Using a DPH steel bolt-on handguard retainer - Tips

[imarangemaster 315]

I opted for the DPH steel bolt on handguard retainer:

 

https://dpharms.com/products/saiga_furniture/saiga_bolt-on_~28diy~29lower_handguard_retainer.html.

 

It works for for .308 (without bushings) or 223. 7.62x39, and 5.45 (with bushings).  The bushings have a machined ridge that engages a matching machine channel on the retainer.  It is a great system.

 

It comes with a short set screw that engages the barrel on the .308, or the top of the bushing on the other calibers.  I decided to drill an oversized hole through the bushing and use a longer set screw, so that it passed through the bushing to engage the barrel. Where it engage the top of the barrel, I drilled a shallow divot in the barrel so the set screw would sink a little below the surface, and not be able to slip forward under recoil.  It works like the lateral groove on the top of a standard AK that the pivot lock bar of the retainer engages.  I also used a couple drops of Krazy Glue on the retainers to hold them centered on the retainers.