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1/18/2011 9:56:09 PM EDT
Hey guys,

So I recently put my standard receiver extension on after selling my UBR, but even with a vice and proper wrench, I can't seem to get this darn buffer tube perfectly straight. It always ends up just slightly crooked to the right or left. It doesn't look like much, but I can feel it when doing shoulder switch drills. Is there some tool I need or something?

Thanks,
Mike
1/18/2011 10:06:33 PM EDT
[#1]
Short of some kind of jig you could build - no not really, just a good sharp eye is all that is needed.



I guess you could use one of those laser levels and "scribe" a line down the center of the rifle to check it.



Maybe I'm the minority here, but I just get it Good-n-straight and leave it. You can adjust it if it pisses you off enough.
1/19/2011 4:38:07 AM EDT
[#2]
you could switch to a A1 fixed stock.
1/19/2011 10:29:29 AM EDT
[#3]
Do you mean a carbine buffer tube? If so, the end plate should have a nipple inside the circular opening at the bottom that lines up with a cut out of the bottom of the threads of the buffer tube. The nipple will keep the tube straight once you torque down the end plate to the receiver.

You can clearly see the nipple here
1/19/2011 4:43:22 PM EDT
[#4]
i've noticed timing is a problem on commercial tubes, but haven't had any problems with milspec ones.  i don't know if thats luck or what, but it's been consistent over 13 builds so far.  i only use the milspec tubes from BCM now.
1/19/2011 8:48:08 PM EDT
[#5]
I don't get it.
The end plate has a tang that centers the tube.
One of my tubes also has a cut-out for the retainer pin.
1/19/2011 9:27:04 PM EDT
[#6]
Yes, there is the nipple. I have a Daniel Defense endplate, but it doesn't perfectly fill the gap on the tube. Not sure if it's a problem with the tube being out of spec, or the endplate. My tube is milspec, by the way.
1/20/2011 5:51:41 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Is there some tool I need or something?

Thanks,
Mike


Mark1 Eyeball works for me.

1/20/2011 6:24:16 PM EDT
[#8]
There is a tool that can hold the buffer tube in place while the castle nut is tightened...again, I'm a little biased, but the HammerHead Rifle Tool works great at this. After placing a couple of wraps of masking tape on the buffer tube, slide the HammerHead Tool down over the RE tube and use it to "lock" the tube in place while the castle nut is locked down. Now, locking the castle nut properly does require the right tool...the HammerHead Rifle Tool of course (I said I was biased). This technique which, works perfectly with tubes that seem to want to turn a little past center, is accomplished via the use of two HammerHead Rifle Tools...one to hold the tube and one to tighten the castle nut. The issue of course is having to buy two tools...with any luck, you have a good friend that has one as well.

I must say though, most tubes seem to lock down and not turn past center after the castle nut grabs and secures the base plate and RE tube via the shared "groove".

Looking at the tool itself may help to explain this. Email me if further explanation is needed:  [email protected]

Bob-
1/21/2011 5:41:19 AM EDT
[#9]
I've only had one carbine buffer tube that had no play and that was a BCM tube and end plate on a Bushmaster.  

All other combo's have had some movement in them, but what I find helps is using a protractor to help keep it lined up as you Torque it down.
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