Archived Posts » 60,595,333
Swapping out handguards for a free float rail.
3/27/2012 9:29:40 PM
Ok, I think I have this process down, but would like some more experienced guys to check my list.
I have a middy with 16in barrel with standard front sight base and MOE handguards.
1. To replace that set up with a free float rail (looking at the samson evo) I would need at least an 11 in tube to cover the gas block.
2. I could buy any standard low profile gas block (such as the Daniel Defense) and it should be a simple swap.
3. I would have to remove the delta ring, which I could either cut off (carefully), or remove the barrel (which would require a wrench)
4. If I decided to remove the barrel (the most likely choice) could I use wood as a vice block to hold the receiver?
If I am way off here please let me know. I realize that cutting the delta ring isn't a great idea, but I have access to a good many tools to do it well but no barrel wrench.
I have a middy with 16in barrel with standard front sight base and MOE handguards.
1. To replace that set up with a free float rail (looking at the samson evo) I would need at least an 11 in tube to cover the gas block.
2. I could buy any standard low profile gas block (such as the Daniel Defense) and it should be a simple swap.
3. I would have to remove the delta ring, which I could either cut off (carefully), or remove the barrel (which would require a wrench)
4. If I decided to remove the barrel (the most likely choice) could I use wood as a vice block to hold the receiver?
If I am way off here please let me know. I realize that cutting the delta ring isn't a great idea, but I have access to a good many tools to do it well but no barrel wrench.
3/27/2012 9:45:08 PM
Depending on what rail system you choose you may have to change the barrel nut.
If you get a rail system that uses the stock barrel nut there is nothing wrong with cutting the delta ring. It literally takes about a minute.
I wouldn't use wood as a vise block...Especially if you don't even have a barrel nut wrench.
If you get a rail system that uses the stock barrel nut there is nothing wrong with cutting the delta ring. It literally takes about a minute.
I wouldn't use wood as a vise block...Especially if you don't even have a barrel nut wrench.
3/27/2012 10:18:53 PM
Topic Moved
3/27/2012 10:45:39 PM
If you have a standard front sight base do not waste your money buying a low-profile gas block. You can just as easily cut yours down to fit under the tube and yours will be stronger and better than any low-profile you can buy.
Sure, it's a simple thing to cut the delta ring off. But there is no need. Take the money you saved by not buying a low-profile gas block and buy yourself a good barrel nut wrench like this one....here.
That wrench will pay for itself over time. It's a very good tool you can use over and over.
Now take the rest of the money you saved and buy yourself a receiver block kit like this one here.
Once again, you will be able to use this over and over for life. I think everybody that owns an AR should have one.
You do not have to remove your barrel. Put your upper in the vice block after that you can clamp it down in a vice. Now remove your barrel nut and delta ring. The barrel should stay in the upper. They won't just fall out. Once you get the delta ring out of the way you can put a little grease on the threads and replace the barrel nut.
Oh, and I almost forgot, you really need some good roll-pin punches too. For gas tube removal and other things. I use these here and they really work well.
You can always ignore this all together by simply removing your handguards and cutting down your front sight base while it's still on the barrel. Following that you can indeed cut your delta ring off.
But I promise you if you spend the money to get these tools you will not regret it. They will make any subsequent work on your AR much more enjoyable. I take shit apart just for the fun of it.
Hope this helps.
Sure, it's a simple thing to cut the delta ring off. But there is no need. Take the money you saved by not buying a low-profile gas block and buy yourself a good barrel nut wrench like this one....here.
That wrench will pay for itself over time. It's a very good tool you can use over and over.
Now take the rest of the money you saved and buy yourself a receiver block kit like this one here.
Once again, you will be able to use this over and over for life. I think everybody that owns an AR should have one.
You do not have to remove your barrel. Put your upper in the vice block after that you can clamp it down in a vice. Now remove your barrel nut and delta ring. The barrel should stay in the upper. They won't just fall out. Once you get the delta ring out of the way you can put a little grease on the threads and replace the barrel nut.
Oh, and I almost forgot, you really need some good roll-pin punches too. For gas tube removal and other things. I use these here and they really work well.
You can always ignore this all together by simply removing your handguards and cutting down your front sight base while it's still on the barrel. Following that you can indeed cut your delta ring off.
But I promise you if you spend the money to get these tools you will not regret it. They will make any subsequent work on your AR much more enjoyable. I take shit apart just for the fun of it.
Hope this helps.
3/27/2012 11:08:02 PM
The reason I ask about wood as a possibility is because I have access to a full wood shop with various types of woods to use. My dad is very into wood working and making interesting things, he already made me a lower vice block. I'm not to sure about spending that much money on it, I might just have to check out the hometown forum and see if anyone has a vice block and wrench I can borrow.
3/28/2012 6:02:09 PM
What part of the country are you in? i have a upper block and a barrel wrench in my shop you can use.
3/28/2012 6:14:11 PM
Originally Posted By archer23:
The reason I ask about wood as a possibility is because I have access to a full wood shop with various types of woods to use. My dad is very into wood working and making interesting things, he already made me a lower vice block. I'm not to sure about spending that much money on it, I might just have to check out the hometown forum and see if anyone has a vice block and wrench I can borrow.
The reason I ask about wood as a possibility is because I have access to a full wood shop with various types of woods to use. My dad is very into wood working and making interesting things, he already made me a lower vice block. I'm not to sure about spending that much money on it, I might just have to check out the hometown forum and see if anyone has a vice block and wrench I can borrow.
Over the years I've seen a few threads by posters who managed to squish the upper by accident using something other than the right vice block. I would recommend borrowing. You risk binding the bcg or completely ruining the upper for something another member will probably loan you for a six pack.
If that doesn't work then you could always sell the tools when you're done.
But I believe the Evolution rail uses the stock barrel nut so that will save you the trouble of trying to find the tools.
