RRA half quad forearm removal?

[Stealthshooter]

I've got a RRA 556 upper that has the half quad forearm on it and I'm wanting to go with a lighter simple smooth tube. HOW THE HECK DO I GET THIS THING OFF? I've put a lot of pressure on the tube with a strap wrench to no avail. Do they lock tite this thing on like they do the castle nut?

[Atomicdog]

see if this site has the info you need...Best of Luck!

http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ar-talk/17 ... l-nut.html

[Stealthshooter]

Thanks much for the link! Well..It looks like RRA likes to use red loctite on everything with threads. I guess I'm going to have to get a vise block. Which style would you guys recommend?

This
http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/? ... 5&cat=1450

or this?
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2238 ... TION_BLOCK

[Hoot]

Get the two-part vise block from Block Worx. If you have to fight past loctite red, you'll need it. It is the strongest I have ever used and presents no stress whatsoever to the receiver walls. Google the name and look at all the glowing comments.

Hoot

[Texas Sheepdawg]

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK4XzPll ... ata_player

This is just one of many instructionals on you tube.

[Hoot]

I should have watched that video every time I was taking off a barrel nut from the factory. Maybe then I could have saved all that money it cost to rent the Elephant I had to chain to my wrench to get those nuts broke free.

Youtube, is the epitome of people helping people, but don't assume that just because someone with a camcorder and good intentions puts out an instructional video, that the information is gospel. Always browse through the comments below the video.

Here's an example of that in a nicely produced video about annealing brass cases? Luckily, Youtube allows folks to respond to videos. Though they're unmoderated, those remarks can sometimes be as valuable as the video. If you bother to watch the video, scroll down to the "Top Comments". They're right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=190rC0iT ... ata_player

Hoot

[Stealthshooter]

I'D LIKE TO CALL RRA AND ASK THEM JUST WHY IN THE HELL THEY THINK THEY NEED TO USE RED LOCTITE?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They used it on the castle nut for the stock also. I was able to heat it up and break it loose. Still no luck with the handguard though. Just gunna have to order that receiver vise block that Hoot posted up I guess.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

Yeah, Hoot. I have my BS filters set to extreme when watching instructional videos on You Tube. I shy away from the "Ricky Bobbies" shooting videos in their mothers basements and such and try to stick to the reputable channels such as Brownells or Midway USA and other more commercial channels like GunWebsites and Dunbar555. Everyone needs to be very careful and do their research.
There are a few individuals out there that are credible, but I have seen numerous videos where just by the "look" of their shops and their dialog send up the red flags.

[Colohunter]

Red loctite may be frustrating, but at least you know it won't come off when you don't want it to. I recently removed the barrel nut from a factory Bushmaster 223 to switch out the handguard. I was amazed at how LITTLE force was needed. I almost smashed my hand into the bench trying to torque it off. The "castle" nut on the stock also came off way to easy.

Needless to say, when I put on the new handguard I tighten the bolt the way it is supposed to be. I also staked the castle nut after putting on the ambi single point plate. Since this will be a work rifle, I don't want to worry about parts falling off!