Midwest Industries AR-15 Handguards

[billt]

Here are a couple of my plain Jane Bushmasters I dolled up a bit with some new handguards from Midwest Industries, and a Vltor E-Mod Stock. The M-4 is a A-1 Model, and the rifle is a 20" A-2. Both have the non removable carry handle. The Midwest Industries Handguards are really nice. Being a machinist, I don't see how they can make them for the price they charge. When I opened the box I was greeted with flawless machining, and an all but perfect fit. While you don't really need it, I purchased the Tapco AR-15 Handguard Removal Tool. For $15.00 it was well worth it. It gives you plenty of leverage, and makes changing out the handguards a much easier job. The Tapco wrench is heavily rubber coated, and you will not mar the finish on your gun.

These handguards were perfectly machined, and while it was a very close fit, they went right on and were nice and tight and exhibited no movement after they were installed. They really are a nice improvement over the plastic factory handguards. As you can see, they also allow for much better cooling of the barrel and gas tube as well.

I really like the Vltor E-Mod Stock also. It adds a little extra weight to the weapon which helps it balance better, and it also give you almost a full inch added to the overall length of pull when compared to the factory stock supplied with the weapon. I have long arms so that really helped with stock fit and cheek weld. The picture below shows both guns before I installed the upgraded stock and handguards. (The A-2 is in the middle, and the M-4 is to the right of it). A really nice inexpensive improvement that was well worth it.

For anyone looking for AR-15 stocks and forends, check out Man Venture Outpost ManVenture Outpost - The Great Outdoors for Less! They have really good prices, along with good service, and very fast shipping. I ordered the items on Thursday afternoon, and they were delivered Saturday morning Fed Ex Ground. That is from Arlington, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona. They sent an E-Mail confirming shipping within a couple hours. Good people to deal with. They have a really good selection as well.

 

[Warbirds]

Do the two halves bolt together as well or are they held on just like the old plastic?

 

[billt]

Do the two halves bolt together as well or are they held on just like the old plastic?

They interlock together, but they are not screwed into each other. The machining on the halves is very tight, so you have to be a little patient during the install to make sure they line up with each other. Once they do they will slip right into place. It impressed me with how well they fit with only the Delta Ring spring compression holding them. I would not hesitate to mount a Laser or Red Dot on them. While it's not as tight as a threaded free floater, it's a nice tight fit.

Here is a video by Midwest Industries showing a detailed description of the installation process. It's really simple. Don't be afraid to attempt it.

 

[B2Tall]

If they're anything like their AK forgrips, they're outstanding. Pricey but worth it.

Any issues with the stock in pics 2 & 3??

 

[billt]

Any issues with the stock in pics 2 & 3??

None at all. It was very easy to install as well. It utilizes the same buffer tube as the factory original. You just pull down firmly on the adjustment pin, and the whole unit slides off. (It does help if you have someone hold the gun firmly while you do this). The Vltor E-Mod Stock installs the same way. Just slide it on to the buffer tube until it stops, pull the pin down, and slide it on. Once on you can adjust it the exact same way you did the original.

 

[Warbirds]

Question for you billt

Your handguards don't look like the same model, is your rifle a gen 1 and the carbine a gen 2?

I'm looking at the rifle length for my bushmaster and from your pics the rifle length is missing the section of rail above the handguard slip ring and the QD mount points.

If i'm right is the gen 2 worth the extra money?

 

[billt]

Question for you billt

Your handguards don't look like the same model, is your rifle a gen 1 and the carbine a gen 2?

I'm looking at the rifle length for my bushmaster and from your pics the rifle length is missing the section of rail above the handguard slip ring and the QD mount points.

If i'm right is the gen 2 worth the extra money?

Correct. The carbine model came in a plastic blister pack, and was a Generation 2. The rifle model came in a box and is a Generation 1.

RIFLE

Link Removed

CARBINE

Midwest Industries Generation 2 Forearm Black 4-Rail Handguard Carbine MCTAR-17 - ManVenture Outpost, LLC

After installing both I really don't see much difference between the two, other than the Delta Ring Bridge you mentioned. The Generation 1 rifle length was easier to install because you don't have the interlocking tabs. The tabs really aren't necessary because once you have them installed the spring force of the Delta Ring itself keeps both halves firmly seated against the gas block flange.

On the carbine model the Delta Ring bridge looks nice, but it is a very close fit to the carry handle. On my Bushmaster A-1 you can't see it too well in the photograph, but there is very little clearance between the two. It could be an issue because you have no adjustment in the installation. You are at the mercy of where the gas block was installed at the factory. I lucked out as mine was all but perfectly positioned. But if it were mounted, (the gas block), just another 1/32nd inch closer to the handle, I would have had clearance issues. In that regard I was glad when I opened the box to do the rifle installation, and found it didn't have the bridge. Of course if you have a removable carry handle you wouldn't have as much of an issue.

I deliberately tried to cause movement between both halves on the rifle model, and could not. It is a very solid installation once completed. I would recommend purchasing a Delta Ring Wrench to do the job because it makes things a whole lot easier. It was well worth the $15.00 I paid for it. I'm most likely going to get a couple more. I have a Colt 6920 Law Enforcement Carbine, and a Rock River Arms LAR-9, 9 MM Carbine I want to put them on.

I'm told the Colt's can be tricky, and have very close tolerances. Bravo Company sell these, and they list a separate model with a "C" suffix for Colt's. I don't know for sure, but I believe they have a bit more clearance built into them. They are a nice, inexpensive way to dress up a standard carbine or rifle with out going through the trouble of a free float installation.