Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim Review

Let’s Talk About Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim

The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim might seem like a minuscule component, but trust me, in the world of AR-15 builds, it’s an absolute lifesaver. It’s manufactured by Spikes Tactical and is designed for perfect barrel nut alignment. If you’ve ever struggled with a rail that just won’t quite line up, this little piece of metal is your silent hero.

I got into AR-15 building a few years back, and while I enjoy the process, I’ve run into the frustration of a slightly misaligned barrel nut more than once. Free-float handguards, especially those like the Spikes Tactical SAR3 or MLOK rails, demand precision. Without proper alignment, you risk stressing the mounting hardware, potentially damaging the rail, or simply ending up with a visually crooked setup. It’s an experience in frustration when you realize your expensive rail isn’t lining up correctly.

Upon receiving the Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim, I was immediately impressed by the packaging and apparent quality. The shims come sealed in small, thick plastic bags, and the pieces appeared perfectly clean and uniform. Initially, I was comparing these to some generic shims I had purchased previously. The generics were thinner and felt flimsy, giving me little confidence. The Spikes Tactical shims felt more robust.

There are other shim kits available, offering a variety of thicknesses and materials. I chose the Spikes Tactical shims because they were readily available, affordable, and I trusted the Spikes Tactical name. Other options, such as the Brownells AR-15 Barrel Nut Shim Kit, offered a broader selection but at a significantly higher price point.

My first impression was positive; these shims felt like a quality solution to a common problem. The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim is not something you’d think would make you excited, but the potential to finally achieve that perfect alignment definitely piqued my interest.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim was during a recent AR-15 build for a friend who wanted a lightweight, accurate rifle for 3-gun competitions. The specific configuration involved a Spikes Tactical SAR3 rail and a Faxon Firearms barrel. I tested it at my workbench in my garage where most of my gun builds take place. The garage is a typical workspace – not too hot or cold, but definitely prone to dust.

The first attempt involved using a single “thin” (.0125″) shim. After torquing the barrel nut to the specified range (between 30 and 80 ft-lbs) according to the manufacturer’s specification for the barrel nut, the gas tube hole was almost aligned, but not quite. Frustratingly, it needed a little bit more rotation to clock correctly. This is a common issue when working with AR-15s.

After removing the barrel nut and installing a single “thick” (.025″) shim, the alignment was perfect. The gas tube slid in without resistance. The rail then locked into place with no stress on the mounting hardware, which was a huge relief. It was an instant problem-solver.

Extended Use & Reliability

I haven’t experienced any degradation or wear and tear with these shims, primarily because they are installed under the barrel nut and don’t undergo any significant stress after initial installation. The barrel nut is torqued to spec and locked into place by the rail. The only maintenance is ensuring the barrel nut remains properly torqued, which is standard practice for any AR-15.

After building several rifles using these shims over the past few months, I can confidently say they hold up exceptionally well. They are a “set it and forget it” component. This outperforms the generic shims I’ve used previously, which sometimes deformed or crushed under high torque.

Breaking Down the Features of Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim

Specifications

The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim features two primary specifications:

• Thickness: Available in two thicknesses – Thin .0125″ and Thick .025″. These two thicknesses provide fine-tuning capabilities for barrel nut alignment.

• Material: High-quality steel. This ensures durability and resistance to crushing or deformation under the torque applied to the barrel nut.

These specifications are critical for achieving precise barrel nut alignment. Without the ability to fine-tune the alignment, installing free-float handguards becomes significantly more challenging and potentially damaging to other components. The thickness options and durable steel construction directly contribute to the ease of installation and the long-term reliability of the system.

Performance & Functionality

The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim performs its job perfectly. It allows for precise adjustment of the barrel nut to ensure the gas tube hole aligns correctly with the upper receiver. This is essential for reliable cycling of the AR-15. It is a simple fix for a common and frustrating issue.

The strength of the Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim is its simplicity and effectiveness. There are no weaknesses. It is a low-cost, high-impact solution. It exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The shims are simple in design and made from a high-quality material. The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim is lightweight. No special instructions or tools are required for their use.

The design is straightforward and user-friendly. There’s no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Made from durable steel, these shims are designed to last the lifetime of the rifle. No maintenance is required beyond ensuring the barrel nut remains properly torqued.

Given their location and function, the shims are well-protected and not subject to wear and tear. They are expected to last indefinitely.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim does not come with any accessories, nor does it require any. It is a standalone component designed to work with any standard AR-15 barrel nut and free-float handguard system. The only “customization” aspect is choosing the correct thickness (or combination of thicknesses) to achieve proper alignment.

The Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim is compatible with any AR-15 platform utilizing a barrel nut and free-float handguard. This compatibility extends to most popular AR-15 accessories, as it does not interfere with any other components.

Pros and Cons of Spikes Tactical SAR Rail Shim