Installing DPMS handguard, timing?

[eightmd]

I hear about timing the installation of the freefloating handguard to get it on straight. How do you go about doing this? Does it have to be done by a shop/gunsmith? Is it easy enough for someone to do it in there home shop?

[blue109]

I would think the only way to time it would be with shims of some sort.

[edgecrusher]

normally it's a pretty straight forward process, not too difficult with the right tools

[EasyEJL]

depending on how the free float exactly mounts, a cheap trick is to use a scope with rings on it, line up the receiver rail and top rail of the handguard having one ring over the handguard and one over the receiver. that will hold it in place while you do whatever attaches the rail.

[blue109]

I was assuming a standard DPMS tube from the title. If its railed the scope ring trick works pretty well.

[survivalshop]

Or  Brownells has a rail alignment tool .

 

Some FF hand guards need special wrenches to attach them or there own barrel nuts .

[blue109]

However....some details might help get you an answer.