Ak handguard retainer help

[GreenPig]

Don't know if this has been touched on before but I couldn't find a thread to answer specifically so here it is:
I just picked up a polish kit and new barrel I test fit the lower handguard retainer and the lever was loose and broken in feeling but what bothers me is it won't cam into the precut notch on the barrel it just flops back and forth I realize that the lower handguard has a tension spring in the front but I don't know if this will be an issue still I'd rather not populate and drill an otherwise virgin barrel if this one will serve me in the future I did a hungarian build and the retainer cams in tight so that's why I'm unsure any more experienced builders out there know and answer to my dilemma?

[buellster]

The lever doesn't need to be tight as long as it keeps the handguard retained.

[kcstott]

It can be loose as a goose or snug don't really matter but can be a point of irritation

[GreenPig]

Right on thanks guys much appreciated

[Oldmandan]

You won't know how tight it's going to be until you get the handguard on there. If it's too tight- sand the handguard down a little, if it's too loose- run the handguard through your dishwasher, it will swell a little.

[69Mach1]

Non issue. The gas tube prevents the lever from moving.