How hard IS it to put a free-float toob on?

[Dennis in MA]

I've never taken apart my AR. Well, except field-stripping and all.

That whole gotta-unscrew-the-bbl thing scares the CRAP outta me. But I'm curious. I gotta tinker. Even if it costs me a bit in tools up front to try and do something like this.

Is headspacing that hard? Or is it pretty much set at the factory and I'm just screwing it in until something happens?

What about that gas block? Is that a PITA too?


I'm afraaaaid of my AR. Heck, I have no fear of breaking my AK down into a pile of melted metal and charred wood and pounding pieces back together and growing a tree to make a new stock. But something about the AR has be worried. But since so many people do it, it can't be THAT hard, right?

Making uppers would save some jing, but I don't think I'd make a TON of htem. But it'd be nice to be able to do these things.

Thanks!

[Big Bird]

Dennis,
Its not hard to do. Either with the proper tools and guages or without. Taking the front sight base off can vary in difficulty based on how hard those taper pins are pressed into their holes...but generally, with a good solid rest and the proper punches it can be done without too much trouble and no experience.
People will tell you you don't need a headspace guage or a torque wrench to do this. 99 out of 100 times they will be right. But if you don't know what 30-80 ft lbs of torque really feels like with an AR action wrench. And as long as you absolutely and completely trust the people who made your bolt, barrel, and barrel extension (the three critical components which determine headspace in an AR) then I wouldn't worry about it...but the Army does, and so do the Marines...use torque wrenches and headspace guages that is.. Of course a military armorer will have more experience than anyone I've ever seen on this board so take it for what its worth.. Call me anal...its just how I think.
A torque wrench is gonna set you back $50 and a proper USGI "Field" guage (the only one you need to do this by the TM) will set you back $25. Either way you'll need an Action block to hold the action ($30-40), a Multi-purpose barrel/action wrench...$20, and a very good sold bench vise with 4" or larger jaws. A small hammer and a few drift punches, allen wrench and screwdriver and you are in business.

[RMTactical]

It's easy to do. Heck, I've done it. ;f

[ElConquistador]

I just swaped my barrel out tonight. If I can do it then a monkey could do it. Honestly, the worst part was taking off/replacing the handgueards... ...what a pain.

[nsb22]

Check this site out. It tells you how to do a few different types of free floats. CLICK HERE (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782)

[Dennis in MA]

Thanks.

I find AR15 soooo hard to read for some reason. I guess I'm just not comfortable there. The whole different-colored-segments in the forums really throws off my ability to read it all sometimes. I wish it was all one color like here.

Thanks so much folks!