Step L8: Pistol Grip Installation
Objective: In Step L8 of upper receiver assembly, we will install the pistol grip onto the lower receiver.
Tools Required
1: Shaft must be at least 3.5″ long to reach the screw head inside the pistol grip.
2: Some pistol grips include a flat head pan-head screw. Others include a 3/16″ hex bolt. Refer to the table below or the grip manufacturer’s instructions when determining the required tool.
| Grip/Grip Screw/Bolt | Screw/Bolt Style |
|---|---|
| Magpul Grips (All) | Flat Head |
| ERGO Grips (All) | 3/16″ Hex Key |
| Luth-AR LR-23 Grip Bolt | Flat Head |
3: For grip screws/bolts that are used with a lock washer.
4: For grip screws/bolts that are used WITHOUT a lock washer.
Components Required
| Quantity | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lower Receiver |
| 1 | Pistol Grip |
| 1 | Pistol Grip Screw/Bolt |
| 1 | Pistol Grip Lock Washer (as applicable) |
| 1 | Safety Selector Detent |
| 1 | Safety Selector Spring |
Instructions
NOTE: If you are building an AR-10 on the Aero Precision M5 platform, you will need to install the takedown pin assembly (per Step L6) before you install the pistol grip, as the detent cavity is oriented from the bottom instead of from the rear.
Step L8.0: Remove Existing Pistol Grip (replacement/upgrade only)
If you are replacing your existing pistol grip (or need to remove the pistol grip for any other reason), first ensure the firearm is unloaded.
Insert the appropriate driver (flat head screwdriver or 3/16″ hex driver) into the pistol grip and loosen the pistol grip screw/bolt. Remove the pistol grip screw/bolt and lock washer, if equipped.
Invert the firearm and carefully remove the pistol grip. The safety selector spring and detent (and takedown pin spring and detent for M5 builds) will be held in place by the pistol grip.
Step L8.1: Install Safety Selector Detent and Spring
Turn the lower receiver upside down.
Be sure the safety selector lever is pointed to the rear of the lower receiver.
Insert the safety selector detent into the cavity on the bottom of the lower receiver, pointed end first.
Apply a couple drops of light wet lube into the safety detent cavity in the lower receiver.
Insert the safety selector spring into the spring cavity in the pistol grip.
Step 8.2: Seat Pistol Grip
With the lower receiver still inverted from the previous step and while ensuring the correct orientation of the safety selector, carefully seat the pistol grip onto the lower receiver. Be sure to seat it in line with the safety selector spring, which will protrude from the pistol grip, to avoid kinking it. Ensure the proper orientation of the safety selector lever. Depress the safety selector spring into the lower receiver with the pistol grip. Maintain light pressure on the pistol grip as you proceed to the next step.
Step L8.3: Assemble the Lock Washer onto the Bolt (as applicable)
Thread the pistol grip lock washer onto the pistol grip screw/bolt, as applicable.
Step L8.4: “Wet” the Pistol Grip Bolt Threads
We recommend applying grease to the threads of bolts that will be used with a lock washer to minimize galling and corrosion.
We recommend a dab of Vibra-Tite VC3 on the threads of bolts that will NOT be used with a lock washer.
DO NOT USE HARDENING THREAD LOCKER.
Some grip screws/bolts will have an elastomeric compound applied to the threads; this is not the same as your typical hardening thread locker.
Step L8.4: Install the Pistol Grip Bolt and Lock Washer
Using a 3/16” hex wrench or flat head screwdriver, carefully feed the pistol grip screw/bolt and pistol grip lock washer through the pistol grip. Once the tip of the pistol grip screw/bolt contacts the lower receiver, carefully rotate it counterclockwise until you feel a click of the threads. At this point, carefully begin to rotate clockwise to engage the threads of the lower receiver. This technique should avoid cross threading.
Hand tighten the pistol grip screw/bolt.
Step L8.4: Verify Safety Selector Function
Before you proceed, verify that the safety selector switch functions properly. If not, remove the pistol grip and verify that all components are installed properly.
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