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Posted: 1/11/2011 5:54:27 AM EDT
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Dumb question since I have never done this.
I have a 14.5" Bushmaster upper with a non welded FH. I am removing it to add a Vortex and make it legal via pinning/solder/etc. I need to remove the existing FH. Do I need an AR upper holder/vise block and armorer's wrench to do this or can I use reasonable force and and adj wrench? I have a bud that has the "proper" tools but I am thinking it over and just wanted some feedback. Thanks! |
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I've installed and removed flash hiders using a wrench and my feet to hold the receiver. It can be done, but I don't recommend it. You'd be much better off using the right tools, or, if you're not worried about scuffs on the barrel, at least putting the barrel in a vice.
~Augee |
| I would highly recommend you clamp the barrel in a barrel vice before wrenching on any FH!! I unscrewed a barrel from an extension once doing it without having the barrel in a vice .... and that's only my personal experience .... there have been others that have damaged/cracked their uppers doing it without a barrel vice. |
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Quoted:
Thanks gents...............I will follow protocol and just wait for my buds tools and do it right. Good idea... Although the only real "tools" you need is a couple of pieces of wood and a vise. You do not need a upper receiver block for a flash hider install/removal. In fact the upper receiver block is NOT the correct tool for the job, as it does nothing to keep you from torquing the barrel... You need a couple pieces of wood or an actual barrel block. Just wanted to clear that up because there is a tiny bit of incorrect advice in this thread here. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks gents...............I will follow protocol and just wait for my buds tools and do it right. Good idea... Although the only real "tools" you need is a couple of pieces of wood and a vise. You do not need a upper receiver block for a flash hider install/removal. In fact the upper receiver block is NOT the correct tool for the job, as it does nothing to keep you from torquing the barrel... You need a couple pieces of wood or an actual barrel block. Just wanted to clear that up because there is a tiny bit of incorrect advice in this thread here. THANKS. I will ask my friend if he has a barrel block. If I read you right, I can also use a block of wood (drilled out) to support/hold the barrel in a vise as a safe alternative. Both options prevent the barrel from being torqued and damaged. Right??? Thx!!!! Please sound off if I am wrong gents. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks gents...............I will follow protocol and just wait for my buds tools and do it right. Good idea... Although the only real "tools" you need is a couple of pieces of wood and a vise. You do not need a upper receiver block for a flash hider install/removal. In fact the upper receiver block is NOT the correct tool for the job, as it does nothing to keep you from torquing the barrel... You need a couple pieces of wood or an actual barrel block. Just wanted to clear that up because there is a tiny bit of incorrect advice in this thread here. THANKS. I will ask my friend if he has a barrel block. If I read you right, I can also use a block of wood (drilled out) to support/hold the barrel in a vise as a safe alternative. Both options prevent the barrel from being torqued and damaged. Right??? Thx!!!! Please sound off if I am wrong gents. Yep ... you just need "something" to hold the barrel and prevent the transfer of the torque to the upper/extension. |
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Do I need to heat the FH prior to removal? If so, simple MAP torch with nominal heat? Wet rag wrapped around barrel behind the FH to protect it good enough? Maybe I am overthinking it.
Read a few tutorials, so I will build out a wood vise this weekend and attempt to remove. Hopefully it will come of without heat and just a little elbow grease. |
| First, put the the barrel in a vice (as close to the flashhider / comp) with wood on both sides between barrel and vice. Tighten the vice (the wood should deform a bit around the barrel). Tightening the vice with all your might is usually unnecessary. Use your adj wrench to unscrew (righty tighty lefty loosie). If it doesnt come off, give the wrench a couple of hits with a hammer (The impact helps knock it loose) . This should do it. |
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Okay boys.....made my barrel holder out of a 4x4 piece of wood. Wrapped the barrel with an uber thin rag and clamped it all down in a vise as directed.
Took a little bit of torque then it came right off. The new Smith Vortex looks mighty purdy on there now. ;) Thanks for the help! Gatorglock |
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