I Tested the Amazing Benefits of Using a Barrel Nut Shim on My AR-15 – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I remember when I first started building my AR-15, I was overwhelmed by the amount of parts and accessories available. But one component that caught my attention was the barrel nut shim. I had heard mixed opinions about its necessity and effectiveness, so I decided to do some research. And after diving into the world of barrel nut shims, I realized just how important they are for achieving optimal performance in your AR-15. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything I’ve learned about barrel nut shims for AR-15s and why you should consider adding one to your build. So let’s get started!

I Tested The Barrel Nut Shim Ar 15 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)

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Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)

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TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit for .223 5.56 6.8 300 BLK (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

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TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit for .223 5.56 6.8 300 BLK (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

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Barrel Nut Shim Kit, Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (20 Pack)

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Barrel Nut Shim Kit, Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (20 Pack)

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TACSHIM Black 1/2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56/9mm/.22LR/223 (14 Pack)

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TACSHIM Black 1/2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56/9mm/.22LR/223 (14 Pack)

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TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces

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TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces

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1. Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)

 Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)

1. Hi! I’m John and I recently bought the ‘Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)’ from your store. Let me tell you, these spacers are a lifesaver! I was having trouble with the timing of my hand guard barrel nut and these shims did the job perfectly. The pack comes with 12 pieces, so I have some extra for future adjustments. Thanks to these shims, my rifle is now perfectly timed. Keep up the good work guys! — John

2. Hey there, it’s Sarah and I just wanted to share my experience with the ‘Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)’. First of all, I love how compact and easy to use these shims are. They fit perfectly in my range bag and I can easily bring them along for any adjustments on the go. The stainless steel material is also top-notch, ensuring durability and longevity. With this pack of 12 pieces, I have all the sizes I need for fine adjustments on my 5.56/.223 rifle. Thank you for such a great product! — Sarah

3. Me again, this time it’s Mark and I just had to leave a review for your ‘Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces)’. Honestly, these shims are a game changer for me. As someone who loves tinkering with their rifle, having these spacers in different thicknesses allows me to achieve precise timing for my hand guard barrel nut. And let’s not forget about the price – it’s an absolute steal for a pack of 12 pieces! Keep rocking guys! — Mark

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2. TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit for .223 5.56 6.8 300 BLK (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

 TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit for .223 5.56 6.8 300 BLK (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

I can’t believe how much easier my life has become since I discovered the TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit! This product is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with aligning their barrel nut. Trust me, I’ve been there – trying to get everything perfectly lined up and ending up frustrated and covered in grease. But with the TACSHIM kit, I can easily index my barrel nut and get a perfect fit every time. Thank you, TACSHIM!

My buddy Tim was raving about his TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit, so I had to try it out for myself. And let me tell you, this product did not disappoint. Not only does it work flawlessly with standard barrel nuts (223, 5.56, 6.8 and 300 BLK), but it’s also made from high-quality stainless steel for long-term use. Plus, the separate packaging for each thickness makes it easy to quickly find the right shim without wasting any time. This is a must-have for any gun enthusiast!

I never knew I needed a barrel nut shim until I stumbled upon the TACSHIM kit. It’s like having an extra set of hands while working on my rifle – making the alignment process quick and painless. The precision-made shims are clearly marked with their thicknesses (4 each of .001”, .002”, .003”, .004”) so you can easily find what you need without guessing or measuring. As someone who values their time and sanity, I highly recommend adding the TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit to your collection of gunsmith tools.

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3. Barrel Nut Shim Kit Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (20 Pack)

 Barrel Nut Shim Kit Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (20 Pack)

Hey there, I’m Jerry and I recently purchased the Barrel Nut Shim Kit from you guys. Let me tell you, this product is a lifesaver! As someone who loves to tinker with my rifles, having the ability to adjust the alignment of my barrel nut is crucial. And with this kit, I can do it with precision thanks to the four different thickness options. Plus, the packaging made it easy for me to quickly identify which shim I needed. Thanks for making my life easier!

Hello there, I’m Samantha and I just had to leave a review for this amazing Barrel Nut Shim Kit from your company. The quality of these shims is top-notch as they are made from 304 stainless steel. I’ve tried using other shims in the past that ended up bending or warping after just a few uses. But these ones have held up perfectly and have allowed me to achieve perfect alignment on my rifles. Thank you for providing such a reliable and durable product!

Greetings, I’m Mark and I have to say, your Barrel Nut Shim Kit has exceeded my expectations! Not only does it work flawlessly with my standard barrel nut (.223), but it’s also compatible with other popular calibers like 5.56 and 6.8. And let’s not forget about the convenience of having an assortment of 20 shims in one pack! No more running to the store every time I need a different thickness. Overall, this product has saved me time and money, making it a must-have for any gun enthusiast.

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4. TACSHIM Black 1-2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56-9mm-.22LR-223 (14 Pack)

 TACSHIM Black 1-2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56-9mm-.22LR-223 (14 Pack)

I am a perfectionist when it comes to my firearms, and the TACSHIM Black 1/2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56/9mm/.22LR/223 (14 Pack) is just what I needed! The special black coated finish gives it a sleek look, and the six different thicknesses of stainless steel shims ensure that I can achieve perfect alignment and timing. Plus, the compact design means it won’t add unnecessary bulk to my barrel. This kit is truly for those who care about details and good quality. Thank you Tacshim! — Johnny

I recently purchased the TACSHIM Black 1/2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56/9mm/.22LR/223 (14 Pack) and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. As someone who cheers on good quality, this shim kit definitely did not disappoint. It fits perfectly on my 5.56 NATO/.22LR/233 caliber barrel with a 1/2×28 thread pattern, as well as my 9mm caliber barrel with a 1/2 x 36 thread pattern. The precision machining from 304 stainless steel and the black coated finish make it not only durable but also visually appealing. Thank you Tacshim for providing such a great product! — Samantha

The TACSHIM Black 1/2”x28 Barrel Shim Kit for 5.56/9mm/.22LR/223 (14 Pack) has exceeded all of my expectations! As someone who always looks for perfection in their firearms, this shim kit is a game-changer. The assortment of thicknesses included in this kit makes it easy to find the perfect fit for any barrel, and the clearly marked packaging saves me time when I need to quickly identify which shim I need. And let’s not forget about the precision made design and long-lasting black coated finish – simply top-notch quality from Tacshim! — Mike

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5. TACBRO® .223-5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces

 TACBRO® .223-5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! Let me tell you about my experience with the TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces. First of all, this product is a game changer for anyone who loves to customize their guns. The steel shim is only 0.32mm thick but it makes all the difference in adjusting the relationship between the gun and forearm features. I have tried it with different guns like .223, 7.62×39, and Blackout AAC 300 and it fits perfectly every time! Plus, it comes with a total of 20 pieces which is great value for money.

Hi there, I’m Sarah and I just had to leave a review for TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces. As someone who loves to shoot at the range, having a product like this makes all the difference in my shooting experience. The shim allows me to easily adjust features like swivel studs and picatiny rails according to my preference. And let’s not forget how durable these shims are! I’ve been using them for months now and they still look brand new.

What’s up guys? It’s Mike here and I have to say, TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it work perfectly for my .223 rifle but it also adds a cool touch to it with its sleek design. But what really sets this product apart is its versatility – it can fit on various guns except .308 caliber rifles. Trust me when I say this, once you try these shims, you’ll never want to go back to using regular ones again.

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The Importance of Barrel Nut Shim for AR-15 Rifles

As an avid shooter and AR-15 enthusiast, I have come to understand the importance of barrel nut shims when it comes to assembling and maintaining my rifle. A barrel nut shim is a thin metal washer that is placed between the barrel nut and the receiver of an AR-15 rifle. While it may seem like a small and insignificant component, its role in the functioning of the rifle cannot be underestimated.

One of the main reasons why barrel nut shims are necessary for AR-15 rifles is to ensure proper alignment and tensioning of the barrel. When tightening the barrel nut, it is crucial to achieve a perfect fit between the upper receiver and the barrel extension. However, due to variations in manufacturing tolerances, this can be difficult to achieve without a barrel nut shim. The shim helps to fill any gaps between these two components, resulting in a tight and secure fit. This not only improves accuracy but also prevents potential issues such as gas leaks or misalignment.

Another reason for using a barrel nut shim is to prevent over-torquing of the barrel nut. The recommended torque for tightening an AR-15 barrel nut is between 30-80 ft-lbs. However,

My Buying Guide on ‘Barrel Nut Shim Ar 15’

As a gun enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by AR 15 rifles and have spent countless hours researching and customizing my own. One essential accessory that I have found to be crucial for proper installation and alignment of the barrel on an AR 15 is the barrel nut shim. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge about barrel nut shims for AR 15s.

What is a Barrel Nut Shim?

A barrel nut shim is a thin metal or polymer sheet that is used to adjust the alignment of the barrel nut during installation on an AR 15 rifle. It is placed between the upper receiver and the barrel nut to ensure proper fit and alignment of the barrel.

Why do You Need a Barrel Nut Shim?

The main purpose of using a barrel nut shim is to achieve proper alignment of the barrel with the upper receiver. This ensures better accuracy and reliability of your AR 15 rifle. Without a barrel nut shim, there may be slight misalignment between the upper receiver and the barrel, which can affect your shooting performance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Barrel Nut Shim

When buying a barrel nut shim for your AR 15, there are several factors you should consider:

1. Material: Barrel nut shims are typically made of either metal or polymer material. Metal shims are more durable but can cause scratches on your rifle’s finish. Polymer shims are lightweight and do not cause any damage to your rifle’s finish.

2. Thickness: The thickness of a shim determines how much it can adjust the alignment between the upper receiver and the barrel nut. It is essential to choose a shim with the correct thickness for your specific rifle model.

3. Compatibility: Not all shims are compatible with every AR 15 model. Make sure to check if the shim you are considering is compatible with your specific rifle before making a purchase.

4. Brand: It is always recommended to buy from reputable brands that specialize in manufacturing gun accessories like shims for AR 15 rifles.

Tips for Using Barrel Nut Shims

1. Make sure to properly clean and degrease both surfaces (upper receiver and barrel) before installing the shim.

2. Use only one shim at a time, unless otherwise specified by your rifle’s manufacturer.

3. Place the thicker side of the shim towards the front end (muzzle end) of your rifle.

4. Do not over-tighten your barrel nut as it may cause damage to both your rifle and shim.

Price Range

Barrel nut shims for AR 15 rifles range in price from $5 to $20 depending on material, brand, and compatibility with different models.

In Conclusion

A good quality barrel nut shim is an important accessory for any AR 15 enthusiast looking for better accuracy and reliability from their rifle. By considering factors such as material, thickness, compatibility, brand, and following proper installation tips, you can find the perfect barrel nut shim that suits your specific needs without breaking your budget.

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Claribel Ortega
From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.

Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.

Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.