Deadwing

Congrats on the FFL!!!

Thanks for your input, gentlemen. Since i've got a bottle of the 243 sitting around (it was included with an Aimpoint micro lower 1/3 riser...go figure), i'll probably tear it apart and use the correct thread locker, if for no other reason than to satisfy my OCD. Cheap insurance for a defensive weapon. I wish i'd known about the differences between 242 and 243 to begin with, or how thread locker works for that matter. It was by pure accident i even stumbled across the thread that made me aware there was a difference. ETA: I disassembled the Carrier Comp magazine tube from the receiver tonight, and the 242 Loctite had in fact cured and required heat to break free (not as much as the factory thread locker did though). Interestingly, the vast majority was stuck to the receiver, with hardly any adhering to the titanium tube (factory was opposite, with the majority stuck to the tube with noting on the receiver). Perhaps there was just enough brass on the receiver threads from when i cleaned it out after removing the factory tube to activate the Loctite. At any rate, i would have been just fine with the 242 (and i applied it VERY liberally the first go around). Once everything was cleaned up, i applied an equally liberal amount of 243 Loctite and reassembled everything. The 243 started to cure almost immediately, so i suspect it will be fairly bomb-proof once fully cured.

Thanks! I've got a thing for quality. I do have one concern, however. I used Loctite 242, when it seems that Loctite 243 would have been the more appropriate choice given the metals/finishes involved. I'm half tempted to take everything apart, clean it all up, and reassemble with the correct thread locker formula. But it seems like those who don't use any thread locker at all don't seem to have any issues, so it might be a complete waste of time to re-do everything. But given the titanium/anodized aluminum combo, will the Loctite 242 ever fully cure? Or will i have half-cured goop in my M4's receiver until i clean it out?

I installed a Carrier Comp magazine tube on my M4 this last weekend. My M4 had the red thread locker applied from the factory. It took a considerable amount of heating and patience to break the factory tube loose. I had the receiver loosely clamped in my vise, using some heavy leather gloves and an old 100% cotton hand towel for padding (i was probably over-cautious, but the thought of accidentally crushing the receiver made me cringe). I hit the front of the receiver and tube with heat until it started smoking, and got maybe 1/8 turn before it stopped turning. I'd hit it again with the heat until it was smoking again and get maybe another 1/8 turn. This went on until i had the original tube unthreaded about half way. I was then able to fully remove the original tube. The tube and receiver were very hot, and the heat was almost too much even through the heavy leather gloves i was wearing to get a good grip on the tube. Luckily, the vast majority of the original thread locker came out with the tube, leaving the receiver threads relatively clean. I cleaned both the receiver and new tube with acetone, applied a liberal dose of blue Loctite 242, and installed the work of art that Carrier Comp had sent me. The new tube is gorgeous! And with the hammer from Geissele, and the carrier from Carrier Comp, i'm even 922® compliant. HUGE thanks to the more senior and experienced members for sharing their vast wealth of knowledge! From researching what components to buy, and learning tips and tricks on how to install them, you've made this project a walk in the park.