“What if I’m not strong enough to do it by hand?” How to put on M16A1 Hand guards Easier

What are some ways to easily put these handguards on? The M16A1 hand guards are not as easy to out on compared to the A2 hand guards. This has to do with the flat delta ring on the A1. The A2 has a conical type delta ring which makes It easier. Ben at MB Defense Solutions figured out a way to make it easier to out these A1 hand guards on.
In 1964, the United States Army and United States Air Force adopted the M16 to replace the M14 battle rifle. The M16 has a vast history; it first served with U.S. troops in Vietnam and saw action with other allied and NATO forces globally. Adversaries used the M16 as well, when captured. The M16A1 was an improved M16, and the M16A2 was an improvement from that. The M4 and M4A1 were carbines that spawned from the M16 and had seen action during close quarters combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, 58 years later, the U.S. has adopted the Sig XM5 and has started phasing out the M4 and M16A2.
For a span of around 60 years, the M16 and its variants have had a long history of serving with many nations to include the Canada, Malaysia, Israel, South Korea, South Vietnam, the U.S. and many many more. It's sad to see a historic relic not in it's original form like this and the next step is to get it range ready.
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All weapons portrayed in this video were handled in a safe manner. A medically trained proffessional was on site. Multiple safety precautions were in place before, during and after filming. Seek out weapons familiarization training before handling any weapon. Collectibles and antiques are known as alternative assets in the financial world. We are not financial advisors nor do we give legal financial advice, please talk to your CPA. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Information contained in the content is based from personal experience, opinion, or available on the internet. Gun enthusiasts should read the owners manual and consult a firearms expert to fully understand the weapon. These historical relics and products commonly available in stores all across the United States. Our videos are for entertainment purposes.

[@Mjdeben]

The tapered slip ring was one of the few good A2 upgrades. Makes doing this much easier.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Yep!

[@Hansengineering]

mmmm idk if I'd discount the rest of the A2 upgrades like that. Square sight post? Boss. Stronger lower receiver? Why not. Best sights ever issued on any service rifle ever? Check! And the stock was a lot stronger even if it was a bit longer.

[@donwyoming1936]

The Delta ring was about the only good thing on the A2. Oh, and the brass deflector too. The rest of the rifle was an absolute disaster. An $80 rear sight no one uses. A stock too long for 90% of troops. The front sight is too fat. Pistol grip at a bizarre angle. Burst was dumb. The barrel gets fat past the front sight block? It was a rifle for Marines to use at the range. Absolute garbage for the rest of us.

[@Mjdeben]

@@donwyoming1936 Totally Agree! I do like the A2 handguards more than the A1 triangles though. And the A2 birdcage is probably an improvement (I could never tell cause I don't shoot prone). Also the stock would've been great if they did what the Canadians did at Diemaco and used the new upgraded material, but kept the length of pull the same as A1. I also think the A2 buttplate is an improvement over the A1. It's squared off at the edges instead of rounded and combined with the aggressive checkering it really locks on the shoulder nicely. I replaced my A1 type E stocks buttplate with an A2 and it shoulders much better, for me anyway. The A2 "Government" barrel contour is a crime against physics. Can't believe it still persists.

[@thomasgeorge4384]

Never actually had a problem like that... but most of my experience was in A2 handguards in the Marine Corps, and they were so worn down that you had to tape the bastards on or risk losing them during drill.

[@normynorm2945]

Try dealing with the Steyr Aug for a personal weapon ,it was a freaking nightmare. Stay safe Marine

[@donwyoming1936]

The A2 has a tapered delta ring. Much easier to manipulate than the straight sided ring on the M16 & M16A1.

[@s4ss.m8]

​@@normynorm2945mmmmm that reminds me of my old A1 that had apparently seen conflicts in the Gulf, Timor, Iraq and with me throughout AFG before it got retired and we all god the new F88S A2s It Started leaving a fine dust on you wherever the plastic touched. Taste like CLP and VT Commo interior plastic 😂

[@paulberkland5700]

Said no soldier ever. We used our man hands.

[@Woody-nc1ru]

LOL, yeah, it was like two monkeys trying to fuck a football getting those things on.

[@gregoryhall2967]

Not even a big guy here and thought an actual tool for this was a joke.

[@tonywayne7253]

So carry extra weight in the field to work on a weapon system designed to be worked on without tools outside of an armory?

[@ericzaiz8358]

​@@tonywayne7253you dont take off tge handguard in the field, that is garrison only take down bit. Amd yes, alot of people in the military uses that true cause no one feel like spending several minutes fighting it when you have a tool to do so. It be like trying to undo a nut without a wrench.

[@stefanstoia1975]

What harm does making your job easier bring?

[@garywatkins5533]

They make a tool for that😂. Plus,,,the Ruger has a threaded ring

[@rodgersmith1573]

That's cool for the Ruger and all, but he's clearly got an A1 clone rifle. With clone rifles, you want them to be as clone correct as you can make them.

[@garywatkins5533]

REAL MEN ONLY LMAO 🤣🤣

[@FeloniousSKUNK]

There’s a pill for that…

[@garywatkins5533]

@@taco6682 LMAO 😂😂

[@garywatkins5533]

@@FeloniousSKUNK LMAO 😂😂😂

[@aniquinstark4347]

You can easily make a tool out of paracord to pull the ring down

[@330FoeSho]

Yeah there’s a lot of options for this one.

[@joshuapena4684]

Fuck that

[@carminescurse]

Do the hand guards one at a time. Allows you to get a better grip.

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

Winner winner, chikin dinner😏

[@mikedydiver]

Love the classic look if an armalite riffle, reminiscent of the 80's

[@jesseypryor7597]

Ahh yes, the torquing punch, I have several of those in my own toolbox

[@luisescalante8828]

I remember those handguards , it wasn't that hard 1990.

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

Depends on how new the spring is in the delta/slip ring

[@borisreid3053]

Had one of these on my basic training. I used to install them vice versa. Insert the grip into the base ring, pull down the grip and it snaps right inside the front hold

[@taterbug70]

Ah yes, the mild steel Harbour Freight green punch from the cheapo punch set.

[@stephensellers2453]

I like that upper❤

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Original Colt M16A1 upper on a new PSA/ H&R Barrel 😁🔥

[@nickmayer9777]

The ring was always the biggest pain in the arse when re-assembling the M16A4 I was issued. I feel your pain.

[@richardflora7940]

Use the handle part of the channel locks place on both sides squeezed together push down the Delta ring and push your hand guard in😊

[@nickv1008]

Haven't seen that since 1970. But without the forward assist...

[@mohrproductions9534]

My favorite handguard

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Yeah, original and they look so sleek 😎

[@chrissewell1608]

Using a vice and block would also help.

[@TheJimtanker]

Put in one side handguard and then the other. That's the easy way to do it.

[@ricksunderland1421]

Cleaning rods work well

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Yea that would work

[@johnjett1274]

I used to put the lower receiver on first. Somehow that gave it stability and made it easier to hold those rings down. I could reassemble the rifle in less than two minutes blindfolded.

[@CornpopOG]

Those triangle handguards are a pain in the butt to put on just bought a dissipator upper with them on it and took them off and had a little trouble getting them back on used the same trick

[@johnc5330]

Which upper did you get? I've been wanting to put together a dissipator.

[@CornpopOG]

@@johnc5330 I believe it's a PSA I bought it off Armslist it's actually a faux dissipator though it has a low profile gas block and mid-length gas tube underneath the handguard

[@MrGermansheppard]

You know it makes it a lot easier if you install each side one at a time instead of trying to get them in at the same time... pro tip, when installing A2 handguards install the top one first and then the bottom one, youll have more room to maneuver your fingers to take advantage of the slip ring / delta ring and you wont have to take your upper off your lower to do it

[@A-G-F-]

"What if im not strong enough to do it by hand?" Ask your dad 😂

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Lol

[@aarondude4529]

Did that the ol hard way lol I like your style.

[@RudeDog412]

How about using Delta ring pliers? It takes the right tool to do the right job. What a concept?

[@Hardcorediver44]

I remember the first time holding a M16A1, I thought it felt like a toy compared to the 30-06 rifle I had at home.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

A lot of Soldiers during the Vietnam War said similar.

[@Hansengineering]

If the gripping surfaces aren't angled, they don't make a ∆, they aren't a Delta. It's a "handguard slip ring".

[@donwyoming1936]

That little ring on the M16 & M16A1 was pretty difficult to manipulate when they had a new spring installed. We always did one side, then the other. You have no idea how much easier the big, tapered Delta ring on the M16A2 and newer rifles is to use.

[@linx.b5246]

Have to say M16 style is a beautiful beast.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

😎

[@waynefletcher9884]

We never needed any god damn tool to put our A-1 guards together

[@GS-kx1ys]

One guard at a time dip schlitz

[@thebobshatney]

This guy is Nolan from Donut media, but if he liked guns instead of cars, and I love it lol 😂

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Lol

[@kevinmencer3782]

Am I the only one who is a sucker for the A1 style hand guards?

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Plenty of folks out there love the A1 hand guards

[@brianazmy3156]

Last time I checked, torque involved something that rotated or spun.

[@earlwyss520]

Ooh, an A1, I so want that.

[@warlike3934]

Getting them on is easy, getting the SOBs off is another story.

[@2old._.]

Is this Nolan from Donut’s brother? 😂

[@jdog4534]

Use the eyelet of the patch holder in your cleaning kit.

[@nategross7568]

That’s not a “delta ring”

[@u.s.militia7682]

Put both the hand guards in the spring ring and push down then insert them into the stationary ring.

[@dinen2394]

dude gives off Ron Swanson if he didnt despise the world vibes

[@djjaysky9071]

This problem is created because the Delta ring was a stupid idea from the beginning

[@joshuapena4684]

God I want an m16 with the A1 grip, no medium powered rifle is hotter then that

[@knightjd22]

Love tge patina of the upper

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Yea, I was surprised when I got the kit

[@sapperveteran245]

One at a time, and you won't need any tools.

[@nathant3897]

Never had to fool with a delta ring luckily my ruger had one that twisted but it did get crazy tight once and was pretty tough to get but more than likely my fault

[@Damocles54]

Cleaning rod. Field expedient.

[@BBKlima]

I want a M16A1 clone so bad

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Palmetto State Armory has new production rifles and parts. What a Country and Atlantic firearms have original Colt Parts kits

[@edwardseaton9447]

Normally when assembly with hand guard u get to the point u had it then put pressure on both halves of your forgrip then slam the butt of the rifle with mild force down on the table or a surface and it caused the ring to go downward an then lock into place .....

[@billortloff4215]

I find it easier to install one side at a time.

[@mohammedcohen]

...used the 'buddy system' in basic...BTW - the tool was designed for the A2 delta ring...the A1 ring was straight...

[@kuzadupa185]

When youre not strong enough, look at a book of "simple machines". In this video we see an example of a "lever".

[@jamebrooke894]

M-16A1 I WANT!!!

[@victortillas1143]

Yo those RAS A4 handgaurds will strip you or your man hood trying to put them back on

[@tomsanderson4983]

USMC 74 boot camp. Never remember having any issues putting the hand guards on. It's been several semesters since then but I thought you incerted the bottom of one side of the handguard in the delta ring then pushed down and slipped the top in then repeated with the other side?? Like I said.. it's been awhile.

[@wreck_it_becket5514]

My first ar was a ruger and i can confirm they have threaded rings so you dont have this issue

[@willconnolly201]

That’s what she said

[@mr.k.i.s.s7496]

I always used the cleaning rod

[@americafirst3562]

You mean the "slip ring"?

[@iplayzgames8241]

Technically, yes. After they transitioned to the ones with a taper for better grip they were called delta rings, which is what has been used in the ensuing 40 years or so. So the term "delta ring" came to encompass both

[@stevene6181]

Definitely don’t smack it by the buttock like you’re clearing a double feed like I did as a private.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Lol 😂

[@pauldavies7786]

Definitely whatever you do don't use a Delta ring tool

[@mattycapone4281]

You put one side in at a time.

[@stewartperry7797]

My first rifle. You work in a gun store. Try one side at a time. That’s how we marines did it… many times per day.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Yep that's how I did it in the Army and how I still do it.

[@sbjennings99]

You put them in the bottom press them down. And put them in the front and let them slide forward

[@johnsimpson3240]

How about you put one side in at a time so you rock the ring. I put these things together on a nearly daily basis for 9 years. I never tried to do both guards at the same time.

[@donavonrobbins1908]

Try just one at a time.

[@amd65ak47]

It wouldn't be torque it would be called leverage

[@rednecksniper4715]

That’s not a delta ring that’s a slip ring delta rings are slanted to give better grip surface which is why they replaced the slip ring

[@dannylowe89dl]

You actually did it backward, put the rear tabs in the ring, and then press down on the guard until the forward tabs go under the forward retainer.

[@michaellance898]

If you can’t do it by hand, you need to work more and wipe your hands clean 😂

[@billskinner623]

To start with, that's not a Delta Ring. That's a Slip Ring. The Slip Ring has parallel sides, the Delta Ring is tapered. And that's a Front Sight Group and not a Tower, either.

[@Pyle81]

And they make a tool for this also.

[@Jackedhobbit]

What if I’m not strong enough? You die.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

😆

[@darthjoshua6663]

Don’t worry soldier, with god anything is possible

[@tyronephipps7759]

I remember using those in basic training, I hated cleaning them, but the A2 guards were just as bad

[@thatquadguy4550]

Sorry to all you Tactical Timmy's out there but ain't nobody call those a 'delta ring assembly'

[@PhuVet]

Or use the right tool.

[@DennisFromRLM]

I want an a1 upper bad

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Try What-a-Country 😁👍

[@DennisFromRLM]

@@BattlefieldCurator cool site! Thanks for the info

[@DennisFromRLM]

@@BattlefieldCurator man I wish I'd know about this a week ago. En-bloc clips are cheap on there... I just spent way more than that

[@DustinRhodes-tb7mk]

I bet those handguards filled up with tons of mud and shit back in the Nam days

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Wouldn’t doubt it

[@dailydiogenes]

The dragonav or svd is quite similar I believe

[@johnmatics2655]

Why don't you put them in one at a time. That's how we did it in the army.

[@jmorrison5206]

Leverage, not torque.

[@ebolawarrior451]

If you get it a 1/4 there just smack em.

[@smiffersmaffer]

Or just use the Delta ring tool

[@cedrichepburn8306]

A real soldier would put them on one at a time...

[@fflife6730]

First of all, you do one side at a time, NOT both sides at once. If that tip doesn't help let me know and I'll get my mother to do it for you.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

😂

[@SirBaltimorgue]

Leverage*

[@bradfordbeeching4620]

We used to put the bottom on first, then push down and squeeze... They are still all pieces of crap. I broke one in half once. Saw the flipping tracers ricochet off of rain drops... Fudge! Give me 7.62 any day. That stuff bounces off nothing!

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Wow!

[@allenforgot]

Wearing a Glock polo and not being able to get handguards in. Not surprised 😅

[@ReiMonCoH]

A bullet works for the tool to get those PoS hand guards on👍🏻

[@brucelownhole]

Torque?

[@tubbs200803]

I've seen some easy delta rings. I've seen some that are completely the worst bastards in the world. They are not created equal.

[@ledgercook5761]

Will the A1 hand guard fit on an A2?

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Yes if the A2 has the triangle end cap

[@jesusyeshuaelelyonelshadai6295]

Usually ...normally...😅its good to use a weapon that u can handle.. dont buy what you don't know or what you cant handle.. you can hurt yourself or others

[@ernestpaniagua1210]

I hated putting the handguards back on the old a1 the a2 was easier i used my hands and I was a armour was glad they a1 handguards with the a2 version.

[@BattlefieldCurator]

I was an armorer for a couple years (2009-2011)… I hated those handguards as well but fortunately we didn’t have any A1’s

[@ernestpaniagua1210]

@@BattlefieldCurator they where a pain in the ass . lol 😂 we did use a cleaning rod sometimes

[@backcountry164]

*leverage

[@wesleycoughran4788]

Or just buy and AK which has all the cleaning accessories built into it

[@GodsGladiator]

I mean if they only invented a delta ring tool that like clips to the mag well and compounds your leverage…….. oh wait they do 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@richardwangster4770]

"i work in a gun store, pretty sure i know what im talking about"

[@DanHORVATH-yi6cu]

I do one side then the other. Class of 1972. Why complicate crap? The only thing we had back then was our cleaning kit. If not in combat, you didnt have ammo to use for improvised things. Easy Pesy and yes i own what i carried.