Can I Shorten my AR Handguard?

[kmk1012]

So, after a very long wait I was able to pick up my new suppressor yesterday. I mounted the quick detach muzzle device this morning and attempted to attach the suppressor. It bottomed out on the end of the handguard. It's an Aero Precision 300 blk pistol upper with a 8.5" barrel. I have the tools and capabilities to cut it square but not sure how to refinish the exposed metal remaining after cutting it's a very nice and expensive gun and I don't really want to cut it. I'm thinking if I could find a machined spacer to slip between the muzzle device and barrel it would work as I temporarily used a crush washer and fired it (wasn't willing to wait, LOL). The spacer would only need to be as thick as a crush washer used for muzzle devices but I'm concerned about the added "leverage" of it not being seated up against the barrel. I'll post pics tomorrow if needed.

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[v0lcom13sn0w]

many times i thought about putting a handguard thru a band saw for this reason then just painting the raw metal afterwards. but...i always ended up buying a shorter handguard.

 

[kmk1012]

many times i thought about putting a handguard thru a band saw for this reason then just painting the raw metal afterwards. but...i always ended up buying a shorter handguard.

That was my thought but it's a very nice and matching unit. The next size shorter is at least two inches shorter. I'm leaning towards going to the hardware store and locating a spacer.

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

i would use a jam nut and run it down to the shoulder of the barrel

 

[Stomper]

It is a free float handguard that is only secured at the barrel nut, and not a forward retainer ring like a standard A.R. handguard is, right?

 

[kmk1012]

The AAC muzzle device (51 tooth type) has recessed threads (covers the barrel end) so I'd have to put something between the two pieces or cut the hand guard.

 

[kmk1012]

It is a free float handguard that is only secured at the barrel nut, and not a forward retainer ring like a standard A.R. handguard is, right?

Yes, it's got Aeros new proprietary barrel but nut looks like a standard free float type, just a low profile (skinny)

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

308 7.62 6.5 Jam Nut Pack of 2 5/8-24 Black Nitride Washer For Muzzle Brake | eBay

Black Nitride Finish. For A Variety of Calibers. 308, 7.62x51, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62x39. 300 Blackout. Includes TWO (2) 5/8" Jam Nuts. Threads: 5/8-24.

www.ebay.com

theres other options on there also.

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

The AAC muzzle device (51 tooth type) has recessed threads (covers the barrel end) so I'd have to put something between the two pieces or cut the hand guard.

also, might wanna do some research i think some of those AAC muzzle devices seat on the crown and some of them seat on the shoulder. could be wrong but thought i remember reading something like that.

 

[kmk1012]

308 7.62 6.5 Jam Nut Pack of 2 5/8-24 Black Nitride Washer For Muzzle Brake | eBay

Black Nitride Finish. For A Variety of Calibers. 308, 7.62x51, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62x39. 300 Blackout. Includes TWO (2) 5/8" Jam Nuts. Threads: 5/8-24.

www.ebay.com

theres other options on there also.

I'll post some pics tomorrow, the device has the threads recessed where I'd have to machine it off to be able to use a nut as the nut would be covered by the device. Hopefully that makes sense, I'm not always the best at explaining things.

 

[kmk1012]

Here you can see how it covers the end of the barrel before it engages the threads.

 

[edzz]

How about two washers?

 

[kmk1012]

That would work, I'm possibly being too overly concerned about the final alignment as to avoid any baffle strikes on a new toy. Don't want to have to wait for repairs. I'm thinking a machine spacer would hold truer than stamped washers.

 

[Geardo]

I hacked the handguard on my 10.5" 300 blk. Twice! Once when converting it over from a longer 5.56 barrel, and then again for the same reason as you.

Whole gun got rattle canned so wasn't worried about the exposed metal.

Might want to look into something called "aluminum black"

Please do not fire again with a crush washer. That is a recipe to kill your can do to misalignment.

 

[Velzey]

Skilsaw with a carbide tipped blade works great for cutting aluminum. Just make sure it's clamped down firmly.

 

[titsonritz]

BIRCHWOOD CASEY ALUMINUM BLACK | Brownells

 

[titsonritz]

One thing to consider is whether your slots aligned for a clean cut or staggered with each other and not.

 

[308Tom]

I have not tried this, but seems like any competent machinist should be able to make a short barrel extension to add the required length, thread onto the barrel and provide a mount for the suppressor. Sure alignment is critical, but easily doable.

 

[starskyplays]

I would consult nearest gun smith/ machinist and see what they would recommend.

 

[Doug Hartley]

I've cut several handguards for use with suppressors. I don't recommend any type of spacer, the muzzle device should should rest against the barrel shoulder for proper alignment.