Installing Smith Vortex - Washer Stays?

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

Hi, just got a smith vortex and I read you don’t use any crush washers with it.

What about this washer that came on the barrel with a standard A2 birdcage?

Should I leave this on and screw the vortex on top of it or should I take it off?

Thanks!

Dave

EDIT: Doing some reading, seems like this is a crush washer and can just throw this away. I suppose I expected them to be a little bit more ‘crushed’.

2

You don’t need the washer with a Smith Vortex. Take the washer off. If you are trying to meet 16" for a non-NFA 14.5" barrel, the Vortex is long to enough weld/pin as-is.

I have used the Vortex on a few ARs, and would suggest that you just follow Smith’s instructions. They are pretty sturdy and don’t need to be timed like an A2.

3

My Vortex never threaded all the way down to the shoulder of the muzzle, so I left the crush washer on my gun to fill the gap.

4

Same as a YHM phantom? No crusher??