Thread: Barrel Removal

Any of you fellas recommend a good barrel removal clamp/tool? I know they're not too hard to make but I just don't have the time at work to design and make something. I have a Howa 308 and Weatherby Vanguard 300wsm but I want a nice method/setup to add to my kit when I start up my own Gunsmithing projects little side business

I remember seeing something on you tube where guys have made their own.

The correct way to do it is to make specific blocks to fit the action wrench and barrel vise, essential if you plan to do things properly and without damage. You can get away with making appropriate barrel blocks that you can hold in a sturdy bench vise and action blocks that can be held in a large sash cramp. You can also make hardwood barrel blocks that you can hold in a hydraulic shop press. The secret is making sure the blocks are a neat fit, and having the two tools as close together as possible to get maximum torque at the join.

In no particular order...

@40mm you forgot this

If you intend starting a gunsmithing side business, being able to make a barrel clamp and action wrench is pretty much step 1...

A barrel vice with several inserts to allow for different contours gives you the most flexibility. Making internal action wrenches that engage on the lugs for specific actions is the way to go - less issues with having to remove rails/bases that have been epoxied on etc.

Can you really apply torque through the bolt lug recess - like with a pseudo bolt ?
I would have thought the strength of bolt recesses is backwards to take recoil and the rotational stop would have plenty of clearances to accommodate debris leaves dirt and stuff but still allow the bolt to close fully ?
( I have no technical / mechanical knowledge about this and would pay an expert to do it! Just amateur curiosity.)

Originally Posted by 40mm

Attachment 102266Attachment 102267Attachment 102268

In no particular order...

Be good 40mm, what you propose is highly unacceptable. Claw hammers are for wood work only, hitting metal will damage the face. What you should use is a ball Pein or club hammer.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

Can you really apply torque through the bolt lug recess - like with a pseudo bolt ?
I would have thought the strength of bolt recesses is backwards to take recoil and the rotational stop would have plenty of clearances to accommodate debris leaves dirt and stuff but still allow the bolt to close fully ?
( I have no technical / mechanical knowledge about this and would pay an expert to do it! Just amateur curiosity.)

Absolutely. That is the correct way to do it with cylindrical actions such as the Remington 700 etc. You have to make bolt-on pads that fit in the ejection and magazine ports to attach your wrench so that the power is transmitted close to the barrel joint. There is a bit of specialized knowledge required in their manufacture to prevent damage to the action, perhaps not obvious to a regular engineer. If you do not already possess so technical/mechanical knowledge then it would be wise to leave gunsmithing to the specialists.

Originally Posted by 2post

.. What you should use is a ball Pein or club hammer.

You forgot to mention a large matching cold chisel..

Originally Posted by 6x47

You forgot to mention a large matching cold chisel..

Correct, you should never hit a screwdriver with a hammer.

Cheers fellas, I'm an aircraft engineer by trade and am looking at doing my Gunsmithing cert through society of Gunsmiths. I have a good idea on general tooling for engineering but be good to suss out a few specifics to help get me started. Being able to remove barrels would be a good start and capability I'm guessing. I see a few vices and sorts for doing this and yes making your own would be handy and also a bit of practice with hand skills etc. Not many Gunsmiths in nelson I am able to go learn under or get advice from so trying to convert my knowledge into basic Gunsmithing and try increase my skills and capabilities

Originally Posted by 2post

Correct, you should never hit a screwdriver with a hammer.

Better not look at my screwdrivers then, and I is doing electronics for a living

There is a publication By John L. Hinnant avaliable through Dave Manson Reamers that is well worth buying as it details the basic tools required and how to make them.

Thanks for that info mate I'll definitely look into that. Have been collecting a few books, worth their weight in gold