Tech Note

August 28, 1997

TECHNICAL NOTE 9: INSTALLATION OF ARMALITE FIBERGLASS HANDGUARD

PURPOSE: This technical note provides instructions for installation of the ArmaLite Fiberglass Handguard Assembly

GENERAL: The ArmaLite fiberglass handguard is intended to provide a strong floating fore end to ArmaLite rifles which is readily removable for cleaning. The fiberglass tubes provide a cooler surface than earlier aluminum handguards.

REMOVING THE OLD HANDGUARD: Remove the plastic handguards, if any, from the upper receiver assembly. Fix the assembly in a vise. Remove the muzzle device, if any, and the gas block or front sight base from the barrel. Remove the barrel nut or handguard tube from the receiver. The barrel may be left in place.

INSTALLING THE NEW HANDGUARD: Slip the Lock Ring over the barrel, with the threads toward the muzzle. Install the Barrel Nut, with the large outside diameter toward the muzzle. Torque to 50 ft. lb., then tighten to align the gas tube hole in the upper receiver to match the next hole of the barrel nut to allow the gas tube to pass through the nut and into the upper receiver. Slip the Handguard Tube Assembly over the barrel, aligning the locator pin in such a hole of the barrel nut that the sling swivel is located at the desired angle. Most shooters will select the 6 o'clock position. Push the Handguard toward the Barrel Nut while screwing the Lock Ring onto the Handguard. Use a strap wrench to grasp the handguard lock ring at the front of the receiver. Tighten the ring by rotating it clockwise (as viewed from the butt), and pull rearward on the handguard at the same time. Wiggling the handguard slightly as it tightens may help. WARNING: EXCESSIVE TIGHTENING OF THE LOCK RING WITH A STRAP WRENCH CAN LOOSEN THE BARREL NUT, OR DEFORM THE GAS TUBE.

REMOVING THE AR-IO(T) TUBULAR HANDGUARD: It should seldom be necessary to remove the tubular handguard of the AR-10(T). If it must be removed, begin by holding the rifle by the fiberglass handguard tube. Use a strap wrench to grasp the handguard lock ring at the front of the receiver. Loosen the ring by rotating it counterclockwise (as viewed from the butt), and pull forward on the handguard at the same time. Wiggling the handguard slightly as it loosens may help.

MAW

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