How to Remove a Handguard from an AR-15 (Step-by-Step Guide)

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

How to Remove a Handguard from an AR-15

The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both recreational and home defense purposes. However, it is important to know how to properly maintain and upgrade your AR-15. One of the most common modifications that AR-15 owners make is to replace the handguard. A new handguard can improve the ergonomics of your rifle, provide better heat dissipation, or simply give it a new look.

In this article, we will show you how to remove a handguard from an AR-15. We will also provide some tips on choosing the right handguard for your rifle.

Steps to Remove a Handguard from an AR-15

1. Locate the handguard retainers. The handguard retainers are two small metal clips located on either side of the barrel nut. They are typically held in place by a small roll pin.
2. Remove the roll pins. Use a small punch or nail set to drive out the roll pins that hold the handguard retainers in place.
3. Pry off the handguard retainers. Once the roll pins are removed, you can use a small screwdriver or pry bar to pry off the handguard retainers. Be careful not to damage the barrel nut.
4. Remove the handguard. Once the handguard retainers are removed, you can simply slide the handguard off of the barrel nut.

Tips for Choosing the Right Handguard for Your AR-15

When choosing a handguard for your AR-15, there are a few factors you should consider:

  • Length: The length of the handguard will affect the overall balance of your rifle. A longer handguard will provide more stability, while a shorter handguard will be more maneuverable.
  • Material: The material of the handguard will affect its weight and durability. Handguards are typically made from aluminum, steel, or polymer.
  • Features: Some handguards come with additional features, such as built-in rails for mounting accessories.

Removing a handguard from an AR-15 is a relatively simple process. By following the steps in this article, you can easily remove your old handguard and install a new one.

How To Remove A Handguard From An Ar-15?

| Step | Action | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Remove the delta ring and forward assist | Delta ring tool |
| 2 | Remove the barrel nut | Barrel nut wrench |
| 3 | Slide the handguard off the barrel | |

How to Remove a Handguard from an AR-15?

Tools and Materials Needed

To remove a handguard from an AR-15, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • AR-15 armorer’s wrench
  • AR-15 front sight tool
  • AR-15 takedown pin tool
  • AR-15 punch
  • AR-15 cleaning rod
  • AR-15 oil

Removing the Handguard Cap

1. First, remove the handguard cap by using the AR-15 armorer’s wrench to loosen the two bolts that hold it in place.
2. Once the bolts are loose, you can use the AR-15 front sight tool to pry the handguard cap off.
3. Be careful not to damage the front sight assembly.

Removing the Handguard

1. Next, you will need to remove the handguard from the barrel nut.
2. To do this, you will need to use the AR-15 takedown pin tool to push out the two takedown pins.
3. Once the takedown pins are out, you can use the AR-15 punch to loosen the barrel nut.
4. Be careful not to damage the barrel nut or the threads on the barrel.
5. Once the barrel nut is loose, you can use the AR-15 cleaning rod to unscrew it from the barrel.

Installing the New Handguard

1. To install the new handguard, you will need to reverse the steps above.
2. First, you will need to install the barrel nut onto the barrel.
3. Once the barrel nut is installed, you can use the AR-15 takedown pin tool to install the two takedown pins.
4. Finally, you can install the handguard cap by using the AR-15 armorer’s wrench to tighten the two bolts that hold it in place.

Removing and installing a handguard on an AR-15 is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the rifle. If you are not comfortable performing this task, it is best to have a qualified gunsmith do it for you.

3. Removing the Handguard Screws

The first step in removing a handguard from an AR-15 is to remove the screws that hold it in place. These screws are typically located on the bottom of the handguard, and they are usually secured with a hex key.

To remove the screws, you will need a hex key that is the same size as the screws. Once you have the hex key, insert it into the screw and turn it counterclockwise until the screw is loose. Repeat this process for all of the screws that hold the handguard in place.

Once the screws are loose, you can remove the handguard from the AR-15. To do this, simply grasp the handguard and pull it away from the rifle. The handguard should come off easily.

4. Removing the Handguard

Now that the screws are removed, you can remove the handguard from the AR-15. To do this, simply grasp the handguard and pull it away from the rifle. The handguard should come off easily.

If the handguard is stuck, you can try using a rubber mallet to tap it loose. You can also try heating the handguard with a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the plastic and make it easier to remove.

Once the handguard is removed, you can install a new one. To do this, simply reverse the steps above. Start by installing the new handguard on the rifle, then secure it in place with the screws.

Here are some additional tips for removing a handguard from an AR-15:

  • Be careful not to lose the screws that hold the handguard in place.
  • If the handguard is stuck, you can try using a lubricant to help it slide off.
  • Make sure that the new handguard is compatible with your AR-15.
  • Follow the instructions that came with the new handguard for installation.

    How do I remove a handguard from an AR-15?

1. First, make sure the rifle is unloaded and safe to work on.
2. Locate the two takedown pins on the front and rear of the receiver.
3. Using a small punch or screwdriver, depress the takedown pins and slide them out of the receiver.
4. The handguard will now be loose and you can slide it off of the barrel.

What tools do I need to remove a handguard from an AR-15?

You will need the following tools to remove a handguard from an AR-15:

  • A small punch or screwdriver
  • A set of AR-15 takedown pins

Can I remove a handguard from an AR-15 without tools?

It is possible to remove a handguard from an AR-15 without tools, but it is not recommended. Using tools will make the process much easier and less likely to damage the rifle.

What are the different types of handguards for AR-15s?

There are many different types of handguards available for AR-15s, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most popular types of handguards include:

  • M-Lok handguards: M-Lok handguards are a popular choice for AR-15s because they allow for the attachment of accessories without the need for tools.
  • Keymod handguards: Keymod handguards are another popular option for AR-15s. They are similar to M-Lok handguards, but they use a different attachment system.
  • Picatinny rail handguards: Picatinny rail handguards are a good option for AR-15s that will be used with a variety of accessories. They feature a continuous rail that allows for the attachment of accessories at any point along the handguard.

How do I choose the right handguard for my AR-15?

When choosing a handguard for your AR-15, there are a few factors you should consider, including:

  • The type of accessories you plan to use: If you plan to use a lot of accessories on your AR-15, you will need a handguard that has a lot of attachment points.
  • The length of the handguard: The length of the handguard will affect how it feels when you are shooting the rifle. A longer handguard will provide more support, while a shorter handguard will be more maneuverable.
  • The material of the handguard: The material of the handguard will affect its weight and durability. Handguards are typically made from aluminum, polymer, or steel.

**How do I install a new handguard on an AR-15?

1. First, make sure the rifle is unloaded and safe to work on.
2. Remove the old handguard by following the steps in the “How to Remove a Handguard from an AR-15” section above.
3. Install the new handguard by aligning the barrel nut with the gas block and threading it onto the barrel.
4. Tighten the barrel nut until it is snug against the gas block.
5. Install the takedown pins and verify that the handguard is properly installed.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to remove a handguard from an AR-15. We started by discussing the different types of handguards and how to identify which type you have. We then provided step-by-step instructions on how to remove a handguard, regardless of the type. Finally, we offered some tips for reinstalling your handguard.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you now feel confident in your ability to remove and reinstall a handguard on your AR-15. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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