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How to Build an AR-15 Upper Receiver – Flash Hider Installation

AR-15 Flash Hider Installation - thearmsguide.com

December 28, 2016 by Nate Schultz (nsz85) 1 Comment

If you’re following our AR-15 upper build how-to, we’re ready for the last step: installing a muzzle device (flash hider, muzzle brake or compensator). Fortunately, it is a simple process and I am going to share with you exactly how I do it, step by step. There is an incredible amount of muzzle devices currently available on the market, but for simplicity’s sake, I will be covering how to install a typical A2 “birdcage” style flash hider. For the most part, almost all muzzle devices can be installed using the same basic techniques I will discuss in this guide.

Items Needed

  • A2 flash hider
  • Crush washer
  • ¾” wrench or armorer’s tool
  • Bench vise
  • Upper receiver vise block
  • AeroShell 33MS grease

Installing the Muzzle Device

In my opinion, the most important part of this process is making sure your barrel and upper receiver are held securely in a vise. This is important because you will be placing a decent amount of torque on the end of the barrel and you do not want it to move. You may opt to clamp your barrel directly in the vise or use an AR-15 upper receiver vise block. I recently obtained a Geissele Reaction Rod and recommend it because it only applies torque to the barrel extension rather than the aluminum upper receiver.

AR-15 Flash Hider Installation - thearmsguide.com
Here you can see how the crush washer goes over the barrel threads followed by the flash hider. Image courtesy of the technical manual.

Once you have your barrel and AR-15 upper receiver secured, install the crush washer with the small end against the barrel and the large end flaring outward. Now, liberally apply some AeroShell 33MS to the threads of the barrel and hand tighten the flash hider.

AR-15 Flash Hider Installation - thearmsguide.com
Make sure that the 3rd slot is in direct line with the front sight post or gas tube. Image courtesy of the technical manual.

Using a ¾” wrench, tighten the flash hider until the third slot is facing straight up and is in direct line with the font sight post or gas tube. This procedure is called “timing.” By making sure you line everything up correctly, you are “timing” your flash hider.

When using a crush washer, do not tighten/rotate the muzzle device more than 450 degrees when installing it. If you cannot properly time your flash hider within that value then remove your flash hider and crush washer and start over with a new crush washer.

If you are having trouble rotating your muzzle device to get it to time correctly, try this: loosen it, re-tighten it and then repeat until you get it lined up the way it should be. Also, a bit of advice from experience: do not over tighten your muzzle device. Tighten it just until proper timing is achieved and then leave it.

Your AR-15 upper receiver is now complete and is ready for you to install your rail, attach your optic and accessories—congrats!

 

Featured image courtesy of Damage Industries.

Filed Under: AR-15, How To

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About the Author

Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)

Nate Schultz (nsz85) Nate Schultz is employed within the field of Law Enforcement, is an avid shooter, firearms enthusiast and hobbiest gunsmith. When he is not writing for The Arms Guide, he is producing content for his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/nsz85

See All Nate Schultz (nsz85) Articles

Comments

  1. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)greensquire says

    October 27, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    Howdy all.  I’m installing a flash suppressor like the one in this article.  My tools are limited and am looking for a good vice to clamp the barrel directly.  Any tips like clamp it vertical or horizontal?  Do I need a barrel block of sorts?  I’ll use some wood or some buffer as not to dig into the barrel.  Any tips would be appreciated.

    Reply

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