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Posted: 12/18/2009 6:40:22 PM EDT
| My Stag model 2's handguard is a little loose. Not much movement, but enough that any laser or optic would not stay on target. I'm pretty new to AR's and really don't know how to tighten this up. Is there an easy way to do this? Thanks for the help. |
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The is no reliable way to attach aiming devices to plastic handguards on an AR.
Flashlights and VFG's... OK. Aiming devices –– NO. I don't even trust an aiming device on a rail handguard bolted to the barrel nut. I guess a laser mounted to a rail, and used for 25 yards or less on large targets would be OK so long as you aren't expecting precision. Mounted on a plastic handguard, I would expect shot impacts to be all over the place. |
| You should not mount any optic over the handguard unless you have an actual monolithic upper. The reason you don't mount optics on/over the handgurard is for the reason you stated. Some handguards move a little and are not a stable mounting platform like the upper receiver and thus will not give you a repeatable dope. Plastic handguards are a thing of the past simply because they do not offer a very good mounting platform. At the very least you need a light source mounted if you are going to "use" your AR. Mount your optic on the receiver and you will be fine. |
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'"At the very least you need a light source mounted if you are going to "use" your AR. Mount your optic on the receiver"
Lights, Optics, next you will speak of Laser sights. My A1's, A2's, and carbines are very effective out to 200 yards and beyond and don't get dead batteries, perhaps not Tacticool or fancy but they work and work well, but then again I like KISS. I trained with it and worked with for years. My handguns and shotguns are effective as well without gadgets. Except for a decent scope on a rifle I try to avoid fancy gadgets. I do however admit a good red dot or holographic sight can do wonders in the right instance. My weapons worked and worked well with no problems and did so for many years, and perhaps unfortunately, I did have to "use" them as you put it. I agree that handguards are not stable enough to mount precision sighting systems on, because they all do move a bit, but disageee with the statement "Plastic handguards are a thing of the past simply because they do not offer a very good mounting platform." Plastic handguards are there as the name implies because the function of handguards is to keep you from burning your hands on a hot barrel as well as to to give you something to hold onto. They are by no means a thing of the past. Sadly there are many now that don't even know how to shoot iron sights, have no idea how good they are, and don't have the abiltiy, achieved through training and SHOOTING to learn how to use them. They are less a rifleman for it. This used to be "A Nation of Rifleman" as has been written and stated many times. It seems we are quickly losing that....Merry CHRISTmas to all....<><....:) |
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Sorry to bring up an old topic, but I have the same symptom, except that my "wobble" started when I switched from the stock plastic handguards to some aluminum MI rails. It is really noticeable if I try to use the vertical handgrip. But, even if I don't, there is still a wiggle. Is there anything that can be done short of free floating them? Mike F |
| Um i would try to pinpoint where the movement is taking place exactly. However, this is common with drop in rails. You may be able to wrap a little electrical tape very tight around the hand guards where the delta ring slides over. That may tighten it up a bit. I have a 2 piece drop in rail from doublestar. I have to speak very highly of it because it has NO movement at all and is the lightest drop in rail around i believe. It also is thin in width like DD rails. |
| It is not necessary that standard handguards be loose. They are so tight on my Colt that it's all I can do to take them off with the tool. Check the spring tension on the Delta Ring - it has to be stiff to hold the hand guards tight. Short of trying different ones until you get a fit, you could set back the edges of the retainer behind the front sight with a non-marring hammer (did I mention how I love fixing stuff with a hammer?), but if the Delta Ring spring isn't stiff, all you'll accomplish is bending the retainer. |
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Quoted:
It is not necessary that standard handguards be loose. They are so tight on my Colt that it's all I can do to take them off with the tool. Check the spring tension on the Delta Ring - it has to be stiff to hold the hand guards tight. Short of trying different ones until you get a fit, you could set back the edges of the retainer behind the front sight with a non-marring hammer (did I mention how I love fixing stuff with a hammer?), but if the Delta Ring spring isn't stiff, all you'll accomplish is bending the retainer. BS, plastic handguards are loose, that's just their nature. |
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Quoted: Um i would try to pinpoint where the movement is taking place exactly. However, this is common with drop in rails. You may be able to wrap a little electrical tape very tight around the hand guards where the delta ring slides over. That may tighten it up a bit. I have a 2 piece drop in rail from doublestar. I have to speak very highly of it because it has NO movement at all and is the lightest drop in rail around i believe. It also is thin in width like DD rails. Yeah, this is weird. The D-ring moves with the handguards. These things were a massive PITA to put on since I was dumb and didn't buy the tool. If I decide to take them off to do a closer inspection, I am definitely getting a handguard tool to help me. Mike F |
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That's not good. Time to take it to a smith who has the proper tools to crank her back down.
For those swapping handguards a little trick I discovered was to use a pair of channel lock handles, spread them around the delta ring and then squeeze and push down. Works great and the rubber handles keep the Delta ring from getting marred up. YMMV |
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I have an armor's tool. If I pull off the front sight and gas tube, I should be able to torque it down a tad. If that doesn't solve it, then off to the smith it will go. Mike F Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile UPDATE: Fixed. Took off the gas tube, turned the barrel nut to the next position, problem solved. |
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