How to Remove an Older Handguard

[FPrice]

I want to remove the handguard on my Windham upper, mainly to replace it with a more modern, useful, and quite frankly lighter handguard. But I am not sure ow to proceed.

I am starting with the assumption that I will have to remove the gasblock so I've included a closeup of it.

Next, how do I remove the handguard. Does it just unscrew?

Any help gladly appreciated.

 

[Marty McFly]

Show the back of it where it meets the reciever. Looks like one I had before.

Edit iirc correctly it spun off but backwards? Clockwise if looking down the barrel is what I'm remembering.

*IF it the same type

Edit 2

This kinda describes what I meant

https://www.reddit.com/r/ar15/s/NUK97pqEr5

 

[greencobra]

that middle pic...looks like the handguard might slide over the gas block, no?

 

[Mountain]

that middle pic...looks like the handguard might slide over the gas block, no?

It might, but IIRC Windham might have put dimples where the gas block screws go thus making it easy to reinstall.

@FPrice - That tube might unscrew but look for a set screw that would have to be removed first. If there was any lock-tite used some mild heat (like hair dryer level) would help. I think it does unscrew from that knurled 'nut' that mates with the upper receiver threads. Might be worth getting some cheap strap wrenches from Harbor Freight etc. to do the job.

 

[PatMcD]

Umscrew it. It may or may not fit over the gas block.
You may need to apply heat. Who knows?

 

[greencobra]

It might, but IIRC Windham might have put dimples where the gas block screws go thus making it easy to reinstall.

yes, i forgot about those dimples. pretty much standard practice. damn you, mr. mountain!

 

[Mountain]

yes, i forgot about those dimples. pretty much standard practice. damn you, mr. mountain!

Actually if the tube will go over the gas block, you are saving OP some extra trouble. Depends on the gas block.

 

[SJan]

not sure if you already figured this one out
the barrel nut probably has holes through it for the gas tube, like this google photo for reference . The handguard itself is likely threaded onto the barrel nut. When you try to unscrew the handguard pay attention to the barrel nut, you may have to hold it in place to prevent it from turning and contacting and possibly bending the gas tube. If you don't plan on reusing it, I would just go at it with a pipe wrench or large slip joint pliers

 

[FPrice]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[FPrice]

Update: This project is on hold.

Before I put tool to upper I happened to find someone who was looking for this style of handguard. Made contact and offered to sell them the entire upper which they accepted. So this takes one project off the table and gives me some freedom to do some other things.

 

[mac1911]

Update: This project is on hold.

Before I put tool to upper I happened to find someone who was looking for this style of handguard. Made contact and offered to sell them the entire upper which they accepted. So this takes one project off the table and gives me some freedom to do some other things.

I have done this a handful of times with AR uppers. Sell it or trade it and get what you want.