Mod my LMT Defender 2000

Delis

Delis

CGN Regular
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Location
BC
Hi Guys

I was just curious if it was possible to change my handguard on my LMT defender 2000 to a free floating 13 inch keymod handguard? I wanted to bring it up to speed with the new handguards and I was hoping if some of the AR mod guys on here could give me some advice on which handguard would fit the best and what I would need for parts like gas block, Gas tubes etc for the best price?

This is my AR now.

 
If its keymod you fancy, I recommend the BCM KMR, the 13" ones can be had for under or around 300 bucks. That being said, you can do some research yourself through some of the site sponsors to see just which handguard you prefer and which will fit your budget.
Plus you'll need a low pro gas lock, but you can reuse the gas tube.
Other than that, depending on your mechanical aptitude you'll have to remove the A2 gas block, as well as the delta ring/barrel nut, and replace them with all the new parts. You'll also need all the specific tools to do the job properly.
 
Ok awesome Thank you for the advice. I was going to order the BROWNELLS - AR-15/M16 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT and I feel confident on my ability doing it my self and have read and watch a lot of videos but I just wasn't 100% sure what would work the best for my old girl.
 
Delis said:
Ok awesome Thank you for the advice. I was going to order the BROWNELLS - AR-15/M16 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT and I feel confident on my ability doing it my self and have read and watch a lot of videos but I just wasn't 100% sure what would work the best for my old girl.
Click to expand...

That should get you taken care of. As a word of caution regarding the upper receiver block, be careful how much torque you apply when removing or reinstalling the barrel nut. From time to time I've seen a few instances where the upper was slightly deformed around the thin metal of the ejection port.

With the proper tools, its actually a really simple process.
 
Just cut the front sight off to make the gas block low profile. I like the taper pins more than screw on. DD also makes some free float rails with a cutout for the sight.
 
b_w. said:
Just cut the front sight off to make the gas block low profile. I like the taper pins more than screw on. DD also makes some free float rails with a cutout for the sight.
Click to expand...

Seriously???
It's an LMT not a Norinco we're talking about here.
Its like someone saying they want to modify the exhaust on their Ferarri and your answer is to drill a few holes in the muffler.

You will first need to decide which accessory mounting system you want to go with.
The 2 systems are Keymod or M-Lok.

Besides the BROWNELLS - AR-15/M16 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT you will need a few more specialty tools if you want to do the job right and not damage your original LMT front sight.
AR-15 Front Sight Bench Block. This will help hold the front sight stable so that you can drift the tapered pins out.
A good set of punches
This tool is a good alternative to a benchblock and punches.
http://www.xringproducts.com/X_Ring_Products_EEIO.php

A Geissele reaction rod or the Magpul BEV Block.
This will hold the barrel from the receiver extension so that when you are removing and installing the flash hider, which is necessary to remove the front sight, you don't put pressure and break the barrel index pin. Don't ask me how I know this.
A bench vise.
Any specialty wrench your new handguard requires if a standard barrel nut is not used.
 
thump_rrr said:
Seriously???
It's an LMT not a Norinco we're talking about here.
Its like someone saying they want to modify the exhaust on their Ferarri and your answer is to drill a few holes in the muffler.

You will first need to decide which accessory mounting system you want to go with.
The 2 systems are Keymod or M-Lok.

Besides the BROWNELLS - AR-15/M16 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT you will need a few more specialty tools if you want to do the job right and not damage your original LMT front sight.
AR-15 Front Sight Bench Block. This will help hold the front sight stable so that you can drift the tapered pins out.
A good set of punches
This tool is a good alternative to a benchblock and punches.
http://www.xringproducts.com/X_Ring_Products_EEIO.php

A Geissele reaction rod or the Magpul BEV Block.
This will hold the barrel from the receiver extension so that when you are removing and installing the flash hider, which is necessary to remove the front sight, you don't put pressure and break the barrel index pin. Don't ask me how I know this.
A bench vise.
Any specialty wrench your new handguard requires if a standard barrel nut is not used.
Click to expand...

I modded 2 LMT by cutting the original FSP to install keynote kmr. Personally I prefer the taper pin of the original FSP vs screw that can loosen overtime. With a Drexel, a grinder, a buffer wheel and black BBQ paint you can do a very solid and good looking job. I'll take a taper pin over screw anytime!
 
GLOCK_PERFECTION said:
I modded 2 LMT by cutting the original FSP to install keynote kmr. Personally I prefer the taper pin of the original FSP vs screw that can loosen overtime. With a Drexel, a grinder, a buffer wheel and black BBQ paint you can do a very solid and good looking job. I'll take a taper pin over screw anytime!
Click to expand...

TurboTapin said:
Cut your FSP... pinned is not "bubba". It's the best way to go.
Click to expand...
A pinned FSP is not Bubba'd but a cut FSP is.
Nowhere did I say to use a set screwed gas block even though I believe it will never move if done right.
There is a much smaller possibility that a low pro gas block move since no external forces can be placed on the gas block which resides below a handguard.
Noveske uses a straight pin and a set screw. It will never go anywhere and it's not Bubba'd.
If you want to go crazy you can pass a 2/0 taper reamer through it and install a taper pin.
Any gunsmith worth their salt can do it.
 
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Thank you Thump rrr and Phat Eagle for the advice and links. I really appreciate it! I will definitely not be cutting my front site and will be buying all the proper tools to do the job. I was going to go with BCM but CTC is out of stock :(
 
Phat Eagle said:
As stated, you'll need a low profile gas block... Don't bubba a nice rifle like your LMT by cutting the FSB down!!

I'm a big fan of the Midwest Industry KeyMod rails. BCM are very nice as well. Have fun!

CTCS have the MI here: https://ctcsupplies.ca/collections/...ies-ss-key-mod-one-piece-free-float-handguard
Click to expand...

I have a different opinion.

Cut the FSB down - a low profile gas block won't stay well unless it is pinned. This is because your barrel is not dimpled for the set screws , unless you use "clamp on" style gas block. You will always have some risk your new gas block and the existing gas port won't align as well as the original FSB. Why screw with success?

It is almost impossible to use the existing pin recesses on your barrel for a new gas block. Pretty much you will need a gunsmith to drill a new hole to pin the block.

If you are going to take this to a smith, may as well get the smith to cut the FSB. Otherwise, you can use the dremel on your own and just paint the expose part with paint.

BTW, LMT uses straight pins, not taper pins.
 
Thank you Greentips for the advice. Would you have any idea who has 13" BCM handguard in stock anywhere in Canada?
 
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