Need help selecting AR-15 forend

[Taylor Jarrell]

I recently got my tax return and like most everyone else on here I plan on putting some of it back into my firearms. Im pretty much dead set on an Aero Precision forend, however I have a WW-15 flat top from Windham Weoponry, but from my measurements the forend is 6.5". I have not been able to find any in that length from Aero or any other major manufacturer. I'm new to AR building/upgrading so any help from some of the much wiser members on here would be much appreciated. (I wouldn't be against changing it to a mid length, however I have no gunsmith nearby and I worry such a change could hinder reliability seeing as how I currently only own one AR I don't have the luxury of a target and patrol rifle just yet.

 

[greyling22]

usually people replace the gas block with a low profile gas block and run a handguard that is much longer than the original handguard length. If I was sticking with Aero, I'd get the atlas handguard in 12 or 15 inches. But before that, I'd absolutly buy this alg rail https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v0-e.html and then a low profile gas block like this one https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...blocks/ar-15-gas-block-nitride-prod97633.aspx or anything of similar design.

working on ar ar15 is stupid easy. hopefully you already have a bench vice in your shop and a few hand tools. if not, do you have a buddy who does?

 

[Taylor Jarrell]

I have a bench with a vise I just need to get a block to fit the AR. As for the hand tools as long as it's not a super specilized tool I should either have it or I have a generous neighbor who would.

 

[Schlegel]

No reason to change gas length unless you just want a different barrel anyway. I have an Atlas S-1 and it's quite comfortable to hold, lighter than the Quantum. But since it's got a smaller ID, I'm not sure if any adjustable gas blocks would fit under it. If that matters to you at all.

 

[greyling22]

if you have a flat top upper you can pad the jaws with an old belt or something, take the upper off the lower, turn it 90 degrees and clamp it sideways in the vice. you might need to give the barrel a slight upward angle if you have a small vice to get a solid hold on the non-picatinny railed side of the upper. It grips tight enough that you don't need a special block. if you know somebody with an armorers wrench (https://cdn.veriforcetactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/AR-15-M4-Armorers-Wrench-WRENCH.jpg) , see if you can borrow it. it's the best option. if not, read on.
The only thing you might need is an ar15 barrel nut wrench to get the old barrel nut off. if you're not going to re-use it, you can use a Strap wrench, large Channel Locks, a monkey wrench etc to get it off. The new handguard will come with it's own nut, and most of them install with typical tools, or are supplied with the tools you need. The other place you might get stuck is removing the flash hider. it is held on with a crush washer and takes a pretty good twist to get it off. clamp the upper, then try to get it off. The problem is that the wrench flats are pretty narrow. most open end box wrenches are too thick to get on it properly. You might be able to get it off with padded channel locks, or by running a rod through the slots of the flash hider and twisting those...... I eventually bought one of these (see attached image) cheap wrenches off ebay for like $7. the circled red part is for the flash hider, and the big opening on the end with the 3 nubbins sticking in is for tightening or removing the castle nut witch holds of the stock on. You can manage that with a punch or padded channel locks, but you will most likely just booger it up.

 

[armoredman]

I have this Aero tube, not sure what model it is, (was donated), but it works just great for me.

 

[Demi-human]

I have an Adams Arms rifle with a railed gas block. I removed the huge plastic Glacier grip and installed a Samson Nine EX free float rail. (Mine is a midlength piston.) The rail has a cut out for the block rail or front sight post. Very nice fore arm.
I did not need to remove the gas block to install it. Huge selling point. I cut the rings and spring off my rifle. It was faster and did not change any barrel torque.

I also endorse the Areo products. Very well made. My sets came a gorgeous grey black. Black, but different than my other rifles, beautiful. I like the girth of the Enhanced forearms, perfect size. @armoredman 's is a Quantum. I am about to try an S-one on a lighter weight "Forest Rifle" assembly.
I also like the side installation screws. Both mine went on tight and straight with little effort. The Sampson needed a bit more finesse.
A straight edge helps with install too.
Two pieces of wood with a three quarter inch vee cut into them, or a hole drilled through then cut in half, will make a barrel block for removing a muzzle brake. Without putting the upper in the vice.

 

[armoredman]

Ah, thank you, did not know that. I am very fond of it.