2 AR-15 style builds, question on gas block and standard handguard.

[jpitt916]

Hello, I'm in the middle of a couple of builds and I have a couple of questions that perhaps someone can help with.

Build 1:
APOC Armory 16" Patriot with pre-built upper assembly. I'm going to make this one featureless with the FRS-15. It's carbine length gas system, low profile gas block, free-float 12" handguard. JD Machine Lower.

Build 2:
Built from scratch, 18" 416R Melonite SOCOM Barrel - 5R Wylde from Integrity Arms, mid-length gas system, JD Machine upper and lower, BB 2.0 (or equivalent).

I also have a Knight's Armament drop in carbine length handguard and a CQD forward grip that I used during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and while I know a drop-in isn't as good as a free-float I want to use it for I guess pretty obvious reasons.

So here come the questions:
I am considering pulling off the 12" free-float handguard from the APOC and using it on the 18" build and using the drop-in on the 16". The forward grip will be on the 18".

Can a drop-in handguard work with a low profile gas block, and even if it can, should I pull the gas block and use a picatinny railed gas block? Or would I be forced to use a mil-spec front iron sight? If I can use a picatinny railed gas block, will the top of it be even with the top of my flat-top upper or do I need to look for a high-rise picatinny railed gas block? The final scenario here is to use the low-profile gas block (if possible) and mount the BUIS on the top of the hand guard.

For the 18" build, I'm intending it to be used for longer range and I don't know if I'll have BUIS on or just optics. If I did opt for BUIS, would there be any point in it since it would have to be mounted on top of the free-float handguard?

I have an idea as to some of the answers but not comprehensively. If this drop-in handguard is just ridiculous, I was considering the 12" NOXS Keymod Handguard..it looks really light and the 18" is going to be heavy enough without adding a heavier free-float handguard.

Thanks for helping out. I apologize, if this was supposed to be in the Gunsmithing & How To section, please let me know and I'll move it.

-Jon

[Kwikvette]

Pictures.

[CouchOperator]

Pictures.

+1.

[jpitt916]

I will definitely add pictures...as of now I have a bunch of squat. I had to return all my JD Machine stuff because I bought the lowers in 2013...as it turns out the takedown pins aren't lining up between uppers and lowers. I do have a couple...I'll edit this post shortly.

Here ya go, will be resized shortly:

[CouchOperator]

I will definitely add pictures...as of now I have a bunch of squat. I had to return all my JD Machine stuff because I bought the lowers in 2013...as it turns out the takedown pins aren't lining up between uppers and lowers. I do have a couple...I'll edit this post shortly.

Pics of takedown pins alignment. That sounds like piss poor QC.... Standard receivers?

[jpitt916]

Pics of takedown pins alignment. That sounds like piss poor QC.... Standard receivers?

I don't have those and can't get them at the moment. They said they will make it right, even if they have to give me two new lowers and cover the FFL/DROS cost for me. But yeah, I had pretty high expectations of quality from JD Machine and this doesn't please me in the least. Standard receivers.

[Kwikvette]

I'm a fan of the A2 front sight post with drop-in handguards.



Not required though; picture of the already installed gas block?

[jpitt916]

Pretty standard low profile block.

[jpitt916]

There is something to be said about the A2 front sight post.

[CouchOperator]

I say use the KAC rail and build a Block 1 similar to kwikvette. Or donate it to me so i can finish my block 1

I wud luv yu long thaime!

[jpitt916]

Lol thanks. No donations today!

[jpitt916]

I'm nothing if not sentimental.