Just suppose I want an A1 style handguard

[Huntchic]

I built one with a 16" barrel and used the JP adjustable that A5 number two suggested. I've also made one in 12" barrel without an adjustable block that i keep in the truck but switched it to a free float rail to give more room for forward hand space. I think I've seen some rail height ones that don't have the A style sight sticking up but cant remember where. Like was suggested earlier cut Dremel off and paint.

[Huntchic]

16" with JP adjustable block

[Huntchic]

Sorry Rickt, I guess i was late to the party. good luck on the build.

[rickt300]

Sorry Rickt, I guess i was late to the party. good luck on the build.

Well I haven't gotten around to doing it yet. The rifle has a free floating aluminum handgaurd and is shooting great. I got all the parts just haven't gotten out to the garage to put it together. Even if the hole in the endcap doesn't line up with the gas tube I will drill it so it does and am considering drilling another hole in the bottom of the end cap, drilling and tapping the gas block and using a small screw to make it more solid.

[Huntchic]

Well its no different than making a A1 in 5.56 with a delta ring and end cap really. Just a different caliber. The ones ive done folks wanted the removable style "carry handle" so they could run irons or scope. I don't care for the look of the removable Handle look. I like the 1 piece style like your picture. You can use irons or mount a dot on top of handle if wanted for a more heads up close in use but still have Irons. look forward to seeing your completed rifle.

[LRRPF52]

One thing to know about handguard caps for triangular handguards is that there were at least 2 types, differentiated by the OD of the gas block journal.

The M16/M16A1 used a .625” journal, whereas the A2 used a .750” journal. The A2 was also made with a triangular handguard cap, and the circular ribbed handguards still worked with that so they were cross-compatible.

M16/M16A1 handguard cap:



M16A2 handguard cap:

[rickt300]

One thing to know about handguard caps for triangular handguards is that there were at least 2 types, differentiated by the OD of the gas block journal.

The M16/M16A1 used a .625” journal, whereas the A2 used a .750” journal. The A2 was also made with a triangular handguard cap, and the circular ribbed handguards still worked with that so they were cross-compatible.

M16/M16A1 handguard cap:



M16A2 handguard cap:

Well heck I didn't know they were different and have a .625 barrel with a .750 cap. Oh well more to pad my collection of parts.