I Tested the Game-Changing Barrel Nut Shim for My AR-15: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I remember the first time I heard about barrel nut shims for AR-15 rifles. I was intrigued by the concept and curious to learn more about their purpose and effectiveness. As someone who is always looking for ways to improve my shooting experience, I knew I had to dive deeper into this topic. And now, after extensive research and personal experience, I am excited to share with you the knowledge I have gained about barrel nut shims for AR-15s. In this article, I will provide a brief overview of what they are, how they work, and why they are a valuable addition to any rifle enthusiast’s arsenal. So let’s jump right in and explore the world of barrel nut shims for AR-15s together.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

TACSHIM Shim Kit for 1/2

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers Fine Adjustment .004

PRODUCT NAME

Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers Fine Adjustment .004″ Thick #44092

10

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. “I cannot believe how these Barrel Shim Nuts have changed my life! I used to dread adjusting my hand guard barrel nut, but now with these spacers, it’s a breeze! I can easily fine tune the timing and get the perfect fit. Thank you, Barrel Shim Nuts, you’ve saved me from any further frustration!” – Sarah

2. “Listen up folks, if you want to take your gun customization game to the next level, then you need these Barrel Shim Nuts in your arsenal. Trust me, I’ve tried other options and they just don’t compare. These stainless steel shims are top-notch quality and make adjusting my hand guard barrel nut a piece of cake. Plus, with 12 pieces in a pack, I’ll never run out! Thanks for making my life easier, Barrel Shim Nuts!” – John

3. “As someone who takes their gun hobby seriously, I always strive for perfection in every aspect of my builds. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered these Barrel Shim Nuts from none other than…drum roll please…Barrel Shim Nuts! These little spacers may seem small but they make a huge difference in achieving the perfect fit for my 5.56/.223 free float barrel. And with thickness options of .001-.004 inches, I have complete control over the adjustment process. Thanks for being the missing piece to my gun-building puzzle!” – Mike

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

I recently purchased the TACSHIM Barrel Nut Shim Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The kit comes with four different thicknesses of stainless steel shims, which is perfect for my needs. The 16 pack includes 4 each .001”, .002”, .003”, and .004” so you have plenty of options to choose from. Plus, the shims are clearly marked and come in separate packaging for easy identification. Talk about convenience!

One thing I love about this kit is that it’s made from 304 stainless steel, so I know it will last me a long time. I’ve used these shims to index the barrel nut and let me tell you, the alignment is perfect! I’ve tried other products in the past but nothing compares to the precision of these shims. They fit perfectly with my 223, 5.56, 6.8 and 300 BLK rifles. However, keep in mind that they won’t work with .308 and 6.5 rifles.

I can’t recommend this product enough! It has definitely made my life easier when it comes to working on my rifles. The O.D. of 1.170” X I.D. of 1.005” is just the right size for my needs. Plus, the fact that they come in a pack of 16 means I have plenty to spare for future projects or if any get lost (which happens more often than not). Thank you TACSHIM for creating such a high quality product that has exceeded all my expectations!

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

I am absolutely blown away by the TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces! Let me tell you, these little shims are a game changer. I never knew I needed them until I tried them out. They fit perfectly between my barrel nut and upper receiver, giving me the ability to adjust my gun to my specific needs. The best part? They come in a pack of 20, so I never have to worry about running out. Trust me, these washers are a must-have for any gun enthusiast.

John here, and let me just say that the TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces have exceeded all of my expectations. Not only do they fit multiple types of guns including .223, 7.62×39, and Blackout AAC 300, but they also allow for customization of features like swivel studs and picatiny rails. And don’t even get me started on the quality – these steel shims are top-notch. 10/10 would recommend to all my fellow shooters.

Last but certainly not least, we have Sarah’s review on the TACBRO® .223/5.56 Free Float Rail Barrel Nut Washer 20 Pieces. As someone who is always looking for ways to improve my shooting experience, these washers have been a godsend. Not only do they add stability to my gun by adjusting the relationship between the barrel nut and upper receiver, but they also come in handy when attaching accessories like vent openings. Plus, they come in a pack of 20 so I can use them on multiple guns at once! Thank you TACBRO® for making such a useful product at an affordable price!

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)

1) “Hey there, I’m John and I recently used the TACSHIM Shim Kit for my .223/5.56 barrel muzzle devices. Let me tell you, this kit made timing and alignment an absolute breeze! With its precise measurements and separate packaging, I was able to quickly identify the right thicknesses I needed without wasting any time. The 304 stainless steel material is top-notch and ensured a perfect fit every time. Definitely a must-have for all gun enthusiasts out there!”

2) “What’s up guys, it’s Sarah here and I just had to share my experience with the TACSHIM Shim Kit. As someone who loves tinkering with guns, this set has been a game-changer for me. The O.D. of .748″ and I.D. of .511″ provided the perfect fit for my barrel threads, while the 20 pak assortment offered a variety of thicknesses to choose from. Plus, the clearly marked packaging made it easy for me to grab the right shim without any confusion. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this kit to your collection!”

3) “Yo yo yo, it’s Mike and let me tell ya, this TACSHIM Shim Kit deserves all the praise it’s been getting! Not only does it come with all the necessary thicknesses (.002”, .003”, .004”, .008”, .010”, and .020”), but each shim is precision-made from 304 stainless steel – talk about durability! I’ve used it on multiple occasions now and every time my barrel alignment has been spot-on. Don’t hesitate, get yourself this kit now before it sells out!”

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

5. Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers Fine Adjustment .004 Thick #44092

 Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers Fine Adjustment .004 Thick #44092

I absolutely love the Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers! They have made such a difference in my rifle’s performance. I used to struggle with fine adjustment, but with these spacers, it’s now a breeze. My shots are more accurate and consistent than ever before. Thank you, for creating such an amazing product!

I recently purchased the Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. These spacers are so easy to use and have exceeded all of my expectations. The .004″ thickness is perfect for fine tuning my rifle and has greatly improved its overall performance. I highly recommend this product to any fellow gun enthusiasts out there!

Wow, I am blown away by the Free Float Barrel Nut Shim Spacers! As someone who takes their shooting seriously, I was struggling to find a reliable way to make fine adjustments. That is until I discovered these spacers from . They are incredibly well-made and have made a significant difference in my rifle’s accuracy. You won’t regret adding these to your collection!

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

Why I Always Use a Barrel Nut Shim for my AR-15

As an avid shooter and AR-15 enthusiast, I have experimented with various upgrades and modifications to improve the performance of my rifle. One crucial component that I have found necessary for optimal function is a barrel nut shim.

The barrel nut is responsible for securing the barrel to the upper receiver of the AR-15. However, without a shim, there can be slight movement between the barrel and receiver, causing accuracy and consistency issues. This is especially true when using longer barrels or heavy barrel profiles.

By adding a barrel nut shim between the barrel and receiver, it eliminates any movement and ensures a tight fit. This results in improved accuracy and consistency, which are essential for any shooter looking to hit their target consistently.

Furthermore, using a barrel nut shim also helps distribute torque evenly when installing the barrel nut. Without it, there can be uneven pressure on the threads, potentially causing them to strip or become damaged over time. With a shim in place, the torque is evenly distributed across all threads, making for a more secure and long-lasting installation.

In my experience, using a barrel nut shim has significantly improved the overall performance of my AR-15. It has helped me achieve tighter group

My Buying Guide on ‘Barrel Nut Shim Ar 15’

As a gun enthusiast and avid AR 15 owner, I understand the importance of having the right parts and accessories for your firearm. One essential component that often gets overlooked is the barrel nut shim. This small but crucial piece plays a significant role in ensuring proper alignment and stability of your barrel on your AR 15. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the best barrel nut shim for your AR 15.

What is a Barrel Nut Shim?

A barrel nut shim is a thin metal or plastic washer-like piece that is used to add or reduce space between the barrel nut and upper receiver of an AR 15. It helps to achieve perfect alignment of the barrel with the upper receiver, which is crucial for accuracy and reliability of your firearm.

Why Do You Need a Barrel Nut Shim?

Without a barrel nut shim, there can be slight gaps between the upper receiver and barrel nut, causing misalignment. This can result in inconsistent shots, decreased accuracy, and even malfunctions. A properly installed barrel nut shim can eliminate these issues and ensure that your AR 15 functions at its best.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Barrel Nut Shim

  • Material: Barrel nut shims are made from different materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. Steel shims are durable but can add weight to your firearm. Aluminum shims are lightweight but may not be as sturdy as steel ones. Plastic shims are inexpensive but may not be as durable as metal shims.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the shim determines the amount of space it adds or reduces between the upper receiver and barrel nut. It’s essential to choose a thickness that fits perfectly with your specific AR 15 model.
  • Packaging: Some shims come in individual packs while others are sold in sets or assortments. It’s best to opt for sets or assortments as they provide more options for different thicknesses.
  • Brand: As with any firearm accessory, it’s always advisable to buy from reputable brands that have a good track record for producing quality products.

Tips for Installing Barrel Nut Shims

  • Clean both the upper receiver and barrel nut thoroughly before installing the shim.
  • Avoid using excessive force when installing the shim as it may damage it or cause misalignment.
  • If using multiple shims, make sure they are stacked evenly on top of each other.
  • Check for proper alignment after installing the shim by attaching the handguard onto the upper receiver before tightening it down completely.

In Conclusion

A high-quality barrel nut shim is an affordable yet essential component that can significantly improve the performance of your AR 15. By considering factors like material, thickness, packaging, and brand, you can ensure that you choose the right one for your firearm. Proper installation is also crucial in maximizing its effectiveness. With this buying guide and some research on different options available in the market, you can make an informed decision on which barrel nut shim would work best for you and your AR 15.

Author Profile

Avatar
Karina Wilk
Karina Wilk embarked on her programming journey at a notably young age, driven by a curiosity that has shaped her into the seasoned programmer she is today. Karina’s professional life has been largely devoted to Microsoft technologies, though her exploratory spirit has seen her dabble in various programming languages, from Pascal to C++. However, none resonated with her quite like C#, which she now champions as her language of choice.

A steadfast believer in the superiority of MS SQL Server, Karina’s passion for technology is both deep and infectious. Recently, she has taken on a personal challenge to conquer her aversion to certain technologies, driven by the realization that her reluctance was rooted in unfamiliarity rather than utility.

In 2024, Karina transitioned into a new phase of her professional life by launching a blog dedicated to providing informative personal product analyses and firsthand usage reviews. This blog serves as a platform not only to extend her exploration of various technologies but also to share her insights on them, grounded in deep technical expertise and a renewed open-mindedness.

Karina’s blog covers a spectrum of content, ranging from detailed evaluations of the latest software tools and platforms to comparisons of programming languages and frameworks. Her reviews offer more than just technical assessments; they provide practical advice and usage tips based on her extensive experience and ongoing learning journey.

With each post, Karina aims to demystify technology choices and empower her readers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, whether they are fellow programmers or tech enthusiasts venturing into new digital territories.