If you want to get rid of the FSB you have a couple of options. Replace it with a flip up sight integrated into the gas block. Vltor, GGG, YHM, and a few others each make one but they run from $100-$200+. You don't need to go to a piston stup to eliminate the FSB.

You can also cut down the standard FSB (or replace it with a low profile one) then change the MOE handguard to a free float hand guard and add any flip up you like. Troy makes an Alpha rail with the sight integrated into it too.

You're going to drop some coin any way you go. I use a 12" rail with MOE flip up but wouldn't baulk at using a red dot co-witnessed with standard FSB, some folks prefer them.

As for lighting: I'd get the MOE kit because you can use a pistol light or mount a handheld just about anywhere on the handguard. A Surefire G2X can be had for around $65 with a momentary switch I believe.


Rifle layout is a matter of personal preference but if you don't know what you like then spend as little as possible without sacrificing reliability to establish a baseline. Having he benefit of hindsight, I would just keep it simple and buy the light kit, Aimpoint, then practice running the rifle well.