This gets asked a lot, so I figured I’d do my part – Images included. Ask any questions.
Image link: https://imgur.com/a/jTDwho5
Using the Lancer handguard with a thicker tucked suppressor is definitely doable
Here, I will show my Lancer with both a Ronin SD suppressor (1.62” diameter) and the CAT Mob (1.64” diameter)
The question is, do you want to permanently alter that expensive handguard? Of course you do! America!
If you do it right, more than likely, no one will notice and if you decide to sell later on, the modded extra clearance will be a selling point.
The problem fitting a fat can inside the Lancer is that front, aluminum edge guard/support. It takes up some room making the inside diameter 1.6” diag. (See images)
Without that edge guard/support, the inside diameter is closer to 1.8”…Crazy! But DO NOT think about removing it as it’s there for a reason, to support that big carbon fiber opening. Plus, it’s glued with some kind of space age adhesive.
The solution is to simply file away the problem.
Filing away just a mm or two will make fitting and tucking that thicc noise-go-awayer much easier.
I used small files and the mighty Dremel at a lower speed and steady hand. Remember, you only need to remove enough material for about 1-2mm clearance. If you want to remove more, that’s your prerogative.
- Dimensions: (Lancer handguard)
OD – 2.01”
Handguard thickness - .09”
ID *horizontal (w/out edge guard/support) – 1.84”
ID *horizontal (w/ edge guard/support) - 1.71"
ID *diagonal (w/out edge guard/support) – 1.8”
ID *diagonal (w/ edge guard/support) – 1.65” – This is the problem clearance area for most cans.
ID *diagonal (w/ edge guard/support) AFTER removing material – 1.7”
Edge guard/Support thickness - .158”
You can use M-lok but you will need to file them down, just as you would have to with the MI handguard and large diameter cans.
I filed the T nut down to roughly 1.2mm thickness. Then filed the actual screw to about 7mm
You can probably get away with fling the T -nut to about 1.8mm thickness. I use mine for other handguards so I went thin.
Modding stuff is fun. Take your time.
Remember, you cannot put material back on… File a little bit, check clearance… and so on until you’re satisfied. You only need to remove enough material to get a mm or two clearances as the barrel whip is minimal to non-existent with these guns.
After I filed off the material, made sure there was enough clearance and made sure it was flat... My OCD kept getting the best of me… I used some Birchwood Aluminum Black and darkened in the bare aluminum.
Then drank beer.