Barrel Nut Question

[Whytep38]

I'm installing a barrel to my upper, and I'm running into a problem.

When I tighten the barrel nut, the wave washer and snap ring get out of alignment with the gas tube hole. By using a small piece of rod, I can wiggle the wash washer into alignment, but moving the snap ring is a no-go. I expected some difficulty in keeping things aligned, so before installation I lubed the groove where the snap ring goes, but the snap ring won't budge.

What's the trick behind getting everything lined up?

Thanks!

[AR15barrels]

What's the trick behind getting everything lined up?

Push harder on the snap ring and it will rotate around in the groove on the barrel nut.
I suggest a flat-blade screwdriver for this task.

[Whytep38]

Push harder on the snap ring and it will rotate around in the groove on the barrel nut.
I suggest a flat-blade screwdriver for this task.

That sounds good, thanks. I was using a bit of drill rod that I'm also using as an alignment tool, but a screwdriver will give more leverage.

[5pins]

Take something like a wooden dowel that is the same, or close, diameter of the gas tube (you can use the gas tube but you risk damaging it). Insert it from the inside of the upper through the snap ring and spring, but stop short of the barrel nut then tighten the nut.