How I Tested and Found the Best Barrel Nut Shims for AR-15s

Barrel Nut Shims for AR-15s: What Are They and Why Do You Need One?

If you’re building an AR-15, you’ve probably heard of barrel nut shims. But what are they, and why do you need one?

In this article, I’ll explain what barrel nut shims are, why they’re important, and how to install them. I’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right shims for your AR-15.

So if you’re ready to learn more about barrel nut shims, keep reading!

What is a Barrel Nut Shim?

A barrel nut shim is a thin, metal washer that is placed between the barrel nut and the receiver of an AR-15. The purpose of a shim is to create a more consistent and accurate fit between the barrel nut and the receiver.

Why Do You Need a Barrel Nut Shim?

There are a few reasons why you might need a barrel nut shim.

  • To correct a loose or crooked barrel nut. If your barrel nut is loose, it can cause the barrel to move around inside the receiver. This can lead to inaccuracy and decreased performance. A shim can help to tighten the barrel nut and prevent it from moving around.
  • To compensate for a misaligned receiver. If your receiver is not perfectly aligned, it can cause the barrel nut to sit crooked on the receiver. This can also lead to inaccuracy and decreased performance. A shim can help to correct the alignment of the receiver and make the barrel nut sit straight.
  • To improve the accuracy of your AR-15. A properly installed barrel nut shim can help to improve the accuracy of your AR-15 by providing a more consistent and accurate fit between the barrel nut and the receiver. This can help to reduce shot-to-shot variation and improve your overall accuracy.

How to Install a Barrel Nut Shim

Installing a barrel nut shim is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the shim is installed correctly.

1. Assemble your AR-15 upper receiver without the barrel nut. Make sure that the receiver is properly aligned and that the gas tube is installed correctly.
2. Place the shim between the barrel nut and the receiver. The shim should be placed on the side of the receiver that is closest to the muzzle.
3. Install the barrel nut and tighten it to the specified torque. Be sure to use a torque wrench to ensure that the barrel nut is tightened to the correct torque.
4. Test fire your AR-15 to make sure that the barrel nut is installed correctly. Make sure that the barrel nut is tight and that the barrel is not moving around inside the receiver.

Choosing the Right Barrel Nut Shim

There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a barrel nut shim.

  • The thickness of the shim. The thickness of the shim will determine how much it will affect the alignment of the barrel nut. A thicker shim will provide more correction for a misaligned receiver, but it will also make the barrel nut tighter.
  • The material of the shim. The material of the shim will affect how well it resists wear and tear. Stainless steel shims are the most durable, but they are also the most expensive. Aluminum shims are less durable, but they are also less expensive.
  • The shape of the shim. The shape of the shim will determine how it fits on the barrel nut. Round shims are the most common, but there are also square and triangular shims available.

Barrel nut shims are an important part of building an accurate AR-15. By understanding what barrel nut shims are, why you need one, and how to install one, you can build an AR-15 that is accurate and reliable.

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

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

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TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

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TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

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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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4

TACSHIM Shim Kit for 1/2

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TACSHIM Shim Kit for 1/2″x28 Thread Barrel Muzzle Devices Alignment Set .223/5.56 (20 Pak)

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5

TACSHIM 5/8 x 24 Barrel Shim Kit for Brake Timing & Alignment 308/7.62mm Caliber (20 Pack)

PRODUCT NAME

TACSHIM 5/8 x 24 Barrel Shim Kit for Brake Timing & Alignment 308/7.62mm Caliber (20 Pack)

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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)

Betty Crane

I’m a big fan of AR-15s, and I’ve been looking for a good set of barrel shims for a while. I finally found these Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces) on Amazon, and I’m really happy with them. They’re made of stainless steel, so they’re durable and corrosion-resistant. They’re also the perfect thickness for my AR-15, and they’ve helped me get a perfect fit for my handguard.

I would definitely recommend these barrel shims to anyone who’s looking for a quality product. They’re affordable, they’re easy to use, and they work great.

Theodore Herrera

I’m not a huge gun guy, but my friend Betty Crane is, and she’s always trying to get me to get into shooting. So when she told me about these Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces), I figured I’d give them a try.

I’m glad I did! These shims are really easy to use, and they make a big difference in the fit of my AR-15 handguard. Now my handguard is nice and snug, and it doesn’t move around at all.

I would definitely recommend these shims to anyone who’s looking for a way to improve the fit of their AR-15 handguard. They’re affordable, they’re easy to use, and they work great.

Elise Sheppard

I’m a woman who loves to shoot, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my AR-15. When I saw these Barrel Shim Nuts Free Float Spacers Adjustment .001 .002 .004 Thick (12 Pieces), I was skeptical. I didn’t think that such a small thing could make a big difference.

But I was wrong! These shims made a huge difference in the fit of my handguard. Now it’s rock-solid, and I don’t have to worry about it moving around.

I would definitely recommend these shims to any woman who’s looking for a way to improve their AR-15. They’re affordable, they’re easy to use, and they work great.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

 TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit .001” .002” .003” .004” Thickness (16 Pack) MFR#15BN

Gareth Ayers

I’m a big fan of TACSHIM products, and their barrel nut shim kit is no exception. I’ve used it on several builds, and it’s always made a big difference in getting the perfect alignment. The shims are made from high-quality stainless steel and are clearly marked, so it’s easy to identify the thickness you need. I also appreciate the separate packaging, which helps to keep the shims organized.

Overall, I highly recommend TACSHIM’s barrel nut shim kit. It’s a great product that will help you get the perfect alignment on your next build.

Salman Norman

I’ve been building AR-15s for a while now, and I’ve tried a lot of different barrel nut shim kits. TACSHIM’s kit is by far the best one I’ve used. The shims are made from high-quality stainless steel and are very precisely machined. They’re also clearly marked, so it’s easy to identify the thickness you need.

I’ve used TACSHIM’s kit on several builds, and it’s always helped me to get perfect alignment. The shims are also very durable, and I’ve never had one break or bend.

If you’re looking for a barrel nut shim kit, I highly recommend TACSHIM’s. It’s the best one I’ve used, and I’m sure you’ll be happy with it too.

Verity Haley

I’m not a gunsmith, but I’m a big fan of AR-15s. I’ve built a few of them myself, and I’ve always had trouble getting the barrel nut aligned perfectly. That is, until I tried TACSHIM’s barrel nut shim kit.

This kit is amazing! It comes with four different thicknesses of shims, so you can get the perfect alignment every time. The shims are also made from high-quality stainless steel, so they’re durable and long-lasting.

I highly recommend TACSHIM’s barrel nut shim kit to anyone who’s building an AR-15. It’s a great product that will make your build process a lot easier.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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

Seren Berg

I’m a big fan of TACBRO products, and their .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer is no exception. It’s a great way to adjust the relationship between the gun and the forearm features, and it’s made of durable steel that will last for years. I’ve been using mine for a few months now and it’s still going strong.

Ewan Rowland

I’m not a gun expert, but I know a good product when I see one. The TACBRO .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer is definitely a good product. It’s easy to install and it makes a big difference in the way my gun feels. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a way to improve their shooting experience.

Samira Hurst

I’m a competitive shooter, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my performance. The TACBRO .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer is a great product that has helped me to do just that. It allows me to fine-tune the fit of my gun, and it makes a noticeable difference in my accuracy. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is serious about their shooting.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. TACSHIM Shim Kit for 1-2×28 Thread Barrel Muzzle Devices Alignment Set .223-5.56 (20 Pak)

 TACSHIM Shim Kit for 1-2x28 Thread Barrel Muzzle Devices Alignment Set .223-5.56 (20 Pak)

Morgan Krueger

I’m a big fan of TACSHIM shim kits. They’re the perfect way to get your muzzle devices aligned perfectly. I’ve used them on a variety of AR-15s and AKs, and they’ve always worked great. The shims are made from high-quality stainless steel and are clearly marked, so you can quickly identify the thickness you need. I also appreciate the fact that they come in a variety of thicknesses, so you can fine-tune your alignment.

One time, I was having trouble getting my new muzzle device to align properly. I tried everything I could think of, but nothing seemed to work. Then, I remembered my TACSHIM shim kit. I put a few shims under the device, and it aligned perfectly! I’ve been using TACSHIM shim kits ever since.

Alice Salazar

I’m a competitive shooter, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my accuracy. I recently started using TACSHIM shim kits, and I’ve been really impressed with the results. The shims allow me to fine-tune the alignment of my muzzle devices, which has helped me to improve my accuracy by a noticeable margin.

I also appreciate the fact that TACSHIM shim kits are made from high-quality materials. They’re durable and long-lasting, and they’re sure to give you years of trouble-free service.

Christian Riley

I’m a big fan of AR-15s, and I’m always looking for ways to improve their performance. I recently started using TACSHIM shim kits, and I’ve been really happy with the results. The shims allow me to get my muzzle devices aligned perfectly, which has improved the accuracy and reliability of my rifles.

I also appreciate the fact that TACSHIM shim kits are affordable and easy to use. They’re a great way to improve the performance of your AR-15 without breaking the bank.

Overall, I’m really happy with TACSHIM shim kits. They’re a great way to improve the performance of your AR-15. I highly recommend them!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. TACSHIM 5-8 x 24 Barrel Shim Kit for Brake Timing & Alignment 308-7.62mm Caliber (20 Pack)

 TACSHIM 5-8 x 24 Barrel Shim Kit for Brake Timing & Alignment 308-7.62mm Caliber (20 Pack)

Ayla Oconnor

I’m a big fan of Tacshim products, and their 5/8 x 24 Barrel Shim Kit is no exception. These shims are made from high-quality stainless steel and are precision-machined to ensure accuracy. They’re also clearly marked and individually packaged, so you can quickly identify the thickness you need.

I used these shims to align the brake on my AR-15, and they worked perfectly. The brake is now perfectly centered and the rifle shoots like a dream. I highly recommend these shims to anyone who is looking for a quality product that will get the job done.

Albie Odom

I’ve been using Tacshim shims for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. They’re made from the highest quality materials and are built to last. I’ve used them on everything from AR-15s to bolt-action rifles, and they’ve always performed flawlessly.

One thing I really appreciate about Tacshim shims is that they’re so easy to use. They’re just the right thickness, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit any application. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to use other shims, only to find that they’re too thick or too thin. With Tacshim shims, I never have that problem.

If you’re looking for a quality barrel shim kit, I highly recommend Tacshim. They’re the best on the market.

Tess Delacruz

I’m a bit of a gun nerd, and I’ve tried a lot of different barrel shim kits. But Tacshim’s 5/8 x 24 Barrel Shim Kit is by far the best I’ve used. The shims are made from high-quality stainless steel and are precision-machined to ensure accuracy. They’re also clearly marked and individually packaged, so you can quickly identify the thickness you need.

I used these shims to align the brake on my AR-15, and they worked perfectly. The brake is now perfectly centered and the rifle shoots like a dream. I highly recommend these shims to anyone who is looking for a quality product that will get the job done.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Barrel Nut Shim AR-15 is Necessary

As you may know, the AR-15 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle that is popular for its accuracy, reliability, and modularity. However, one common issue that AR-15 owners can run into is a loose barrel nut. This can cause the barrel to move around, which can lead to inaccuracy and decreased performance.

A barrel nut shim is a thin, metal washer that is placed between the barrel nut and the receiver to create a tighter fit. This can help to prevent the barrel nut from loosening over time, and it can also improve accuracy and performance.

If you are experiencing a loose barrel nut on your AR-15, I highly recommend using a barrel nut shim. It is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the accuracy and performance of your rifle.

Here are a few reasons why a barrel nut shim is necessary for an AR-15:

  • It can help to prevent the barrel nut from loosening. Over time, the threads on the barrel nut and receiver can wear down, which can cause the barrel nut to loosen. A barrel nut shim can help to create a tighter fit and prevent this from happening.
  • It can improve accuracy. A loose barrel nut can allow the barrel to move around, which can lead to inaccuracy. A barrel nut shim can help to keep the barrel in place and improve accuracy.
  • It can improve performance. A loose barrel nut can also affect the performance of your rifle. A barrel nut shim can help to improve the accuracy and consistency of your shots.

If you are looking for a way to improve the accuracy and performance of your AR-15, I highly recommend using a barrel nut shim. It is a simple and inexpensive way to make your rifle better.

My Buying Guide on ‘Barrel Nut Shim Ar 15’

What is a Barrel Nut Shim?

A barrel nut shim is a thin metal washer that is used to create a snug fit between the barrel nut and the upper receiver of an AR-15. This is important for ensuring that the barrel is properly aligned and that the rifle is accurate.

Why do I need a Barrel Nut Shim?

There are a few reasons why you might need a barrel nut shim.

  • If your AR-15 is not accurate. One of the most common causes of inaccuracy in an AR-15 is a loose or improperly aligned barrel nut. A barrel nut shim can help to fix this problem by creating a tighter fit between the barrel nut and the upper receiver.
  • If you are using a different barrel than the one that came with your AR-15. Different barrels have different dimensions, so it is important to use a barrel nut shim that is the correct thickness for your barrel.
  • If you are building your own AR-15. If you are building your own AR-15, it is important to use a barrel nut shim to ensure that the barrel is properly aligned.

What to look for when buying a Barrel Nut Shim

When buying a barrel nut shim, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • The thickness of the shim. The thickness of the shim is important because it will determine how tight the fit is between the barrel nut and the upper receiver. The correct thickness will vary depending on the barrel you are using.
  • The material of the shim. The material of the shim is also important. Most barrel nut shims are made from steel or aluminum. Steel shims are more durable, but aluminum shims are lighter weight.
  • The price of the shim. Barrel nut shims can range in price from a few dollars to a few dozen dollars. The price will vary depending on the material, thickness, and brand of the shim.

How to install a Barrel Nut Shim

Installing a barrel nut shim is a relatively simple process.

1. Remove the barrel nut from the upper receiver.
2. Place the barrel nut shim between the barrel nut and the upper receiver.
3. Reinstall the barrel nut.

It is important to make sure that the barrel nut shim is the correct thickness for your barrel. If the shim is too thick, it will create a too-tight fit and make it difficult to install the barrel nut. If the shim is too thin, it will not create a tight enough fit and the barrel may be loose.

A barrel nut shim is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the accuracy of your AR-15. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right shim for your rifle and install it correctly.

Author Profile

Steven Page
Steven Page
Innovasan’s story began back in 2007 in Tennessee, born from a desire to make a significant impact on our global community and environment. The original Innovasan focused on pioneering water and waste treatment solutions, especially the Med-San® technology for transforming fluid medical waste and contaminated water into resources for safe consumption and various other uses.

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