Gunsmithing Removing Bushmaster free-float tube

razzle

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Minuteman
Dec 5, 2007
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Norway
Can someone tell me how to remove the free float tube handguard on a Bushmaster V Match? The gasblock I have figured out, but having some trouble with the rest..
 
Re: Removing Bushmaster free-float tube

They are just on there tight and I have seen a couple of instances where loc-tite was used as well. I would just get a strap wrench from Auto-Zone or Lowes - the kind normally used to remove oil filters - and use it. I have done it in the past on the very setup you are working on with success.

-edit-

Just noticed that you're in Norway, so whatever hardware/tool store you have should have them. The rubber strap won't mar your aluminum forearm either. Good luck.
 
Re: Removing Bushmaster free-float tube

You need an AR multi tool or free float tube wrench to remove the barrel nut correctly and to not damage it. You could probably do it with a strap wrench ,but if you are going to be working on your own AR's you should at least have a multi-tool. The DPMS ones are like $30 and well worth it.
 
Re: Removing Bushmaster free-float tube

Bought a strap wrench and gave it a try, but that f*cker is on tight. Feels like they have superglued it together. Have tried wiggling in both directions, but it doesn't move at all..

EDIT - Got it off finally! Took one last shot at it, almost broke the bench top in half in the process
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Turns out they had filled the whole 1" lip with Loctite, I wonder why as it's tight enough without.
Thanks for the advice everyone, now I just gotta wait for the mailman before I can install the new barrel and handguard
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Re: Removing Bushmaster free-float tube

I own the Bushmaster Stainless Varmint Special. It has their Free Float Tube on it. I have tried every thing to have it spin off. (Every thing short of spinning off the barrel nut and removing the barrel entirely) I finally just gave up and built another upper, and left that one stock.