Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
7/30/2011 12:57:05 PM EDT
I got a mid-length upper.  The handguards move back about about 1/8 of an inch when I hold them in a firing grip.

They also rotate a little with just a little pressure.



I'm pretty sure I know the answer here, because neither of my rifles have handguards that move under normal pressure,

but I'm gonna ask anyway.  How much movement is tolerable?



I'm guessing the answer is none.  I suspect either the gas block is a little too far forward or the handguards are a little short.



I just got it on Friday so the manufacturer isn't available to ask.
7/30/2011 1:09:31 PM EDT
[#1]
Normal for them to move, how much they move depends on how the handguards were made and how strong your weld spring is.
There will always be a little side to side movement on standard plastic handguard too.

Can you try swapping guards from one rifle to another to see if its the handguard or the rifle?
7/30/2011 1:24:46 PM EDT
[#2]
Swapping is a good suggestion but I don't have another mid-length handy.
7/30/2011 1:26:17 PM EDT
[#3]
There is typically a little play in plastic handguards (although some will fit very snugly - depends on the brand).
Yours sound like they have a LOT of play though - especially for a new upper. What type of handguard is it? Just the standard round ones?
7/30/2011 1:29:23 PM EDT
[#4]
The handguards are the standard round type.
7/30/2011 1:34:05 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
The handguards are the standard round type.


When they move back and forth, does the delta ring move with them? Or do they just slide around inside the delta ring?

If the delta ring moves with them, it sounds like possibly a weak weld spring.
Otherwise... as you said it could be any number of things, handguards too small, fsb too far forward, etc...

ETA: If the rifle functions, and the handguards are not falling off it's fine to just shoot it if you want to. The movement won't hurt anything.
7/30/2011 2:06:36 PM EDT
[#6]
The delta ring moves back too.

When I take the handguards off I can move the delta ring back pretty easy.



It's sounding like a weak spring.
7/30/2011 3:25:05 PM EDT
[#7]
If you don't want to deal with replacing the weld spring right away there's a quick fix I've used with triangular handguards that seems like it ought to work with standard HGs. I got a sheet of gasket material at an auto parts store and cut a template to fit inside the handguard cap - it snugs 'em up quite a bit, although they likely won't be rock solid.
7/30/2011 5:44:22 PM EDT
[#8]
It's normal. The only way to fix it is to install a FF tube or rail system.
7/30/2011 6:17:45 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
It's normal. The only way to fix it is to install a FF tube or rail system.


i dont think so, he said the delta ring is easy to compress. in my experiences theyre a real pain in the ass
7/30/2011 6:20:59 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
It's normal. The only way to fix it is to install a FF tube or rail system.


i dont think so, he said the delta ring is easy to compress. in my experiences theyre a real pain in the ass


It's still normal for their to be movement in two-piece handguards.
7/30/2011 6:35:58 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
It's normal. The only way to fix it is to install a FF tube or rail system.


i dont think so, he said the delta ring is easy to compress. in my experiences theyre a real pain in the ass


It's still normal for their to be movement in two-piece handguards.


I agree, movement is normal in plastic handguards... however being able to compress the delta ring with minimal effort is not normal on a new rifle in my (admittedly limited) experience.
7/30/2011 6:40:50 PM EDT
[#12]


This is the loosest delta ring that I've seen and the upper is brand new.



My other rifle from the same manufacturer, has handguards that don't move at all.

That's why I asked what people's experience was.



I do appreciate all the input and suggestions.







7/30/2011 7:17:56 PM EDT
[#13]
You can expect a slight rotational movement with some hand guards, but no fore/aft movement. You should have to use a Delta ring tool to remove install hand guards. I've never seen a spring as weak as yours - it has to be defective.
7/30/2011 7:21:16 PM EDT
[#14]
Take it for what it is worth, but I have had like issues and it is usually from parts and/or uppers bought from 2nd tier parts houses like M1S, M&A and others like them. I believe most of the lateral play is from barrel nut splines and delta rings that are ever so slightly out of spec and allow the slop.

Hootbro
AR Sponsor