recommendation and option b/c its probably less work)

so, if i understand you correctly, you want a full length rail and low pro gas block, correct?

in this case, it can be pretty easy, or pretty complicatied:

check this link out, it will detail info on disassembly of your upper, installing FF tubes, and cutting down your FSB to make it low-prowww.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

1/15/2008 6:34:13 AM EDT
[#3]
I think I'll go with a new barrel.

This rifle will be for a mix of HD and target shooting.

How are the Bushmaster 16 inch barrels?
1/15/2008 6:37:41 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
I think I'll go with a new barrel.

This rifle will be for a mix of HD and target shooting.

How are the Bushmaster 16 inch barrels?


Much better than the 11.5" barrels!

The short barrel/flash hider looks cool, but it costs you a lot of round velocity without gaining any of the advantages of a short barrel.  They are fun blasters, but get a 16" barrel for HD.

My two cents.
1/16/2008 11:08:53 AM EDT
[#5]
There's no way to replace the front sight with a clamp on gas block unit without removing the permanent flash hider right?
1/16/2008 11:25:40 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
There's no way to replace the front sight with a clamp on gas block unit without removing the permanent flash hider right?


Sure.  You have to cut it in half at the 3 and 9 o'clock postions.  Use something like a dremel cutoff wheel.  Just be careful not to dremel the barrel too much.
You should also keep in mind that you will have to replace it with a two piece gas block.

If you are going to put on a two piece rail system, and intend to make it longer than your gas system (i.e. put a mid-length rail on a carbine gas system), you can always just chop off the front sight and grind it down to fit under the rail you choose.  Saves the cost of a new gas block, and in reality probably works better because of the taper pins versus the clamp on.
1/16/2008 11:31:33 AM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

I liked the Daniel Defense Omega, but they only offer it in a 7 inch model.

I need a 9 inch if I'm going to cover up the front sight, right?

Any suggestions on a two piece unit, that I could install myself?

Thanks again.
1/16/2008 11:36:59 AM EDT
[#8]
Troy has you covered<<<<link
1/16/2008 11:43:12 AM EDT
[#9]
http://www.troyind.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=45

Like that one? 9 inches right?
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