Let’s Dive into Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2
The Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 is a seemingly simple, yet essential piece of hardware for mounting a bipod to firearms with hollow synthetic stocks. It’s designed by Harris Engineering, a name synonymous with quality bipods, ensuring a secure and stable platform. This small, unassuming flange nut can be the difference between a rock-solid shot and a shaky miss, making it a crucial component for any serious shooter looking to add a bipod to their rifle.
My journey to finding the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 began when I acquired a new Ruger 10/22 with a nylon stock. The rifle, while excellent in many respects, lacked sling studs, rendering my bipod useless. I needed a reliable solution that wouldn’t compromise the integrity of the stock or the stability of the bipod.
Upon unboxing, the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 is exactly what you’d expect: a precisely machined flange nut with a threaded bushing. The steel feels robust, and the flange provides a good surface area for distributing pressure against the stock. It’s a no-frills component, but its purpose is clear, and the quality seems evident.
Alternatives I considered were universal sling stud kits from other manufacturers, but these often felt flimsy or required drilling larger holes than I was comfortable with. I chose the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 because of the Harris Engineering reputation and the designed specifically for hollow stocks. My initial impression was positive – a simple, well-made solution to a common problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 involved installing it on my previously mentioned Ruger 10/22. I used the bipod both at an outdoor shooting range and during some informal target practice on my property. The weather was dry and temperate, ideal conditions for shooting.
Installation required some modification, as others have noted. I carefully used a Dremel tool to create a small recess in the stock to accommodate the flange, ensuring a flush and secure fit. After applying JB Weld to “bed” the nut, as suggested by another user, and lubricating the threads, I cautiously tightened the stud.
The immediate result was impressive. The bipod felt incredibly solid, providing a stable shooting platform even on uneven terrain. There were no wobbles or signs of flex in the stock, and the entire setup felt significantly more planted than it had before.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve taken the Ruger 10/22 on multiple hunting trips and shooting sessions, exposing it to various conditions, including light rain and dusty environments. The nut remains firmly in place, showing no signs of loosening or corrosion.
The JB Weld bedding has held up remarkably well, with no cracking or separation from the stock. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to previous experiences with less robust mounting solutions, the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 is a clear winner in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2
Specifications
Flange Dimensions: The flange measures 5/8 inch wide by 1 3/8 inch long, providing ample surface area for distributing the bipod’s weight and recoil force across the hollow stock. This prevents cracking or deformation of the plastic.
Hollow Forend Compatibility: This nut is explicitly designed for hollow plastic forends, making it a versatile solution for many modern rifles and shotguns. It ensures a secure and stable mount without requiring extensive modifications.
Threaded Bushing: The threaded bushing is designed to accept standard sling studs, allowing for easy attachment of bipods, slings, or other accessories. This is a huge benefit.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the stability and longevity of the bipod mounting system. The flange size ensures adequate support, while the hollow forend compatibility expands the range of firearms that can benefit from this accessory.
Performance & Functionality
The Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 excels at its primary function: providing a stable and secure mounting point for a bipod on a hollow stock. Once properly installed, it eliminates wobble and flex, allowing for more precise and consistent shooting. The main strength is its ease of use (after a little modification).
Its weakness lies in the fact that it often requires some modification of the stock to sit flush. It would be great if future designs could alleviate this need.
It more than meets expectations by providing a solid mounting point that inspires confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 is a simple, functional design. The steel construction gives it a solid feel, and the flange is shaped to maximize contact with the stock. It’s not particularly flashy or ergonomic, but it doesn’t need to be.
The only real “learning curve” involves understanding how to properly bed the nut in the stock using epoxy or a similar compound. Once that’s mastered, installation is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction and robust design of the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 suggest it will last for many years. As long as the bedding compound remains intact, there’s little reason to believe it will fail prematurely.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe with a cloth is all that’s typically needed to keep it clean and functional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 itself doesn’t have many accessories. It’s designed to work with any standard sling stud.
It’s compatible with all Harris Engineering bipods and other brands using the same mounting system. The versatility of the platform is great.
Pros and Cons of Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2
Pros
- Rock-Solid Mounting Platform: Provides an incredibly stable base for bipods, significantly improving shooting accuracy.
Cons
- Requires Modification:* Often requires some modification of the stock for a flush fit, which may be intimidating for some users.
Designed for Hollow Stocks: Specifically engineered for use with hollow synthetic stocks, ensuring a secure fit without damaging the firearm.
Durable Steel Construction: Built to last, with a robust steel construction that can withstand recoil and environmental factors.
Versatile Compatibility: Works with a wide range of bipods and slings that utilize standard sling studs.
Affordable Solution: Offers a cost-effective way to add bipod functionality to rifles that lack factory-installed studs.
Bedding Compound Needed:* Best results are achieved by bedding the nut with epoxy, adding an extra step to the installation process.
Who Should Buy Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2?
- Perfect for: Shooters who own rifles with hollow synthetic stocks lacking sling studs and who want to add a bipod for increased stability and accuracy. It is also great for DIY gun enthusiasts who don’t mind doing some simple modifications to their firearm.
- Who should skip this product? Those who are uncomfortable with making modifications to their firearm or those who prefer a more straightforward, drop-in solution. Also, people with solid wood stocks would be better off with traditional sling studs.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? JB Weld or similar epoxy compound for bedding, a Dremel tool or similar for stock modification, and gun oil for lubricating the threads during installation.
Conclusion on Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2
The Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 is a simple yet incredibly effective solution for mounting a bipod to rifles with hollow synthetic stocks. It’s not a drop-in replacement, as it typically requires some stock modification and bedding with epoxy, but the end result is a rock-solid mounting platform that will significantly improve shooting accuracy.
At a price of $11.99, the Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 offers excellent value. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the performance of your rifle.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to add a bipod to a rifle with a hollow synthetic stock and who is comfortable with a bit of DIY work. Don’t let a missing sling stud keep you from enjoying the benefits of a stable shooting platform – grab a Harris Engineering Number Flange Nut 2 and get ready to improve your accuracy!