Smyth Busters: AR-15 Barrel Nut Torque

Brownells Gun Techs Caleb Savant and Steve Ostrem take on another item of the firearm world's "received wisdom," specifically the notion that an AR-15 barrel nut must be tightened to a precise torque setting to ensure best accuracy - and to keep the gun from blowing up. The recommended mil-spec torque setting is 30 to 85 ft.-lbs, which is a HUGE range. That's like saying, "Not too loose and not too tight." The range is so wide because the original-style M16 barrel nut, still found on many civilian AR-15s, has teeth on it that have to be rotated to provide clearance for the gas tube. Once you can get the gas tube through, you're good, as long as you've applied more than 30 and fewer than 85 ft.-lbs. of torque. The rifle will shoot perfectly well. (NOTE: Some AR-15 manufacturers do call for more specific torque settings; you'll want to adhere to those.) Got a firearm "myth" you'd like the guys to address? Let us know in the comments below.

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