Smyth Busters: Does an AR-15 Barrel Nut Have To Be Steel?
This video debunks the common belief that an AR-15 barrel nut must be made of steel. Brownells Gun Techs Caleb and Steve explain that the barrel nut's primary function is to lock the barrel into the upper receiver, a task that is not under high stress. They highlight that many high-end manufacturers like Geissele and Battle Arms Development use aluminum barrel nuts, which are proven to be sufficiently strong and also help reduce the overall weight of the firearm. The video concludes that aluminum and titanium barrel nuts are perfectly acceptable alternatives to steel.






