Version 1 & Version 2 Barrel Nuts

This article will discuss the differences between STNGR's Version 1 (V1) and Version 2 (V2) barrel nuts.  

Compared to V1 handguards, V2 handguards have had slight modifications made to:

• The internal diameter of the handguard
• The diameter of the barrel nut
• The position and width of the outer groove on the barrel nut
• The position of the tabs on the anti-slide plate

These changes were made for increased ease and efficiency of the manufacturing process and do not affect the functionality of the handguard or barrel nut. 

V1 to V2 Transition Dates

This table lists the dates when the handguards switched from V1 to V2 handguards. Existing V1 stock must be used before V2 stock is released. The table will be updated as models transition from V1 to V2. 

Handguard	If purchased before this date, you have a V1 handguard. If on or after, you have a V2.*
15" HWK M-Lok	Before Sept 5, 2019: V1 Sept 5-Oct 21, 2019: V1 or V2. Check your original barrel nut and anti-slide plate. On or after Oct 22, 2019: V2
13.5" HWK M-Lok	Jan 5, 2020
10" HWK M-Lok	Dec 1, 2019
7" HWK M-Lok	April 24, 2020
15" RPTR M-Lok	Dec 30, 2019 (*limited number of V1 handguards on May 27, 2020)
13.5" RPTR M-Lok	July 7, 2020
10" RPTR M-Lok	Feb 5, 2020
8.25" RPTR M-Lok	June 28, 2021
15" VYPR M-Lok	Nov 21, 2019
13.5" VYPR M-Lok	Feb 19, 2020
10" VYPR M-Lok	March 25, 2020
7" VYPR M-Lok	June 28, 2021
15" VLCN M-Lok	June 18, 2020
12" VLCN M-Lok	V1
10" VLCN M-Lok	V1
All Keymod handguards	ALL Keymod handguards are and will remain V1

*Please note that there can be overlap around a switch-over date, so if you purchased a particular handguard soon after its listed date, it is likely that you received a V2 handguard, but you may have received a V1. Check the barrel nut & anti-slide plate that came with your handguard (see further instructions below) to be sure.

Please note that these dates may not be applicable to blemished versions of the handguards. Check exact product specifications on blemished models for the barrel nut version. 

Identifying a V1 vs a V2 Handguard 

When you purchase a handguard you will receive the correct barrel nut and anti-slide plate version and you should not run into any compatibility issues. However, if you are looking to purchase a replacement barrel nut, you will need to be aware of whether you need a V1 or V2 barrel nut and anti-slide plate. The easiest way to identify which barrel nut version you need is by looking at the distinguishing features on the original barrel nut and anti-slide plate that came with your handguard. 

V1 Barrel Nut and Anti-Slide Plate

The V1 handguard has an internal diameter of approximately 1.358" and its barrel nut has an outer diameter of approximately 1.358" (~34.5 mm). The V1 barrel nut has a narrow, offset groove and its compatible anti-slide plate has an offset tab. You have a V1 handguard and should choose this steel replacement barrel nut or this aluminum replacement barrel nut if these look like your original barrel nut & anti-slide plate.

V2 Barrel Nut and Anti-Slide Plate

The V2 handguard has an internal diameter of approximately 1.377" and its barrel nut has an outer diameter of approximately 1.377" (~35 mm). The V2 barrel nut has a wider, centered groove and its compatible anti-slide plate has a centered tab.  You have a V2 handguard and should choose this V2 replacement steel barrel nut or this V2 aluminum replacement barrel nut if these look like your original barrel nut & anti-slide plate. 

V1 vs V2 Barrel Nut Direct Comparison

Here are the steel barrel nuts side by side. V1 is on the left and V2 is on the right. 

Bottom Line

Does the anti-slide plate have a ridge in the middle of the plate or offset to the side? If the ridge is in the middle, you have a V2. If the ridge is offset, you have a V1.

Is the groove running around the circumference of the barrel nut closer to the center of the barrel nut or offset to one side? If the groove is in the middle, you have a V2. If the groove is offset to one side, you have a V1.

If you have a V1 barrel nut, you have a V1 handguard. If you have a V2 barrel nut, you have a V2 handguard. 

If you have any further questions or need help identifying your handguard version, please shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we'll be happy to help!