AEA Zeus (Gen1) and Challenger Standard (unshrouded) Barrel Band Installation
Black Arts Design Barrel Bands are designed to be a snug fitting part. There are rubberized bushings in the barrel section. They are designed to allow a very close tolerance fit as well as provide some dampening effect.
It is best to have an established zero prior to installation of the barrel band. This is the only way to verify any large change in windage or elevation. There should be very little change in elevation or windage. But, if any twist was instigated upon the installation there may be a significant windage change. If this occurs see notes at end.
**MAKE SURE THE RIFLE IS IN A SAFE CONFIGURATION BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION**
- There is a silver sharpie arrow on the inner diameter of the air tube section. This arrow must point toward the muzzle end of the rifle.
- The Barrel thread protector can be on or off, off seems to aid on getting the Barrel Band slipped over the end of the barrel. Carefully ease the barrel band over the end of the barrel or thread protector. If needed, you can rotate the barrel band in a clockwise direction to assist in getting it started onto the barrel.
- Once the top portion is on the barrel itself, align the lower portion with the air tube. It takes some finesse to get it over the fitting at the end of the air tube. Make sure the 2.5 mm cap screw is sufficiently loosened. Push it on by alternating movement from the top and then the bottom of the barrel band. Ease it a little at a time, pushing from the top and bottom alternately until it fully clears the fitting and is completely on the air tube.
- Now the barrel band can be pushed evenly down the length of the barrel.
- The location is up to the user, however, the barrel band should be at least 4 inches past the beginning of the flutes for proper fitment (the barrel OD is smaller prior to the fluting).
- The barrel band is tight enough to move and hold the barrel left or right of center even before tightening it down. Try to ensure you have not instigated twisting during installation. You can slide it back and forth several inches a few times to get it re-centered.
- Using a 2.5mm allen key, tighten the cap head screw found on the side of the barrel band. Large amounts of torque are not needed but it should be firmly snugged up. Too much force can damage the part.
- You are ready to zero the rifle.
If there are large windage changes to your zero, a minor change is not significant and should be adjusted with the scope, some twisting may have been instigated upon installation. If so, loosen the 2.5 mm screw, and gently re-center the barrel. Check the zero and then tighten the barrel band. Again, check zero.