UTG pro super slim handguard

[Hookeye]

Got one.
Went together fine, but noticed bbl off center a bit.
Irons adjusted but I wanted my rear dead center LOL

So I loosened the 6 screws and retightened w some push on the bbl.
One of the screws went soft.

Spec says 25 in lbs, my screw stripped at 20.

Crap.

Figured maybe the insert stripped, I did the UTG warranty.
Got a replacement sleeve and screws. No charge.

Orig screws were button head torx.
Replacements Allen and slightly larger head.

Yup, you guesses it.........the sleeve was fine, the orig screws soft (think YT Mr. Gunsngear said he had same prob- new screws from UTG fixed it).

Well, my new screws have crappy Allen heads, and w their new supplied key, rounded one. Cut slot w file and removed, used a pristine Craftsman bit and still boogered one after minor adj.

I did file just a tiny bit off one of the anti rotation tabs, to line up the pic rail perfect. Suspect my upper a little wide, maybe on one side?
Machining of the handguard looked symmetrical.

That was no biggie. Rather start w too much than not enough LOL.

But two sets of screws, both crap.......that's kind of a downer.

So I ordered stainless.

These are supposedly M4 .7 and look to be 7mm.
6 and 8mm length available, so got the 8's and will grind to proper length.
End up costing me like 5 bucks and a bit of time to make this right.

Just a heads up if you get one, the screws still seem to be crap.

The handguard is made in USA, but it appears the screws proly come from China LOL

 

[Hookeye]

Well I couldn't find any M4 torx black oxide 8mm.
Got some stainless, and reg Allen oxide.

Used the spare bbl nut as a holder, Dremel shortened and then backed out, bevel tip.
Took a little while but it's got good screws in it now.

The Allen were just slightly smaller in head OD than the torx that first came w the handguard.
The replacement Allens that were also junk, from UTG, had a bigger head.

The stainless torx are too shiny LOL.
If I could black em I'd run em.

 

[churchmouse]

I have stopped using UTG components after some of the same experiences plus some fitment issues.

 

[d.kaufman]

I have stopped using UTG components after some of the same experiences plus some fitment issues.

About the only thing I use from UTG anymore is their bipods. They're great for light duty use. Have several variations and they've all been good to go.....so far

 

[Hookeye]

Bipods I run Harris, have sine the mid 70's

I had some Gunkote left over, can almost empty. Hit em with that, got about 90% covered LOL.....will do another pass tomorrow when I can see.
Just put all 6 into the spare sleeve and used that as a mini "paint stand".

So......good screws cost me 4 bucks and some time. Am on sick leave so had nothing better to do.

Need a new can of Gunkote, for any future projects.
Brownells has been out of stock forever.

 

[churchmouse]

Bipods I run Harris, have sine the mid 70's

I had some Gunkote left over, can almost empty. Hit em with that, got about 90% covered LOL.....will do another pass tomorrow when I can see.
Just put all 6 into the spare sleeve and used that as a mini "paint stand".

So......good screws cost me 4 bucks and some time. Am on sick leave so had nothing better to do.

Need a new can of Gunkote, for any future projects.
Brownells has been out of stock forever.

I used to use Guncoat to put color on motorcycle engines. The stuff was amazing for that.

 

[Jaybird1980]

Bipods I run Harris, have sine the mid 70's

I had some Gunkote left over, can almost empty. Hit em with that, got about 90% covered LOL.....will do another pass tomorrow when I can see.
Just put all 6 into the spare sleeve and used that as a mini "paint stand".

So......good screws cost me 4 bucks and some time. Am on sick leave so had nothing better to do.

Need a new can of Gunkote, for any future projects.
Brownells has been out of stock forever.

Amazon has the air dry and baked on. It is probably more expensive than Brownells though.

 

[gregkl]

I have stopped using UTG components after some of the same experiences plus some fitment issues.

I have an Aero handguard to replace my UTG. The UTG was probably okay for a plinker, but I am wanting something a little more robust without breaking my bank. I'm waiting for the Aero Enhanced upper to come available and I will be using that.

It might be marketing, but I like that the upper is forged with the handguard mounting platform as one solid unit. I think it will serve my purposes well.

BTW, my UTG guard is a little offset to the barrel also.

 

[Hookeye]

 

[Hookeye]

I had a little offset but filed the top tab just a bit. Lines up fine now. Maybe receiver a little wide on that side?


Stainless torx, should not strip out LOL. Shortened and painted.
Good enough.
Finally let my OCD chill.