Lateral adjustment of gearbox alignment is meant to horizontally align the longitudinal axis of a gearbox with the longitudinal axis of a receiver with the help of a wedge mechanism. Gearbox alignment is a very important, but often neglected part of airsoft teching, which can significantly improve reliability and consistency of an airsoft replica.
We have implemented threaded holes for setscrews to the sides of our gearboxes years ago, but now we arrive with a more elaborate solution. To align a gearbox via using the setscrews, the gearbox had to be assembled in the receiver, axis checked, then disassemble the replica, adjust the setscrews and again. This solution allows you to align the gearbox in an assembled body.
None airsoft AR15 receiver has a way to align a gearbox inside an assembled replica and misaligned gearbox is a common thing. That is why we came with a solution which requires two things:
1) A pocket on the sides of the gearbox, which will hold the base of the alignment assembly in place and also makes the parts less protruded. Recommended depth of the pocket is at least 0.3 mm. This pocket is already present on our latest gearboxes.
2) Correct space in your receiver. The latest RetroArms receivers are fully prepared for this mechanism, but if you are installing it into a standard receiver some modification will be probably needed. In the picture below you can see the recommended dimensions of a pocket made for all the parts to fit and to be able to move the gearbox shell around. The width of one base part is 4.15 mm and recommended pocket depth is 0.3 mm. Thus gearbox with this mechanism secured will be approx. 25.7 mm wide.
All parts are CNC machined from C45 steel, heat treated and coated.
Installation guide:
Secure the bases of the mechanism to the sides of your gearbox and then screw in the wedges with M2 screws. Before inserting the gearbox into the lower receiver make sure that the wedges are not tightened. After installation into the lower receiver insert middle pin, lightly tighten the pistol grip and install the upper receiver. Verify the nozzle alignment via looking down the inner barrel and adjust the lateral alignments through magwell. Then insert the rear body pin, tighten the grip and finally install a buffer tube.
Be aware of the strength of the wadge mechanism. If you overtighten the screws, you can bend your receiver.
