{"id":202620,"date":"2024-09-07T21:19:17","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T02:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=202620"},"modified":"2024-09-07T21:19:24","modified_gmt":"2024-09-08T02:19:24","slug":"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\/","title":{"rendered":"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"ar15 drop-in and free float hand guards\" class=\"wp-image-202623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3826.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">11<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a lot of reasons why you would want to swap out the hand guard or rail on your AR-15. Maybe you want to mount a tactical light, vertical grip, or hand stop and you need a rail that can accommodate those accessories. Or you might want to install the free float variety for better accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe you use a thumb-over-bore support hand grip and you&#8217;re sick of having your thumb get chewed away by a full-length Picatinny rail? Do you want a full-length Picatinny rail to mount a specialized optic? You choose the reason and I\u2019ll walk you through this AR hack. Depending on your current setup this hack is either super easy or just plain easy. First, let\u2019s talk about the two types of hand guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-types-of-ar-15-hand-guards-nbsp\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">Types Of AR-15 Hand Guards\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-drop-in\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">Drop-In<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-free-float-railed-keymod-and-m-lok\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">Free-Float: Railed, KeyMod And M-LOK<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-do-ar-15-free-float-guards-work\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">How Do AR-15 Free Float Guards Work?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-install-an-ar-15-drop-in\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">How To Install An AR-15 Drop-In<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-install-a-free-float-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">How To Install A Free Float Hand Guard On An AR-15<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-some-necessary-tools\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"3\">Some Necessary Tools<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-remove-a-few-things\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"3\">Remove A Few Things<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-add-a-few-things-back-in\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"3\">Add A Few Things Back In<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-install-a-free-float-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" data-level=\"2\">Why Install A Free Float Hand Guard On An AR-15?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-ar-15-hand-guards-nbsp\">Types Of AR-15 Hand Guards&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few different types of AR-15 hand guards, but they mostly boil down to either free-floated or not-free-floated drop-in style. The free-floated type does not come in contact with the barrel. In theory, this makes the rifle more accurate because there is no contact to throw off the barrel and won\u2019t interfere with the barrel harmonics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"474\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3831-1-1024x474.jpg\" alt=\"free float hand guards; one KeyMod and one M-LOK\" class=\"wp-image-202635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3831-1-1024x474.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3831-1-400x185.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3831-1-150x69.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3831-1-768x355.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3831-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These are two free float styles; the top is a <a href=\"https:\/\/palmettostatearmory.com\/psa-sabre-qdsm-13-rail.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">PSA KeyMod free float hand guard<\/a>, on the bottom is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leapers.com\/products-utgpro-mtu047spm.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">UTG AR15 Forerunner 15\u201d M-LOK free float hand guard<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A non-free floated or drop-in hand guard does contact the barrel. Don\u2019t worry though, for defense work and hunting a drop-in rail will not be an accuracy liability. I\u2019ve shot ARs with drop-in rails out to 1,000 yards with no issues. Service Rifle competitors shoot out to 600 yards with rifles equipped with drop-in guards. The free float does remove any potential impact on accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"drop-in hand guards; an aluminum quad rail and polymer mil-spec\" class=\"wp-image-202636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two examples of drop-in hand guards: an aluminum quad rail (top) and polymer mil-spec (bottom). Both come in two pieces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-drop-in\">Drop-In <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A drop-in AR-15 hand guard is typically a two-piece, polymer with a metal heat shield inside. The two pieces sandwich together. The cap behind the A2 sight and the delta ring on the upper receiver holds them together. These are used on rifles with A2 front sights and are classic military-style hand guards that do not require any modifications to the rifle to install. The round polymer style on an M16A2 is a drop-in. Drop-in AR-15 guards typically come in three lengths: Carbine, Mid-Length, and Rifle. Choose the length that matches the gas system of your gun. A good example of a drop-in is <a href=\"https:\/\/magpul.com\/firearm-accessories\/hand-guards\/ar15-m4-m16-ar10.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">Magpul MOE M-LOK hand guards<\/a> which are made of polymer with an interior heat shield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3821-630x1024.jpg\" alt=\"mil-spec ar15 hand guard\" class=\"wp-image-202622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3821-630x1024.jpg 630w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3821-185x300.jpg 185w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3821-92x150.jpg 92w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3821-768x1248.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3821.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This mil-spec on this AR-15 is a great example of a drop-in hand guard; it comes in two pieces and can be replaced without tools.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Drop-in hand guards also come in a railed version with four Picatinny rails. These are often called quad rails and are made of aluminum. The rails sit at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o\u2019clock positions. The downside of these rails is they act like a cheese grater on your support hand after extended shooting sessions. The solution is to use a rubber rail cover to fill up the slots. On the plus side with a quad rail hand guard accessories can easily be added. Midwest Industries, Yankee Hill Machine, and several other manufacturers produce this style.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-free-float-railed-keymod-and-m-lok\">Free-Float: Railed, KeyMod And M-LOK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Free-float AR-15 guards do not contact the barrel allowing the barrel to float inside. These hand guards help to improve accuracy and come in three styles: Railed, KeyMod, and M-LOK. The railed type has four Picatinny rails located at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o\u2019clock positions. The advantage of a Railed guard is the ability to accommodate a wide variety of accessories like vertical grips, hand stops, bipods, tactical lights and laser pointers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A KeyMod hand guard features slots that look like keyholes that allow attachment of accessories. VLTOR developed the KeyMod system. These rails are more slender than a Rail and typically lighter. KeyMod hand guards are the least popular of the three types of free-floats since fewer accessories support the KeyMod system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3832-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"mlok vs keylok hand guards\" class=\"wp-image-202627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3832-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3832-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3832-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3832-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3832.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">KeyMod style guards use a keyhole-shaped slot (top), while M-LOK style guards use a rectangular slot. M-LOK-style hand guards are the most popular.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Magpul developed the M-LOK, which is the newest type of free float. These feature narrow slots at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o\u2019clock positions that allow the installation of accessories as long as the accessory is M-LOK compatible. M-LOK hand guards use T-shaped nuts. These have a slim profile and are lightweight. With both KeyLok and M-LOK, small sections of Picatinny rail can be added to gain the benefit of a Railed hand guard. If you are deciding between KeyMod and M-LOK know that testing in 2017 by USSOCOM found that the M-LOK outperformed the KeyMod in drop testing, failure load testing, and repeatability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some types combine the features of a Rail and either a KeyMod or M-LOK. Your choice of hand guard depends on factors like mounting options, weight, ease of installation, and intended use of the rifle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-ar-15-free-float-guards-work\">How Do AR-15 Free Float Guards Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A free float hand guard attaches to a compatible barrel nut. The barrel nut secures the barrel assembly to the upper receiver. The barrel assembly includes the gas tube and gas block. Since it attaches to the barrel nut it allows the barrel to float or have no contact with the hand guard. The gas tube and gas block also have no contact with the guard. A barrel nut and free float hand guard must be compatible, meaning not all barrel nuts work with all hand guards. Most free floats include a barrel nut. For example, the UTG AR-15 Forerunner 15\u201d M-LOK free float includes a barrel nut and wrench and barrel nut locking screw. It also comes with a small 8-slot piece of Picatinny rail, a QD adapter, and a hex wrench to install everything. This is a good hand guard for a thumb-over-bore support hand grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-install-an-ar-15-drop-in\">How To Install An AR-15 Drop-In<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have strong hands you do not need any tools to replace the drop-in. A delta ring tool makes to job a lot easier. You can either pull back the delta ring using your fingers or use the tool. Either way allows the two halves to come apart. Remove the old drop-in hand guard, place the muzzle ends of the new hand guard into the cap, and snap the delta ring over the receiver-facing end of the hand guard. Done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On some quad rail, there may be screws that hold the two halves together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3829-705x1024.jpg\" alt=\"using a delta ring tool to instal a drop-in hand guard\" class=\"wp-image-202637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3829-705x1024.jpg 705w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3829-206x300.jpg 206w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3829-103x150.jpg 103w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3829-768x1116.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3829.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Swapping an aluminum quad rail for a polymer mil-spec hand guard is a quick AR hack that gives the AR the ability to attach accessories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-install-a-free-float-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\">How To Install A Free Float Hand Guard On An AR-15<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You need a low-profile gas block. The standard diameter of AR-15 barrels is 0.750\u201d so make sure the low-profile gas block matches that diameter. If you are unsure use a set of calipers to measure the barrel. Also, be sure the inside diameter of the hand guard you are installing is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the gas block. You should be able to reuse the gas tube from the A2 sight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3839-1024x582.jpg\" alt=\"tools for working on ar15\" class=\"wp-image-202633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3839-1024x582.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3839-400x227.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3839-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3839-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3839.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The right tools make the job easier; from left to right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brownells.com\/tools-cleaning\/gun-tools\/fixtures-blocks\/ar-15m16-upper-receiver-action-block\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">Brownells upper receiver vise block<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realavid.com\/product\/master-bench-block\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">Real Avid Master Bench Block &#8211; AR15<\/a>, a delta ring tool, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realavid.com\/product\/armorers-master-wrench\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">Real Avid Armorer&#8217;s Master Wrench<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-some-necessary-tools\">Some Necessary Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The muzzle device, A2 front sight which houses the gas block, gas tube, and barrel will need to be removed. This type of swap requires tools: Bench vise, upper receiver action block, barrel wrench, muzzle brake wrench, bench block, ball peen hammer, nylon hammer, 1\/8\u201d punch, and roll pin punch. To make this task easier, I use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realavid.com\/product\/master-bench-block\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">Real Avid Master Bench Block<\/a> to punch out the pins in the A2 sight. I also use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realavid.com\/product\/armorers-master-wrench\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">Real Avid Armor\u2019s Master Wrench<\/a> since this tool removes the muzzle device and a mil-spec barrel nut plus it can be used on free float hand guard barrel nuts, the castle nut on the buffer tube, and more. You can also use it as a club when you run out of ammo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3820-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"remove AR15 muzzle device\" class=\"wp-image-202621\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3820-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3820-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3820-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3820-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3820.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The muzzle device is the first part you remove from the barrel when installing a free float hand guard on an AR-15.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-remove-a-few-things\">Remove A Few Things<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the upper from the lower, place the upper in a vise block, and tighten the vise block in a bench vise. Take off the muzzle device. Remember the crush washer is a one-time use item. You need to replace it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3818-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A2 sight pin removal\" class=\"wp-image-202634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3818-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3818-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3818-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3818-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3818.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Removing the A2 front sight pins allows you to remove the sight from the barrel; you need a punch and hammer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Knock out the two lower pins in the A2 sight. One end of the pin is larger than the other. The pins are removed by tapping them out from the left side to the right side using a 1\/8\u201d punch. Next, remove the sight from the barrel. You may need to use a nylon hammer to gently tap it off. Use a bench block, roll pin punch, and hammer to remove the roll pin that holds the gas tube to the sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"ar15 barrel nut for free float hand guard \" class=\"wp-image-202628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3833.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Free float guards use proprietary barrel nuts so you will have to remove the old barrel nut and replace it with the barrel nut that is included with the new hand guard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With the barrel in the upper receiver, hand tighten the barrel nut that came with the free float then use the wrench adapter that came with the hand guard and a torque wrench to tighten the nut to 35 ft.-lb. Do not over-tighten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3837-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3837-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3837-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3837-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3837-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3837-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A low-profile gas block will need to be installed before installing the free float; make sure the out diameter of the gas block is less than the inside diameter of the hand guard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-add-a-few-things-back-in\">Add A Few Things Back In<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Install the low-profile gas block and gas tube, and then the muzzle device. Slide the guard over the barrel until it mates up with the upper receiver. Tighten ups the two hand guard screws to a maximum of 15 ft.-lb. Don\u2019t gorilla the screws and over-tighten them. Done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/whats-a-mid-length-gas-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\">What\u2019s A Mid-Length Gas System?&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3838-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"installing a free float rail on an ar15\" class=\"wp-image-202632\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3838-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3838-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3838-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3838-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3838.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ensure the new free float is snug against the upper; the guard will typically have two tabs, one on each side the align the hand guard with the upper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-install-a-free-float-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\">Why Install A Free Float Hand Guard On An AR-15?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing to a free float hand guard on an AR-15 can increase accuracy and provide a sturdy platform to attach accessories. This AR hack is a little more involved but easy if you have the right tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\" title=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are a lot of reasons why you would want to swap out the hand guard or rail on your AR-15. Maybe you want to mount a tactical light, vertical grip, or hand stop and you need a rail that can accommodate those accessories. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":202636,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[109,4055],"tags":[613,102,4175,638],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-202620","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gear-reviews","8":"category-other-gear-reviews","9":"tag-ar-15","10":"tag-feature-articles","11":"tag-hand-guard","12":"tag-how-to"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are two types of hand guard for AR-15s, and switching yours out might end up being exactly what you need to improve your shooting.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Change Out The Hand Guard On An AR-15\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"There are a lot of reasons why you would want to swap out the hand guard or rail on your AR-15. Maybe you want to mount a tactical light, vertical grip, or hand stop and you need a rail that can accommodate those accessories.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/change-out-the-hand-guard-on-an-ar-15\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-08T02:19:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-09-08T02:19:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Robert Sadowski\" \/>\n<meta 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Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\" and \"Book Of Glock,\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. Other gun books authored by Sadowski include \"50 Guns That Changed the World,\" and edited \"The M16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventive Maintenance\"originally published by the U.S. Department of the Army. He also edits the annual \"Gun Trader's Guide\" to firearm values. Sadowski is also the Treasurer\/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and preserve: Educate the public on the models, variations, and commemoratives built by GLOCK, as well as provide members with information on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and other facts unique to GLOCK pistols.","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/robertsadowski\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3830-1-150x113.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202620"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":206544,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202620\/revisions\/206544"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/202636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202620"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=202620"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=202620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}