How to replace AR-15 free-floated handguard ?

[Zak Smith]

I have a new Rock River AR-15 with the free-floated aluminum handguard. I am considering replacing the handguard with a free-floated which weighs less. A couple questions:

1. Who makes a good lightweight free-floated handguard? Shorter is better, and fiberglass is good.

2. What is involved in removing and replacing the free-floated handguard? I can't tell how it is attached. It looks like the gas tube must be temporarily removed, however.

thanks
Zak

 

[Steve Smith]

Gas tube and front sight will both have to be removed. Do you intend on putting handguards over the new float tube or just getting a tube that serves as handguards as well?

FYI, the RRA float tube is the BEST under the handguards float tube on the market for serious work. If you are going to take it off, I'll make an offer for you.

 

[Zak Smith]

How, mechanically, is the tube fixed to the upper receiver, and how can it be removed?

My tube looks like one of these:
http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/varmupperhal.gif
Does it just unscrew from the upper once I remove the gas tube?

 

[Rocklobster]

The delta ring/barrel nut are replaced with a threaded sleeve/barrel nut. A special wrench is used to loosen/tighten the barrel nut. The handguard tube is twisted onto this sleeve.