Where are my M&P experts?

[GTOAviator]

Hey gang,

So I'll be popping my AR cherry tomorrow and picking up a new Smith&Wesson. I've decided to go with the new-ish M&P10 (311308), following my recent .308 love affair.

Here's my question. I've done a lot of reading and it seems that the only way to get a decent forward rail system onto the M&P10 is to upgrade to a freefloat handguard. According to this forum thread (M&P 10 barrel question - AR15.COM), Troy Industries makes a wicked handguard (13.8" Troy TRX-308 BattleRail|Rifle Upgrades|Gun Accessories|Troy Industries) which has been reported to fit the M&P10 perfectly.

Ok, here comes the "new to ARs" part - what else do I need to do? Will the Troy handguard simply fit, or do I need to buy and install a low profile gas block? Also the Troy comes with a new barrel nut, I'm assuming it fits on the M&P10, but do I even need it?

Thanks in advance!
-FlySafe

 

[800mZero]

From what I undertsand you will need to remove and replace the gas block with a lo-pro one, as well as remove the barrel as you need to use Troys barrel nut provided with the rail.

So you will need a set of 308 vice blocks, punches/mallet, and a combo wrench.

 

[Phezzik]

Make sure that you get the rail for the lo-profile dpms receiver height. Dpms did two receiver heights, and the M&P is modeled after the new lower height receiver rail. If you get one for the old height, the ris will sit too high for a flush mount. That all said I think you'll like the .308. Don't let it's looks fool you - it's a shooter for sure.