Instruments and Supplies Required
Specialised Tools
To efficiently mount a free-float handguard in your AR10, you’ll require a number of specialised items of apparatus. These instruments are essential for making certain a safe and exact set up:
- Armorer’s Bench Block: This heavy-duty bench block offers a steady and safe platform in your AR10 higher receiver throughout the set up course of.
- Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is crucial for tightening the barrel nut and different elements to the desired torque values, making certain 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 throughout 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 system, throughout the set up course of.
- Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench is useful for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts that won’t match a regular socket wrench.
Supplies
Along with the specialised gear, you will have the next supplies for the free-float handguard set up:
- Free-float handguard
- Barrel nut
- Barrel nut wrench
- Shims (elective)
- Loctite (elective)
Guarantee you could have 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 may substitute your unique handguard with a free-float handguard, you might want to 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 have 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 free, you may take away it from the barrel. You should 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 may slide the handguard off the barrel.
Putting in the Barrel Nut
The barrel nut is a vital element in securing the handguard to the higher receiver. It’s accountable for transferring the load from the handguard to the receiver and making certain a stable and steady connection. To put in the barrel nut, comply with these steps:
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Clear the threads: Use a fabric or brush to take away any filth or particles from the threads on the higher receiver and barrel nut.
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Apply thread locker: Apply a small quantity of high-strength thread locker to the threads on the higher receiver. This can assist to safe the barrel nut and stop it from loosening beneath recoil.
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Thread on the barrel nut: Rigorously 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 differ relying on the precise handguard and barrel nut mixture, so seek the advice of the producer’s directions.
Tightening the Barrel Nut
Tightening the barrel nut is an important step in making certain the correct set up and safety of the handguard. This is an in depth clarification of the right way to tighten the barrel nut:
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Use a torque wrench: To make sure exact and managed tightening, it is important to make use of a torque wrench. Consult with the producer’s directions for the precise torque worth required in your handguard and barrel nut mixture.
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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.
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Gradual tightening: Tighten the bolts in small increments, progressively growing the torque to the desired worth. By tightening in levels, you permit the barrel nut to settle and guarantee even distribution of pressure.
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Double-check: As soon as you have reached the desired 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 proper 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 immediately 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 via the fuel block.
2. Tighten the Barrel Nut
Utilizing a torque wrench, tighten the barrel nut to the desired torque. Consult with the producer’s directions for the exact torque worth. Watch out to not overtighten, as this could injury the handguard or barrel nut.
3. Align the Gasoline Block
If the fuel block isn’t already aligned, use a punch or different appropriate software 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. Modify the handguard as wanted to make sure it’s parallel to the receiver.
* Confirm Gasoline Tube Alignment: The fuel tube ought to run straight via the fuel block and enter the fuel key of the bolt provider 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 | Methodology |
|---|---|
| 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 useful free float handguard. Observe these detailed steps to attain the specified torque:
5. Last Torque Examine
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 steady floor to stop it from shifting throughout the torque course of.
- Insert the torque wrench’s socket onto the barrel nut.
- Slowly and progressively apply torque to the barrel nut, following the desired 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 provider 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 via the optic, purpose at a set goal. Observe the place of the reticle in relation to the goal. If the reticle is centered and steady, it signifies good alignment.
2. Examine Handguard Top
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 peak could point out an alignment problem.
3. Look at Barrel Alignment
With the bolt provider 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. Examine Gasoline Tube Alignment
Extending the cleansing rod via the fuel tube, observe its alignment with the fuel port on the barrel. Once more, the rod needs to 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 needed changes to make sure optimum alignment. Rerun the alignment checks a number of instances to make sure consistency and stop subsequent points.
| Alignment Examine | Methodology |
|---|---|
| Sight Image | Goal via optic; word reticle place |
| Handguard Top | 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 instances |
Putting in the Handguard Rail
1. **Take away the prevailing handguard.** This will likely require eradicating the fuel block or entrance sight base.
2. **Clear the barrel nut.** Use a solvent and brush to take away any filth or particles.
3. **Apply thread locker to the barrel nut.** This can assist to maintain the nut in place.
4. **Set up the barrel nut.** Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to the desired 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 needed.**
7. **Take a look at the operate of the handguard rail.** Ensure that the rail is securely hooked up and that it doesn’t intrude 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 to wiggle or twist it. |
| Part 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 number of rounds at a goal. Examine the purpose of influence with the zero beforehand established earlier than the handguard set up. |
By finishing these checks, you may confirm that your free-float handguard is securely mounted, is not going to intrude 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, comply with 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 comfortable.
- Examine to guarantee that the handguard is safe and that there isn’t a play or wobble.
- If the handguard isn’t safe, tighten the screws or bolts additional.
- As soon as the handguard is safe, you may set up your required equipment, corresponding to 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 comfortable. |
| 4 | Examine to guarantee that the handguard is safe and that there isn’t a play or wobble. |
| 5 | If the handguard isn’t safe, tighten the screws or bolts additional. |
| 6 | As soon as the handguard is safe, you may set up your required equipment. |
Ideas for a Skilled Set up
1. Collect the Vital 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 in keeping with the producer’s specs.
4. Apply Loctite to the Barrel Nut
- Apply a small drop of Loctite threadlocker to the barrel nut threads.
- This can assist stop 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 in keeping with the producer’s specs.
6. Set up the Gasoline Block (Elective)
- 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 corresponding to rails, grips, or lights on the handguard.
- Use the supplied screws and instruments to safe the equipment.
8. Take a look at the Set up
- Reattach the higher receiver to the decrease receiver.
- Examine 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 might should 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.
- Examine 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 |
| Examine screw tightness | Each 6 months |
How To Mount Free Float Handguard AR10
To mount a free float handguard on an AR10, you will have 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 may start the method of mounting the free float handguard.
- Begin by eradicating the prevailing handguard from the rifle. To do that, use a barrel nut wrench to loosen the barrel nut.
- As soon as the barrel nut is free, take away the prevailing 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 proper torque specification utilizing a torque wrench.
- Slide the free float handguard onto the barrel nut and tighten the screws till they’re comfortable.
- Use a barrel nut wrench to tighten the barrel nut to the proper torque specification.
- Lastly, examine the tightness of the screws on the free float handguard and guarantee 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 kind of handguard that doesn’t come into contact with the barrel of the rifle. This permits the barrel to drift freely, which may enhance accuracy.
Why ought to I mount a free float handguard on my AR10?
There are a number of the explanation why you would possibly need to mount a free float handguard in your AR10. Free float handguards can enhance accuracy, present a extra comfy grip, and permit you to 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 trying on the means it’s mounted. If the handguard is hooked up to the barrel nut, then it isn’t a free float handguard. If the handguard is hooked up to the receiver, then it’s a free float handguard.
