M1A Gas System Reassembly Problem

[Triathloncoach]

I swapped out the plastic handguard for a walnut hand guard. I trimmed it some.

Now I can not get the cylinder, piston and plug to seat. If I tilt the gun it slides up.

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge.

Frank.

 

[NWSharpshooter]

https://m14forum.com/accuracy/142021-installing-usgi-gas-cylinder.html#/topics/142021

 

[IMDB]

You're not trying to slide it on assembled are you? Take the gas plug out, slide the handguard retainer onto the bottom of the gas tube, slide the gas tube down until it stops, thread on the retaining piece, install the gas plug.

 

[Triathloncoach]

Thank you, my mind has left me these past months. And there wasn't much to leave at best.