M1C - Gas Piston Nut

[CrossedCannons]

Sometimes these nuts require considerable torque to remove, sometimes not, depending upon how badly the threads have been "mashed" and how much crud has accumulated during use. When you get the wrench (very common $10 item), be sure its 3 lugs are not rounded off (if used) and that you apply firm (!!!) pressure of the wrench into the nut while unscrewing it so as not to round off the nut's mating lugs. Holding the barrel in a vise is helpful if you don't have 3 hands. If you do fubar the nut, you will make your removal job 10X harder. When reinstalling a new nut, it is very easy to crossthread it trying to screw it in so be careful. I'm sure there was a reason this wrench was not issued to the individual with the carbine.