22lr AR pistol barrel - how vital is exact torque?

NCLivingBrit

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Short version, I'm building a 22lr AR pistol and have the upper block and armourers tool but maybe not access to a torque wrench tomorrow.

How vital is it? The CMMG dedicated barrel and bolt didn't even have a recommended torque value in the instructions.

Is firm with some blue threadlock good to go? It's a 4.5" blaster, not a bench rest gun BTW.

Thanks for the expected wisdom!

Here's some mock ups I did deciding on a hand guard, that full size KAK flash can knockoff is going to be a KAK micro instead.

IMG_20220613_131749792_1.jpgIMG_20220613_132056498_1.jpg
 
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I would never use locktite on it.
What type of barrel nut does it need to time?
I would find a torque wrench you can get them cheap. Then follow the spec. All steel barrels with normal aluminum uppers have a range. Many will say 35 is enough and most hit 50 to 60 max. I remember some high max specs of 80 and 90 for some.
If you use composite, plactic, aluminum barrel nuts it all goes out the window.

You can always set it the same way that is the important part. Grease threads, Tight, loose, tight loose, tighten German tight.
 
Mr.Gadget said:
I would never use locktite on it.
What type of barrel nut does it need to time?
I would find a torque wrench you can get them cheap. Then follow the spec. All steel barrels with normal aluminum uppers have a range. Many will say 35 is enough and most hit 50 to 60 max. I remember some high max specs of 80 and 90 for some.
If you use composite, plactic, aluminum barrel nuts it all goes out the window.

You can always set it the same way that is the important part. Grease threads, Tight, loose, tight loose, tighten German tight.
Click to expand...
The handguard is a collar fit type over a steel barrel nut but there's no gas system. Only timing is for the lugs on the handguard to match the spokes on the nut to sit straight.

Guess I'll have to go get my torque wrench back.... I did order some lithium grease so I was prepared to do it that way.
 
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From looming at the top picture the one on top there is no timing and they use aluminum nuts and the second needs times and uses steel.
The bottom the key is to get it times for the handguard just like if it was a gas gun and tube in place. That will get the handguard setting like it should. Some have a small degree of movement so with no gas tube you can get that close.
 
Mr.Gadget said:
From looming at the top picture the one on top there is no timing and they use aluminum nuts and the second needs times and uses steel.
The bottom the key is to get it times for the handguard just like if it was a gas gun and tube in place. That will get the handguard setting like it should. Some have a small degree of movement so with no gas tube you can get that close.
Click to expand...
Yeah I was fiddling with it earlier the tooth/handguard lug lockup is pretty close so we shall see. Hard part is I have to go get my torque wrench back from a friend lol
 
Now I have to figure out how to torque a barrel nut that is a knurled collar with no wrench surfaces and just timing teeth.
 
Mr.Gadget said:
It uses pins.
If it is like mine just use a tool, should be really easy.
Click to expand...
It's this Chinesium branded one, teeth of the nut are against the upper when assembled. Not sure where to grab it with a torque wrench, but I have a strap wrench.

The tube handguard has that sort of nut but I'm leaning to the mlok one since it has pic rail for a front sight.

HSP01-4cun_750x.jpgScreenshot_20220613-185621-515.png
 
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That looks like it takes a normal barrel nut wrench.
Very close to a early MW Ind light weight handguard so may have a special wrench like some AR stoners but china I bet it is standard.
 
So wrench pins in the nut teeth then?

As you can guess I usually buy built uppers lol. And the only one I built I had help with the barrel.
 
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Roger that, appreciate the clue. I didn't think it would fit that way lol

Well now my Muppet Babies self has been instructed, I have been sent for a 17hr shift (including delay between start time I was told to arrive for, and start time where I ended up) so I can't mess with it until tomorrow lol

Thanks for all the help MrGadget
 
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i agree with stuff here
also it helps to have 2 different wrenches of that type, because i've seen someo nuts that work with one but not the other... it's odd
 
Well got 'er done. Did the grease, tighten 3 times thing and torqued the barrel to 30lbs and then added a little more for timing. I did slip with the wrench at one point and ding the barrel nut teeth a little but l'll live lol

IMG_20220614_2215331532.jpg

If CMMG ever decide to process my order for their mags I can find out if I got it right. Been almost a week and they haven't done anything but let me know they have my money.

I think I want a holster for this thing with the brace off....

IMG_20220614_222442768.jpg

I was amazed how much I remembered, only had to youtube which way round the springs for the hammer and trigger go.

Thanks for all the help folks!

IMG_20220614_221548763.jpg
 
Look at Black Dawg mags or look at the other companies that sell the same thing.
I own a bunch or stuff but they are dang hard to deal with.
They take for ever to ship and orders run anyplace from 2 to 12 months.

I ordered 2 Banshee SBR.
I also found them in stock at Silencer Shop. Ordered them, did paperwork and had the stamp in hand before they ever call to ask if I still wanted them. I just canceled the orders.
I buy their parts and guns when needed from other businesses.
I have about 40 mixed mags. Wish you were closer we would hit the range.
 
Mr.Gadget said:
Look at Black Dawg mags or look at the other companies that sell the same thing.
I own a bunch or stuff but they are dang hard to deal with.
They take for ever to ship and orders run anyplace from 2 to 12 months.

I ordered 2 Banshee SBR.
I also found them in stock at Silencer Shop. Ordered them, did paperwork and had the stamp in hand before they ever call to ask if I still wanted them. I just canceled the orders.
I buy their parts and guns when needed from other businesses.
I have about 40 mixed mags. Wish you were closer we would hit the range.
Click to expand...
I didn't find any in stock the night I ordered, if they don't ship this week I'll go track some down and order some more.

Raleigh ain't that far it's just dealing with my messed up schedule, they have me all over. Was at work for 17hrs yesterday.
 
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I guess I will wave food in your face.
20220614_233305.jpg
Mag dump box for long luncheons or after work.
Stayes loaded, ready to send lead and clear the mind.....
 
Mr.Gadget said:
Midway usa has Black Dawg and some CMMG.
You can also shoot Smith and Wesson 15-22 mags. In a way they are better.
Click to expand...
I saw the adapters, but aren't the mags tougher to come by lately?

And that is some mag porn right there.
 
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Take an old Credit and 2 sided tape.
Honestly I have the clip on and the stick on.
I have shot thousands of rounds in my old AR pistols with the smith mags and no adapter.
I have them just in case. Word is the plastic lowers some use are the big problem vs the aluminum. But some may not run with out 100% of the time.
 
One thing I do like about the old style screw together CMMG mags is that they take Rit dye really well.
 
BigWaylon said:
This was my first thought… 😎

View attachment 485799
Click to expand...
Not entirely unintentional. Alas I couldn't find my knock off AK thistle flash hider.

And I got tired of CMMGs BS and ordered some translucent red ones from Black Dog, already got a tracking number.
 
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So CMMG still haven't done anything towards forwarding my order and my Black Dog mags ordered a week later are already in Greensboro.

Big difference.
 
Yeah CMMG shipping is sort of an afterthought sometimes. Either they are slammed or they just dont care. Terrible company that makes good stuff sometimes. PXL_20220526_005530108.jpg
 
Got my Black Dog mags today, on a Federal holiday by USPS.... Also got a notification from CMMG that my order has finally been given a shipping number.

I was loading the BDM mags and could only get 18 in one. Tried several times, tapped it etc before I took the guts out. It had two followers in it! Loving the colour.

IMG_20220620_111909445.jpg
 
Someone should host a 22 LR Blaster party.....
Nothing but 22 LR
It would be a blast!

I had some 25 mags loaded that needed emptied yesterday.
Went to the range and had a great ammo dump day.
Had a few M&P1522, 2 CMMG SBR's, AR Blaster pistol, Ruger Charger, and a few others.
Something about 22 smoke in the afternoon!
 
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Mr.Gadget said:
Someone should host a 22 LR Blaster party.....
Nothing but 22 LR
It would be a blast!

I had some 25 mags loaded that needed emptied yesterday.
Went to the range and had a great ammo dump day.
Had a few M&P1522, 2 CMMG SBR's, AR Blaster pistol, Ruger Charger, and a few others.
Something about 22 smoke in the afternoon!
Click to expand...
Yep, I enjoy shooting 22lr more than anything. Cheaper, less serious shooting is always a laugh.

I need to try out my new brace setup for my CP33 too now I think about it.....
 
Got to try out my new blaster, runs like a top with high velocity ammo, the weaker stuff doesn't always have the oomph to cock the hammer, although it does load the chamber fine.

I'm trying to decide between a lighter hammer spring or just running hitest ammo in it.
 
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all my CMMG 22 kits needed to run really wet for the first few outing.
No grease, just oil and wet!
I have maybe 5 total.
After a few range outings they run like a top.
You will want to get the repair kit for them as some parts have been prone to problems.
 
Mr.Gadget said:
all my CMMG 22 kits needed to run really wet for the first few outing.
No grease, just oil and wet!
I have maybe 5 total.
After a few range outings they run like a top.
You will want to get the repair kit for them as some parts have been prone to problems.
Click to expand...
Well, I'm an idiot. Went to stick the proper muzzle widget (KAK mini flash can) on and figured I'd check the lube level on the bolt. Yeah, I forgot to lube it, so it ran that well bone dry.

I'm starting to think I just need a double barrel shotgun, I'm going full Biden.
 
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