Slightly crooked barrel on new AR15 build...normal?

[AwkwardlySocial]

Hey guys, I just finished my first 6 ARC build and I've noticed my barrel is not centered inside the handguard. You can see in the picture that it's leaning noticeably to the viewer's left/shooter's right. Is this normal/something that sorts itself out with optic zeroing? Am I being overly nitpicky? Could I fix it by lapping/"truing" the upper receiver?

Use case: planning to shoot PRS with this build

Parts I think might be relevant to the issue:

• Proof Research SS 18" Barrel
• Geissele Super Duty upper receiver
• Geissele MK18 handguard

 

[alamo5000]

I would send it back to whoever built it.

 

[AwkwardlySocial]

I would send it back to whoever built it.

Well...that would be me

 

[JbBooks]

How does it shoot?

 

[alamo5000]

Well...that would be me

Somewhere along the way at least one of your parts is not in spec or wasn't assembled correctly. It could be something simple and it could be something in the machining process of several possible culprits. There is no way to know exactly until it's taken all apart.

I had one semi relatable experiences. I had a new rifle, new optic, new mount. No matter what I did things just didn't add up. I sent scopes back and got more than one replacement until I finally figured it out... the scope mount itself had a major flaw that you could not see just by looking at it. It had to be measured in order to find it.

 

[AwkwardlySocial]

How does it shoot?

Just finished assembly and haven't shot yet.

 

[AwkwardlySocial]

Well I feel stupid. Just discovered the problem was bolts from M-LOK attachments being too long and impinging on the barrel. I'm going to leave this here in case some other poor unfortunate makes the same mistake and goes a-Googling for an answer. Thanks for the replies, guys! You got me thinking in the right direction. I just started disassembling and checking as I went.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Well I feel stupid. Just discovered the problem was bolts from M-LOK attachments being too long and impinging on the barrel. I'm going to leave this here in case some other poor unfortunate makes the same mistake and goes a-Googling for an answer. Thanks for the replies, guys! You got me thinking in the right direction. I just started disassembling and checking as I went.

You know what I have found in my time, on this rock?
People who don't do anything, never make mistakes!
Owning up to & admitting ones own mistakes shows a character trait, lacking in so many these days.

 

[cas6969]

How does it shoot?

Crooked.

 

[JbBooks]

Crooked.

But is it a repeatable and consistent crooked?

 

[dms416]

If we're going to OCD, let's....
- Ditch the light for PRS. Especially that Surefire hinge mount...unless you plan on torquing the everloving fuck out of that hinge screw, I would also zip tie or anchor that fucking light body to the rail if you choose to keep it on there. Otherwise that fucker will work loose at the worst times after enough shots....TRUST ME.

- Adjust that 3-prong, seems to be a few degrees off, and the shims are sticking out just a titch... That being said, I'd probably just run a legit brake like an APA or area419 for PRS, QP, or dmr stuff. While the 3-prong hasn't cost me accuracy like the FH556sa and 212a muzzle devices, they've never done me any favors either for accuracy.

I vote shoot it and see... The bullets/target always tell you everything you need to know/do.

 

[RTH1800]

Not making sense with a light for PRS.

 

[cas6969]

If you got your brand new car home and saw a dent in it, then called up the dealership to complain and they said "Yeah but how does it drive?"