07 February 2026

Retention

Got my retainer washers in.

First, there don't seem to be SAE retainer washers.  All I could find was metric for the Ø0.180" tube...

I figured 4 or 5 mm would do, and ended up with a 750 piece set with retainer washers from 2mm to 12mm.

The Ø5mm x 14mm OD was too big.  The flange caught on the barrel and it bent in such a way as to stop being a retainer washer.

Ø5mm x 12mm OD is just right!

Now I have a 748 piece set that I will probably never use again!

Update:  I have tried the Brownell's Retro triangle, vintage triangle, USGI A2, Palmetto's more oval A2 style and Magpul's MOE handguards.  All of them fit just fine!  Though vintage triangle handguards are just a little longer than the other types, requiring a LOT more effort on the slip-ring to get them off and on; but that's true of the M16A1 clone they live on too!

Posted by Angus McThag at 16:22
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous07 February, 2026 16:32

    That's not true at all. You'll need a washer from the set the day after you finally decide to throw them all away 😄

    Daosus

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angus McThag07 February, 2026 19:25

      I really want to say that you are wrong.

      I REALLY want to say you are wrong.

      But I cannot, because you're absolutely correct.

      Delete

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