When I first started fiddling with these rifles several years ago, I had the honor of meeting Mrs. Moreo at their shop and I asked her what the torque value was on the barrel nut. She advised there was no torque value and to just snug the barrel nut. I asked what she meant by snug and she replied that she meant just snug, not tight. I have always firmly "snugged" the nut by hand with a barrel nut wrench and without any mallet, etc. when doing a swap. Have never had one break loose and it makes them so much easier to break loose next time. I do the scotch tape method on the go gauge for a no-go, as Smokey262 eluded to above. It works fine. Hope this helps and good luck with your project.