AR-15 Weight Distribution

[CrystalHunter1989]

My favorite carbine came from the previous owner with a Yankee Hill free-float rail. While this is great for accuracy and the metal construction protects the barrel, the weapon has become too front-heavy. I know that Yankee Hill makes a "light" version of their rails but I don't know if that's the one my rifle has because the pictures all look alike. I'm also lacking the tools needed to remove the rail even if I wanted to.

I'm not riding any accessories on the gun except a miscellaneous light and Magpul AFG. I've been doing bicep curls recently, up to 30 pounds, so maybe it's a moot point. The weight itself isn't a problem, just the balance. This is the only gun I have with such a rail. The most expedient option at this point would probably be a new stock, like a SOPMOD, but I don't have the right buffer tube. A new rail would cost $100 give or take and a smith to get the old one off. Going back to standard hand guards would mean losing my light and AFG.

Any tips?

[Kentactic]

First, get the tools to be able to turn ever nut and bolt on that gun. Id maybe even take it a step further to say have a nice compact kit of every tool required to break that gun all the way down. Im considering sticking all the tools for my 870 in the buttstock so it goes every where with me no matter what. Id also recommend you actually do turn every nut and bolt on that gun to become more familiar and know everything is nice and tight. Next if youre training with this rifle and the weights not an issue then leave it alone. If it is an issue then solve it. If it aint broke dont fix it.

[technique]

If, you're going YHM to YHM, I'mma guess you don't need specialized tools. You won't be removing the barrel nut because both rails use the same nut. You'll need a spanner or improvised spanned of sorts to loosen the locking ring.


 [img]http://bestsmileys.com/ar

[thatGuy]

Good advice gents, I would shy away from making the back end heavy in an attempt to balance it out.

And that is all I got. You two nailed it!

[v0dka]

what's the barrel length and gas system on that gun?
if it's a 16" carbine get that thing chopped to 14.5 with a pined and welded 1.6" FH.
You'll be amazed at the difference.

[CrystalHunter1989]

If, you're going YHM to YHM, I'mma guess you don't need specialized tools. You won't be removing the barrel nut because both rails use the same nut. You'll need a spanner or improvised spanned of sorts to loosen the locking ring.


 [img]http://bestsmileys.com/ar

I'm a little confused...can you explain it in noobish for me?

[thatGuy]

YHM Installation Manual

If you look at the manual you will see that YHM uses a proprietary barrel nut. The handguard threads onto the barrel and the 2 screws keep it from rotating. Remove those two screws on the side of the barrel nut and unscrew the handguard. Then screw new YHM handguard on.

You know we sell used shit here too right?