Instruments and Supplies Required
Specialised Gear
To efficiently mount a free-float handguard in your AR10, you’ll require a couple of specialised items of kit. These instruments are essential for guaranteeing a safe and exact set up:
- Armorer’s Bench Block: This heavy-duty bench block offers a secure and safe platform to your AR10 higher receiver in the course of the set up course of.
- Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is crucial for tightening the barrel nut and different elements to the required torque values, guaranteeing correct alignment and optimum efficiency.
- Punch Set: A set of punches, together with a roll pin punch and a fortress nut wrench, is required for eradicating and putting in sure elements in the course of the handguard set up.
- Channel Lock Pliers: Channel lock pliers are versatile instruments used for gripping and adjusting numerous elements, such because the barrel nut and muzzle gadget, in the course of the set up course of.
- Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench is useful for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts that will not match an ordinary socket wrench.
Supplies
Along with the specialised tools, you will want the next supplies for the free-float handguard set up:
- Free-float handguard
- Barrel nut
- Barrel nut wrench
- Shims (elective)
- Loctite (elective)
Guarantee you’ve all the mandatory instruments and supplies earlier than starting the set up course of to keep away from interruptions or delays.
Eradicating the Unique Handguard
Earlier than you possibly can substitute your authentic handguard with a free-float handguard, that you must take away the unique handguard. This is the right way to do it:
1. Unload the firearm and clear the chamber.
2. Take away the fuel block and fuel tube.
To take away the fuel block, you will want a fuel block wrench. Place the wrench over the fuel block and switch it counterclockwise to loosen it. As soon as the fuel block is unfastened, you possibly can take away it from the barrel. You need to use a punch or a small screwdriver to take away the fuel tube from the fuel block.
| Instruments Required: | |
|---|---|
| Gasoline block wrench | |
| Punch or small screwdriver |
3. Take away the handguard cap.
The handguard cap is positioned on the entrance of the handguard. It’s often held in place by a screw or a pin. Take away the screw or pin to take away the handguard cap.
| Instruments Required: | |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver or pin punch |
4. Slide the handguard off the barrel.
As soon as the handguard cap is eliminated, you possibly can slide the handguard off the barrel.
Putting in the Barrel Nut
The barrel nut is a important part in securing the handguard to the higher receiver. It’s answerable for transferring the load from the handguard to the receiver and guaranteeing a stable and secure connection. To put in the barrel nut, observe these steps:
-
Clear the threads: Use a fabric or brush to take away any grime or particles from the threads on the higher receiver and barrel nut.
-
Apply thread locker: Apply a small quantity of high-strength thread locker to the threads on the higher receiver. This may assist to safe the barrel nut and forestall it from loosening beneath recoil.
-
Thread on the barrel nut: Fastidiously thread the barrel nut onto the higher receiver. Use a torque wrench to tighten the barrel nut to the producer’s specified torque. The torque worth will range relying on the particular handguard and barrel nut mixture, so seek the advice of the producer’s directions.
Tightening the Barrel Nut
Tightening the barrel nut is a vital step in guaranteeing the correct set up and safety of the handguard. This is an in depth clarification of the right way to tighten the barrel nut:
-
Use a torque wrench: To make sure exact and managed tightening, it is important to make use of a torque wrench. Discuss with the producer’s directions for the particular torque worth required to your handguard and barrel nut mixture.
-
Tighten in a star sample: Divide the barrel nut into 4 or six equal sections. Start tightening the bolts evenly, ranging from one bolt and skipping to the other bolt to stop any twisting or warping of the barrel nut.
-
Gradual tightening: Tighten the bolts in small increments, steadily rising the torque to the required worth. By tightening in phases, you enable the barrel nut to settle and guarantee even distribution of stress.
-
Double-check: As soon as you have reached the required torque, double-check the tightness of the bolts to ensure they’re adequately secured. If any of the bolts have loosened, re-tighten them to the right torque.
| Tightening Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Tighten Bolt 1 | Begin by tightening the primary bolt positioned on the 12 o’clock place |
| Step 2: Skip to Reverse Bolt | Transfer to the 6 o’clock place and tighten the bolt positioned straight reverse |
| Step 3: Tighten Alternate Bolts | Proceed alternating, tightening bolts on the 3 o’clock, 9 o’clock, 12 o’clock, and 6 o’clock positions |
Aligning the Handguard
1. Place the Handguard
Place the handguard over the barrel nut and align it with the higher receiver. Make sure the handguard is centered and the fuel tube is correctly aligned by way of the fuel block.
2. Tighten the Barrel Nut
Utilizing a torque wrench, tighten the barrel nut to the required torque. Discuss with the producer’s directions for the exact torque worth. Watch out to not overtighten, as this could harm the handguard or barrel nut.
3. Align the Gasoline Block
If the fuel block will not be already aligned, use a punch or different appropriate instrument to softly faucet it till it aligns with the fuel tube and fuel port. Tighten the fuel block screws securely.
4. Guarantee Correct Alignment
* Use a Stage: Place a stage on the handguard and higher receiver to examine for levelness. Alter the handguard as wanted to make sure it’s parallel to the receiver.
* Confirm Gasoline Tube Alignment: The fuel tube ought to run straight by way of the fuel block and enter the fuel key of the bolt service group with none bends or kinks. Examine the fuel tube alignment to make sure correct operate.
* Clock the Handguard: Rotate the handguard till it’s correctly aligned with any equipment or rails that could be hooked up. Use a torque wrench to safe the handguard in place.
| Alignment Checks | Technique |
|---|---|
| Levelness | Use a stage |
| Gasoline Tube Alignment | Examine visually |
| Clocking | Rotate and torque |
Tightening the Barrel Nut
Correctly tightening the barrel nut is essential to make sure a safe and purposeful free float handguard. Observe these detailed steps to attain the specified torque:
5. Remaining Torque Verify
As soon as the barrel nut is absolutely hand-tightened, it is important to confirm the ultimate torque. To do that:
- Use a torque wrench suitable with the barrel nut’s particular torque necessities (often laid out in foot-pounds or Newton-meters).
- Make sure the torque wrench is correctly calibrated for accuracy.
- Safe the higher receiver in a vise or different secure floor to stop it from shifting in the course of the torque course of.
- Insert the torque wrench’s socket onto the barrel nut.
- Slowly and steadily apply torque to the barrel nut, following the required torque worth. Don’t overtighten or rush the method.
- As soon as the specified torque is reached, the torque wrench will sometimes “click on” or launch, indicating that the barrel nut is appropriately tightened.
| Torque Vary for AR-10 Barrel Nuts |
|---|
| 50-70 ft-lbs (foot-pounds) or 68-95 N-m (Newton-meters) |
Verifying Alignment
As soon as the handguard is put in, it is essential to confirm its alignment with the receiver. This ensures that the barrel, bolt service group, and different elements are correctly aligned for optimum operate. This is an in depth information on the right way to examine alignment:
1. Examine the Sight Image
Trying by way of the optic, purpose at a set goal. Observe the place of the reticle in relation to the goal. If the reticle is centered and secure, it signifies good alignment.
2. Verify Handguard Peak
Place a straight edge (e.g., a carpenter’s stage or ruler) alongside the highest of the handguard and the receiver. Be certain that each surfaces are stage. Any discrepancies in top could point out an alignment problem.
3. Study Barrel Alignment
With the bolt service eliminated, insert a cleansing rod into the barrel. Utilizing a mallet or hammer, gently faucet the rod downward to align it with the fuel tube. Observe the rod’s alignment with the bore of the barrel. In the event that they’re parallel, the barrel is appropriately aligned.
4. Verify Gasoline Tube Alignment
Extending the cleansing rod by way of the fuel tube, observe its alignment with the fuel port on the barrel. Once more, the rod must be parallel to the bore of the barrel, indicating correct alignment.
5. Tighten Handguard Screws
As soon as the alignment is passable, firmly tighten the handguard screws. Use a torque wrench to make sure correct torque specs, stopping loosening or overtightening.
6. Re-check Alignment
After tightening the screws, re-check the alignment utilizing the strategies described above. Make any crucial changes to make sure optimum alignment. Rerun the alignment checks a number of occasions to make sure consistency and forestall subsequent points.
| Alignment Verify | Technique |
|---|---|
| Sight Image | Intention by way of optic; notice reticle place |
| Handguard Peak | Use straight edge to stage handguard with receiver |
| Barrel Alignment | Insert cleansing rod into barrel; faucet to align with fuel tube |
| Gasoline Tube Alignment | Insert cleansing rod into fuel tube; observe alignment with fuel port |
| Screws | Tighten screws to torque specs |
| Re-check | Rerun alignment checks a number of occasions |
Putting in the Handguard Rail
1. **Take away the present handguard.** This will require eradicating the fuel block or entrance sight base.
2. **Clear the barrel nut.** Use a solvent and brush to take away any grime or particles.
3. **Apply thread locker to the barrel nut.** This may assist to maintain the nut in place.
4. **Set up the barrel nut.** Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to the required torque.
5. **Set up the handguard rail.** Slide the rail onto the barrel nut and tighten the screws.
6. **Set up the fuel block or entrance sight base if crucial.**
7. **Take a look at the operate of the handguard rail.** Make it possible for the rail is securely hooked up and that it doesn’t intervene with the operation of the rifle.
Extra Data for Step 7: Testing the Perform of the Handguard Rail
To make sure the correct performance of your newly mounted free-float handguard, conduct the next checks:
| Take a look at | Process |
|---|---|
| Rail Safety | Grasp the handguard firmly and try and wiggle or twist it. |
| Element Interference | Place the rifle in a number of firing positions and examine for any contact between the handguard and different elements, such because the barrel, fuel block, or suppressor. |
| Zero Shift | Securely mount the rifle and hearth a couple of rounds at a goal. Evaluate the purpose of impression with the zero beforehand established earlier than the handguard set up. |
By finishing these checks, you possibly can confirm that your free-float handguard is securely mounted, won’t intervene with the rifle’s operate, and has not considerably altered the zero level.
Securing the Handguard
As soon as the barrel nut is absolutely tightened, it is time to safe the handguard onto the receiver. Most free-float handguards use a proprietary mounting system that consists of a barrel nut, a handguard, and a collection of screws or bolts.
To safe the handguard, observe these steps:
- Apply a small quantity of threadlocker to the threads of the screws or bolts.
- Align the handguard with the receiver and slide it onto the barrel nut.
- Tighten the screws or bolts evenly till they’re cosy.
- Verify to be sure that the handguard is safe and that there isn’t any play or wobble.
- If the handguard will not be safe, tighten the screws or bolts additional.
- As soon as the handguard is safe, you possibly can set up your required equipment, reminiscent of rails, grips, and bipods.
Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for securing the handguard:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply threadlocker to the threads of the screws or bolts. |
| 2 | Align the handguard with the receiver and slide it onto the barrel nut. |
| 3 | Tighten the screws or bolts evenly till they’re cosy. |
| 4 | Verify to be sure that the handguard is safe and that there isn’t any play or wobble. |
| 5 | If the handguard will not be safe, tighten the screws or bolts additional. |
| 6 | As soon as the handguard is safe, you possibly can set up your required equipment. |
Ideas for a Skilled Set up
1. Collect the Mandatory Instruments
- AR-10 receiver
- Free float handguard
- Barrel nut wrench
- Torque wrench
- Loctite threadlocker
- Anti-seize compound
2. Put together the Receiver
- Take away the higher receiver from the decrease receiver.
- Clear the receiver threads with a degreaser.
- Apply a small quantity of anti-seize compound to the receiver threads.
3. Set up the Barrel Nut
- Screw the barrel nut onto the receiver till it hand tightens.
- Use the barrel nut wrench to tighten the barrel nut based on the producer’s specs.
4. Apply Loctite to the Barrel Nut
- Apply a small drop of Loctite threadlocker to the barrel nut threads.
- This may assist forestall the barrel nut from loosening throughout use.
5. Set up the Handguard
- Slide the handguard over the barrel nut.
- Align the handguard with the receiver.
- Tighten the handguard screws utilizing the torque wrench based on the producer’s specs.
6. Set up the Gasoline Block (Non-obligatory)
- In case your handguard requires a fuel block to be put in, achieve this at this level.
- Observe the producer’s directions for putting in the fuel block.
7. Set up the Equipment
- Set up any desired equipment reminiscent of rails, grips, or lights on the handguard.
- Use the offered screws and instruments to safe the equipment.
8. Take a look at the Set up
- Reattach the higher receiver to the decrease receiver.
- Verify the alignment of the handguard with the receiver and equipment.
- Be certain that all screws and bolts are securely tightened.
9. Zero the Rifle
- If the rifle has been disassembled, it could have to be zeroed once more.
- Use a boresighter or benchrest to regulate the rifle’s sights.
10. Preserve the Set up
- Clear the handguard and receiver threads with a degreaser periodically.
- Reapply anti-seize compound to the receiver threads as wanted.
- Verify the tightness of all screws and bolts commonly.
| Upkeep Schedule | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clear and examine threads | Each 3-6 months |
| Reapply anti-seize compound | Each 12 months |
| Verify screw tightness | Each 6 months |
How To Mount Free Float Handguard AR10
To mount a free float handguard on an AR10, you will want the next instruments and supplies:
- A free float handguard
- A barrel nut wrench
- A torque wrench
- Blue Loctite
After getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you possibly can start the method of mounting the free float handguard.
- Begin by eradicating the present handguard from the rifle. To do that, use a barrel nut wrench to loosen the barrel nut.
- As soon as the barrel nut is unfastened, take away the present handguard from the rifle.
- Apply a small quantity of blue Loctite to the threads of the barrel nut.
- Thread the barrel nut onto the receiver and tighten it to the right torque specification utilizing a torque wrench.
- Slide the free float handguard onto the barrel nut and tighten the screws till they’re cosy.
- Use a barrel nut wrench to tighten the barrel nut to the right torque specification.
- Lastly, examine the tightness of the screws on the free float handguard and be sure that they’re all tight.
Your free float handguard is now mounted and able to use.
Individuals Additionally Ask
What’s a free float handguard?
A free float handguard is a sort of handguard that doesn’t come into contact with the barrel of the rifle. This enables the barrel to drift freely, which might enhance accuracy.
Why ought to I mount a free float handguard on my AR10?
There are a number of explanation why you would possibly need to mount a free float handguard in your AR10. Free float handguards can enhance accuracy, present a extra snug grip, and will let you mount equipment extra simply.
How do I do know if my AR10 has a free float handguard?
You’ll be able to inform in case your AR10 has a free float handguard by wanting on the manner it’s mounted. If the handguard is hooked up to the barrel nut, then it’s not a free float handguard. If the handguard is hooked up to the receiver, then it’s a free float handguard.
