Question about changing AR upper receivers.

pebsykid

pebsykid

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I just got a flattop upper to replace my A2 style upper. I have no problem dissasembling my AR but now I am trying to figure out how to remove the upper receiver from the barrel, so it looks like this:

dpmsa2upper.bmp


I tried searching on youtube and the internet but without any luck. Anyways probably a pretty noob question but any help is welcome. Also what tools I would need for this if any. Cheers.
 
Alright... So.. Here are some basic steps:

  1. Make sure the gun is safety checked
  2. Completely remove the Upper half from the lower
  3. Remove the BCG
  4. Handguard Removal (VIDEO): Place a folded up bath towel on a sturdy table, then place the upper on the towel such that the barrel is facing upwards... Then pull directly down on the delta ring toward the table and remove one side of the handguard at a time (They should slip out). Often it takes a lot of force to pull down on the delta ring, but you'll get it. NOTE1) If you have a delta ring removal tool ~$15 then use it... If not use the method I already described... NOTE2) Sometimes it's helpful to put the upper in a vice, If you have a upper receiver vice block, use it... Otherwise you can wrap the upper in a towel and place it in the vice, careful not to crush the upper or put it in too tight.
  5. Barrel Removal: (VIDEO) Remember you will not need to fully strip the barrel as has been already been done in the video.... And you WILL need an armorers tool's.


I think thats all you need to know.. (Those videos may not be exactly what your looking for, but they have the basic info that your in need of.

EDIT: Oh yeah, its also always a good IDEA to use some go-nogo head space gauges after replacing, changing, or removing a barrel or Upper...

Good luck, and if theres anything else... Let us know.
 
Yup!

Let me know if you need any other help... :D I know lots of guerilla/makeshift ways to do just about every task on an AR style rifle... Yet, I know the proper ways as well (Hehe, I wasn't always able to buy all the fancy armorer tools :p)...
 
NorCalDustin said:
Yup!

Let me know if you need any other help... :D I know lots of guerilla/makeshift ways to do just about every task on an AR style rifle... Yet, I know the proper ways as well (Hehe, I wasn't always able to buy all the fancy armorer tools :p)...
Click to expand...

It looks from the video that all I need is a vice and a wrench to get the barrel off, is that correct?
 
Correct... You should be able to get the handguards off without the delta ring tool, it may be hard but You can do it like I suggested.



Also, It will make the job a little easier on you if you get a AR-15 Upper Receiver Block. This will allow you to attach the upper receiver to the receiver block and then put that in a vice. The advantage there is its a more stable working platform and you dont have to worry about scratching the receiver up.

It's not required, but it will make it easier. However depending on your location and the number of times you think you may need/use it in the future... The cost of the upper receiver block may not be worth it to you. The upper receiver block's generally run between $25-$50 depending on which kind you get.

Again, not necessarily required but recommended if you are willing to spend a little extra cash...
 
Just went through the same thing but with a Norc M4. The nut was torqued on to survive the end of the world. I ended up having to cut it off.

Hopefully, you will not have as much grief.

I used blocks and a hydraulic press to hold onto the barrel instead of the receiver. Might be something you have better access to.

Either way works IF the nut isn't on with zillions of ft-lbs of torque.

yes, my armourers tool was badly stripped and the nut damaged in the amount of force I applied, but the nut wouldn't budge.

I would love to hear any ideas that can help for future situations.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
Just went through the same thing but with a Norc M4. The nut was torqued on to survive the end of the world. I ended up having to cut it off.

Hopefully, you will not have as much grief.

I used blocks and a hydraulic press to hold onto the barrel instead of the receiver. Might be something you have better access to.

Either way works IF the nut isn't on with zillions of ft-lbs of torque.

yes, my armourers tool was badly stripped and the nut damaged in the amount of force I applied, but the nut wouldn't budge.

I would love to hear any ideas that can help for future situations.

Jerry
Click to expand...
You can hit it with some heat (from a torch, or heatgun), not enough to change the color though. They will normally come off after that..

If not, it it with heat, let it cool down and apply some penetrating oil and try to loosen it again.


Another option is to try to put some PB Blaster on it, let it sit overnight and then try to loosen it up the next morning or afternoon.


There are some other tricks too... But, those 3 cover probably 99% of the worst case's...



Suputin said:
Be VERY careful about grabbing on to the upper receiver while trying to torque the barrel on or off. It is quite easy to twist the aluminum receiver and wreck it.

Brownells sells a tool for safely holding on to the upper in a vice.
Click to expand...
Exactly why an Upper receiver block is a good idea... Though, if your sure you can be careful enough you can more often than not do it.
 
NorCalDustin said:
Correct... You should be able to get the handguards off without the delta ring tool, it may be hard but You can do it like I suggested.



Also, It will make the job a little easier on you if you get a AR-15 Upper Receiver Block. This will allow you to attach the upper receiver to the receiver block and then put that in a vice. The advantage there is its a more stable working platform and you dont have to worry about scratching the receiver up.

It's not required, but it will make it easier. However depending on your location and the number of times you think you may need/use it in the future... The cost of the upper receiver block may not be worth it to you. The upper receiver block's generally run between $25-$50 depending on which kind you get.

Again, not necessarily required but recommended if you are willing to spend a little extra cash...
Click to expand...

Ya I was able to get the handguards off with no problem the way you suggested.

Once again thanks for the info, I am going to order an upper receiver block tomorrow, I still have a week or so before all the parts come in for the rest of the rifle so I am not in a rush.
 
NCD, thanks for the tips.

When I got the nut off, I was surprised to see that there was lube on the threads. Assembly lube was used and the new HG spun on easy as pie.

The odds of me needing to take another Norc nut off is slim but at least I have a few more methods to try before resorting to the knief.

Jerry
 
Sweet! You should post some pictures when its done :)


mysticplayer said:
NCD, thanks for the tips.

When I got the nut off, I was surprised to see that there was lube on the threads. Assembly lube was used and the new HG spun on easy as pie.

The odds of me needing to take another Norc nut off is slim but at least I have a few more methods to try before resorting to the knief.

Jerry
Click to expand...

For sure... Though, maybe next time you'll be assembling a custom upper ;)
 
Could very well be but I will still not have to take off another Norc nut :)

It is a pity you do not have easy access to these Norcs. The quality of build is suprisingly high. Steel is certainly strong enough and accuracy on par with any other battle rattle AR - min of golf ball at 50yds with FMJ's, clay pigeon at 100yds.

Their quality of materials continues to climb. Even their finishing is getting much better - doesn't just chip off when taking it out of the box.

All the US stuff fits, at least the stuff I have tried and I haven't had a single rifle related hiccup. Self induced - there have been a few.

For the money, it certainly gives great value.

The only item I am thinking about changing is the barrel way down the road. I am an accuracy junky so putting on a match barrel would be a natural. However, our laws restrict where we can play with these toys and my range only goes to 200yds. Not exactly a long poke...

Look forward to reading more of your insights and advice.... Got a couple of hundred rds to burn off this afternoon.

WAY TOO MUCH FUN.....

Jerry
 
The more and more I read about the Norc's the more I want to get one. I love trying out new hardware and they sound like they're indestructible. I would be curious as to what the weight is like though.


Anyway, is it typical for ranges to have a max of 200yds?
 
the ranges in Canada have distances all over the map. Unfortunately, urban development and govt intervention has kept many areas from getting really long ranges like 1000yds/m. In general, 300yds/m is a long range.

However, as screwy as our laws up here are, you can shoot on Crown land ie Public land so we can go plinking with non restricted firearms out to as far as we can safely reach.

AR are considered restricted so have to be range bound - if you have a long range, great fun. If not, CQB is alot of fun too.

the norcs are USGI spec - literally. Except for ambi safety and mag release, everything else sure looks the same. Weight is the same too.

What I am finding is the levers - bolt stop/release, safety, mag release work as well if not better then some US brand stuff. I was very surprised. the mag well drops every mag I have stuffed in there - the main brands of course. I am hoping to get a vest and do a little run and gun for S&G. Never tried mag changes on the fly - should be interesting.

Reloading has been a cinch with a chamber identical to my Shilen match barrel so my body dies works just great. The throat is typical 556 long so this barrel will never drive tacks but min of pop can at CQB range is no issue at all.

We were blasting at bowling pins at 60yds today. unfortunately, missed more then hit but sure was fun and barrels get real hot after a bunch of mags :)

I am sure you would like these. If making a trip into BC, give me a shout.

Jerry
 
Nice! You'll probably enjoy doing mag changes on the fly. It's something that takes some practice but most people pick it up quickly enough. :)


You know... BC isn't too far for me (it is after all, still the west coast :p)... Next time I'm up in Washington maybe I can make a trip into Canada.. Would be sweet if I can bring along some of my gear too :p but, I would have to research the law first :)
 
I am 1 hour north of the border at Oroville WA.

The Cdn laws for US to bring in guns is actually not that bad.

1800-731-4000 and give them a chat. CFC in new Brunswick. That should be the right number.

I am looking forward to fumbling with mags. Certainly see which will survive being dropped :)

Jerry
 
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