AR-15 general repair

[entreus]

I have a Rock River Arms lower that has a chip in the paint on the very front, where the barrel nut will thread on. It is all the way down to the metal, like a big chip just came off.

My question is what would be the best way to repair this type of damage?
Is it really necessary to repair since it will be covered by the barrel nut?


I looked around a couple forums looking and haven't found much. Though I've talked to a few people and have gotten some general responses.

Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

Its no more than a cosmetic issue.

You could do anything from touching it up with a black marker, to applying a drop of dark gray paint or one of the gun coatings, to just leaving it as is.

 

[entreus]

I guess part of my concern is the Aluminum against the steel. Those two metals don't play well together, especially if moisture is introduced. Probably not a problem, but wanted to ask and see what other thought.

 

[3pairs12]

Rock River Arms lower that has a chip in the paint on the very front, where the barrel nut will thread on

On the upper or lower? Either way if you really concerned with the aluminum touching steel you put a small dab of JB WELD there then paint over that.

 

[entreus]

It's the upper, on the forward leading edge, where the you insert the barrel extension into the upper receiver. I'm not sure if there will actually be contact since it's on the outside of the threads, I guess you'd call it the lip, but just wondered. I've got quite a bit invested in the project and I really don't want to see rust develop.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

I guess part of my concern is the Aluminum against the steel. Those two metals don't play well together, especially if moisture is introduced. Probably not a problem, but wanted to ask and see what other thought.

This is certainly a legitimate concern, as dissimilar metals, in contact with each other, can cause a chemical reaction. It's not going to explode but it will start to eat away at the aluminum. I call it aluma-rot.

Any tough (epoxy based) paint, epoxy, or a small amount of JB Weld like 3Pairs was talking about should work fine to cover it up. Just make sure it's dry before you put on the barrel nut.

Did you receive the receiver in this condition? If so, I would have the manufacturer/distributor replace it.

 

[3pairs12]

Just make sure it's dry before you put on the barrel nut.

Yes other wise it will become semi permanent.

 

[entreus]

I have both epoxy based paint and straight epoxy. I'll look at both and apply one before I assemble the upper. Thanks for the input.