Tighten a loose delta ring?

[vanfunk]

Hi Folks-

I recently acquired an old forged PWA AR-15 lower and mated it up with a 1970's vintage M16A1 upper with a like-new Colt barrel (I love plain-jane, "retro" AR's). All's well, with one exception: the delta ring is fairly loose, and allows itself a fair bit of rotation around the barrel. This, in turn, allows the triangle handguards to have a pretty good share of play as well, much moreso than my other AR-15's. I've put together plenty of lowers, but have never assembled (or disassembled) an upper and have not the tools for such. Is there a "quick and dirty" way to tighten up the fit of the delta ring without taking off the barrel assembly?

Thanks,

vanfunk

 

[cracked butt]

The delta ring is tensioned by nothing more than a spring, you shoul dbe able to turn it.

The handguards might be worn or just the way they are supposed to be fit. The handguards are held into place by the triangular stamped metal piece that sits behind the front sight base.

 

[briansmithwins]

The delta ring should have a hole that the gas tube goes thru. The gas tube should prevent rotation. Is this not the case with yours? BSW

 

[cracked butt]

^^BSW is correct about the hole in the delta ring. My bad ^^^

 

[vanfunk]

Hi Guys -

Yeppers - the gas tube does go through the hole in the ring, but it still seems to have an inordinate amount of play compared to other AR's in the collection. Perhaps the hole is oversized some. Oh well - it certainly doesn't affect function at all. Perhaps, as old as the handguards are, that there's been some degree of shrinkage and the guards will just never fit tightly fore and aft, or laterally. Maybe I'll just try new guards. Does anyone know of a source for new/excellent condition triangle handguards? I know Northridge has some, but I don't want to get a beat-up pair as the rest of the rifle is in 95% condition or better.

Thanks!

vanfunk