Out of the Box R-15 Mods with How-To Pics - Part 2
Mod Three addressed the pistol grip ergonomics. After researching grips, I decided on the Magpul Mission Adaptable (MIAD) full kit.

The kit comes with three sizes of grip inserts, the trigger guard and a storage compartment plug that holds three cartridges. I selected the biggest backstrap offered.
Other plugs are available to hold batteries or a bolt carrier. The cartridge plug is shown here with Winchester Ballistic Silvertips.

The MIAD preserves the factory grip angle, but the bottom angle is different.

Here is the bottom of both pistol grips with the MIAD plug removed.

The back view is shown below. The MIAD has a good crinkle texture.

To install this grip, you will need some simple tools. A long shaft Allen wrench is needed to remove the factory pistol grip. Before removal, note that the safety detent spring is held in place by the grip and can fly out if the grip is removed without regard for it.
In this picture, the spring has been captured and laid on the table, while the detent is still in its guide hole. It will fall out if the receiver is turned right side up.

Removing the trigger guard was the biggest chore. Of course, if you purchased the basic MIAD without the trigger guard, you will not need to remove the factor trigger guard.
Push the forward detent to release the forward end of the trigger guard and with a pin punch, carefully drive out the roll pin at the rear of the trigger guard. I read somewhere that the ears this pin fits in is the weakest part of the receiver and can be easily broken off. I made sure that area was well supported so the punch was acting on the pin and not the ears.
I don't have a stand for the rifle, so I found it more convenient to just separate the receivers so I would not have the barrel in the way.

Once you get everything apart, you can start assembly. Since the safety detent probably fell out, drop it back in the receiver pointed end first, then drop in the spring, set the pistol grip in place and secure it with the slot head screw supplied with the kit.
Finally, it looks like this:

The last mod I will discuss today is the Badger Tactical charging handle latch. This piece is fairly easy to install, too, although I did have to buy a 1/16” punch. To install, separate the receivers, drop out the bolt carrier and the charging handle. Working from the bottom side of the handle, drive out the 1/16” roll pin that secures the factory latch. Use care not to drive in the punch further than required or otherwise wallow out the handle’s tiny roll pin hole and be read to catch the flying spring.

Getting this back together is a little more difficult because the latch spring is fairly stout. However, once you do reassemble it, the handle will look like this:

More work is planned for this carbine in the future, so stay tuned for more on my factory R-15 build up.