[shadow 1]

As some of you know I recently ordered a RRA Entry and was wondering besides the cleaning kit, what other type of tools should I get for routine PMCS? Tools for removing stocks etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Atticus]

I'm not sure what all you have in mind...but I found the front sight tool and a punch set to be about all I needed. I would shoot it to see how much you like it before going whole hog on tools and accessories.

[Jack19]

Other than a cleaning kit that includes a bore brush, a cleaning rod, and a chamber brush, I don't have any real tools for my AR. Front sight moves with the nose of a round as do the take down pins.

[Fudgie Ghost]

Two items that I have I really like:

1-handguard removal tool. Yeah, once and while, it's nice to clean up in there, and this $20 item makes removing the handguards a breeze.

2-Bolt carbon scraper. As the AR is notoriously dirty, this item is great for scraping carbon and soot from the interior face of the bolt carrier. I have the fancy "shop" version, but I've seen ( can't remember where--if someone knows. let me know) a "field" version that is much less expensive than the $25 I spent on mine.

And the usual pipe cleaners (hey --these are getting harder to find now too, the local CVS's don't carry ANY tobacco parephenalia any more), old tootbrushes, plastic picks and Q-tips (no more wooden sticks---what's the world coming to?!), besides my Otis kit.

[shadow 1]

Thanks all, it looks like I can invest a min. amount of cash and be able to get things done. I agree Fudgie about cleaning the inside of the handguards.
Do they make a tool to take off the stock with? I think I am getting two of them, the regular RRA stubby stock and a ARFX entry type.
What do you guys use to take them off with?

[Fudgie Ghost]

For the "stock" A2 stock, I just used a slotted screwdriver. Now when installing/removing the "CAR" adjustable stock, I got, (from either Cheaper Than Dirt, or Sportsmans Guide or Fulton Armory) a little $5 tool that works as a 1911 barrel bushing tool, and also as wrench for the circular locking ring on the adj. AR stock.

[shadow 1]

Ah yes, I have seen these, excuse me whiel I go shop some more.

many thanks

[TechBrute]

Colt, Armalite and Bushy all recommend AGAINST scraping the carbon. They insist that the buildup is self limiting. Personally, I use Slick2000 carbon cutter to remove buildup after a while. I've never felt the need to scrape it, especially since the major manufacturers recommend against it.

I'll definately have to put in a vote for the handguard removal tool, though. Unless you were born with 3 hands...

[TechBrute]

Also, the CAR stock wrench can be had for around $2 at gun shows. Be careful not to overtighten it though. It won't clear up that rattle, but it will kill the threads.

[Atticus]

http://quartz2.cyberstation.net/~dwpaul/hgrt.htm

Make your own handguard removal tool. ^^^^^^

The AR is designd to use a cartidge as a sight adjustment tool and to remove some pins- but it was well worth the $10 to me to get the sight tool and punches...particularly for the roll pin.

[Fudgie Ghost]

TechBrute: thanks for the info regarding scraping the carbon out of the bolt carrier. As Johnny Carson used to say ". . . I did not know that!"

So, --uh, who want to buy a nice carbon scraper---cheap?

And yes, THATS where I bought my CAR stock tool, at a gun show. But they are also in some of those catalogs. But don't pay more than $6 for one!

[Redlg155]

A cheapo wrench will work ok if you don't plan on using it very much. Otherwise plan on spending a bit more for a quality armorers wrench. The 1911/CAR combo wrenches are made of relatively soft steel and are prone to bending. You'll find this out quickly. :D A touch of blue loc-tite will also help the CAR nut from getting loose. But then you won't need one with either the ARFX or RRE stock.

As for the stubby stock you might want to look into getting a 1" DPMS spacer. I put one on along with an A2 buttplate to get a bit more comfort out of mine. You'll see what I mean as soon as you shoulder one. It will feel strange unless you are a pygmy or are wearing body armor. I've got one on a 9mm RR AR15 and it works great.

I'd also caution against removing the hammer/trigger group assembly too many times. You want to keep your pin holes as tight as possible. An occasional yearly inspection is fine, just don't overdue it.

Good Shooting
Red

[shadow 1]

Thanks Red! Funny you should say pygmy..no, no I am not one, but I do have short arms and will generally wear body armor when employing this new tool.

I still haven't decided on a stock yet, I want to see how the RRA stubby one works, but you have to admit that the ARFX entry is pretty sexy.

Will keep my PMCSing to a minimum, have our armorer do the rest.

Thanks all.

[TechBrute]

Knights makes a 1" spacer, too, that accepts their quick detach sling swivel.