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  #1  
Old 10-14-2012, 08:42 AM
ironruger ironruger is offline
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Ok I am new to the 15/22 style .22 and I dont understand why they will sell the gun without the tools to remove the barrel? Is there a reason that S&W would not like the barrel taken off or is it a marketing scam to get people to buy more stuff. Either way I am looking to get a wrench or make one.
What is the reason you would need to remove the barrel other then giving it a real good cleaning and if each time I remove the barrel am I going to need a new crush washer? I mean I have other rifles that I have never removed the barrel from for a cleaning so I am just curious maybe I am missing something?

Thanks
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Old 10-14-2012, 09:17 AM
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Among other things, the barrel nut wrench is useful for tightening a loose barrel nut which isn't all that uncommon according to Belt_Fed who has told me he's received several 15-22 with the barrel nut loose. There are a couple guys who sell the wrench here in the 15-22 Classifieds *** 15-22 Specific CLASSIFIEDS ***. No crush washers or anything else involved other than the barrel and barrel nut. There are full video instructions in the Instruction Video Series here- Notable Thread Index

Last edited by ChattanoogaPhil; 10-14-2012 at 09:21 AM.
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Old 10-14-2012, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil View Post
Among other things, the barrel nut wrench is useful for tightening a loose barrel nut which isn't all that uncommon according to Belt_Fed who has told me he's received several 15-22 with the barrel nut loose. There are a couple guys who sell the wrench here in the 15-22 Classifieds *** 15-22 Specific CLASSIFIEDS ***. No crush washers or anything else involved other than the barrel and barrel nut. There are full video instructions in the Instruction Video Series here- Notable Thread Index


So if I remove the barrel I do not need any washers to put it back on? I honestly do not know since I have never taken this barrel off.
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Old 10-14-2012, 10:02 AM
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So if I remove the barrel I do not need any washers to put it back on? I honestly do not know since I have never taken this barrel off.
Not unless you want to add some washers.

Click on the link to the Instructional Video Series and it will walk you though it (and lots of other stuff too). Removing the barrel is really quite simple and easy on this rifle. The most difficult part for a lot of folks is just breaking loose the flash hider. The Video will explain it all.
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Old 10-14-2012, 10:19 AM
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Not unless you want to add some washers.

Click on the link to the Instructional Video Series and it will walk you though it (and lots of other stuff too). Removing the barrel is really quite simple and easy on this rifle. The most difficult part for a lot of folks is just breaking loose the flash hider. The Video will explain it all.
I have watched the vids and I will be buying the tool but I am looking at 2 different types. The shooboy shoowrench and the tacticool barrel wrench. Is there a difference between the 2, they are bot priced about the same just not sure which is better or if there is a difference?
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Old 10-14-2012, 12:13 PM
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Ok I am new to the 15/22 style .22 and I dont understand why they will sell the gun without the tools to remove the barrel?
Probably because they don't want you to remove it. I, for one, do not intend to ever remove it, unless I have a problem that necessitates it. And if that were the case, I'd probably either send it back to S&W or find a gunsmith.
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Old 10-14-2012, 12:22 PM
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Probably because they don't want you to remove it. I, for one, do not intend to ever remove it, unless I have a problem that necessitates it. And if that were the case, I'd probably either send it back to S&W or find a gunsmith.
I just dont like haveing dirt under the hand gaurd. Makes it hard to clean the barrel with the hand guard on so I figured that I would get it for that reason. Also from what I have heard the barrel can get loose somehow. Not really sure how it gets loose but I guess it can.
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Old 10-14-2012, 12:25 PM
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it probably just unthreads from all the force being exerted on it from constant firing. same reason i had to add some blue loctite on my barrel shroud to keep it secured.
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  #9  
Old 10-14-2012, 12:38 PM
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it probably just unthreads from all the force being exerted on it from constant firing. same reason i had to add some blue loctite on my barrel shroud to keep it secured.
Which shroud do you have? Is it the set screw one from tacticool?
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Old 10-14-2012, 02:41 PM
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Dont forget the barrel vice adapter its important to !!
After about 6-7 thousand rounds I noticed my targets looking like a shotgun pattern so the first thing I did was check to see if the barrel was moving and it sure did 1/2 inch easy. Tightened up with the barrel nut wrench using the vice adapter from tacticool and havent had any problems since but I still check the barrel for movement after each range visit now.

Thats the only problem I have ever had with my little girl so I sure am not complaining
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Old 10-14-2012, 03:05 PM
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Ok I am new to the 15/22 style .22 and I dont understand why they will sell the gun without the tools to remove the barrel?

Thanks
What other rifle do you have that provides tools to remove the barrel? I have several Rugars, a Remington and a Garand, in addition to the 15-22. None ever came with tools to remove the barrel - basically because removing a rifle barrel is not a part of routine maintenance.

The Ruger .22's barrels can removed with a hex wrench, but all the others require a very expensive action wrench - none of which the rifle manufacturer ever provides with the rifle.

Sorry to be blunt, but your expectation is unrealistic.

Last edited by Majorlk; 10-14-2012 at 05:12 PM.
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Old 10-14-2012, 03:10 PM
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I just dont like haveing dirt under the hand gaurd.
Can you spell compressed air?
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Old 10-14-2012, 04:54 PM
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Can you spell compressed air?
Thanks for the humor I needed that in my life. I was really struggling with figuring this out but you just cured it all. You my sir are a grand master of firearms.
Of coarse I thought of compressed air but when it comes to proper maintenance compressed air doesnt do it. The barrel also needs proper oiling which proves hard with the hand guard.
Also living in an apartment I dont have space for a compressor and I really cant see spending money on small compressed air bottles eveytime.
Is it a rare thing for people to take the barrel out? I tried to use easy to spell words I would hate to spell something wrong....

Last edited by ironruger; 10-14-2012 at 05:01 PM.
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Old 10-14-2012, 05:11 PM
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Let's keep this thread focused on the subject.
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Old 10-14-2012, 05:11 PM
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Yea, removing a rifle barrel is a rare event. In 40 years I've needed to remove just one - the one on my Ruger 77/22 when I put a match barrel on it.

I have 10k plus though my 15-22 and have yet to need to clean the barrel under the hand guard. When I do, I'll just put a 20-gauge mop on a cleaning rod and run it under the guard. Then again, I don't crawl in the mud with mine.

I understand the apartment bit, but my small compressor is one of the most useful cleaning tools I have to clean pistol and rifle actions. Yea, canned air is too expensive and they don't have enough pressure to do anything much. Personally, I think you are looking for a complicated solution to a minor problem.

BTW, welcome to 15-22 crowd! We are a opinionated bunch (and never hesitate to express one!) but there a lot of good information and support here. Welcome Aboard!
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Old 10-14-2012, 06:08 PM
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I appreciate opinions and constructive criticism but personally I like to be able to take a gun down and clean it at least twice a yr, that being a complete cleaning. I also like having the ability and tools to do so in case I get any of this barrel wobble some talk about on this forum. Maybe I'll never need it but if I do I'll have it.
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Old 10-14-2012, 06:19 PM
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That being said I understand that not all rifles need or can have the barrels taken off but it seems that a lot of people have the need for this tool and I just like to be prepared
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Old 10-14-2012, 06:26 PM
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Ironruger, i agree it's nice to have the tools to remove or tighten the barrel (just in case). I haven't needed to use it yet, as I found that removing the quad rails plastic end cap I was able to get any crud out and nicely clean the barrel. I've only needed to do it once.

Regarding the air compressor, you can get some very quiet ones or you could use an air tank which can be filled from a gas station or tire shop. There's also high pressure alternatives available which are used to run air power tools or small refillable canned air. All of these are useful for cleaning the lower.
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Old 10-14-2012, 06:55 PM
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I may never need to use the tool but for $28 I thought it would be nice to have in the event I do need it at some point. I have talked to a few people that remove the barrel for eve cleaning. I don't think I'll be that anal about it.
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Old 10-14-2012, 07:04 PM
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Ironruger,
Regarding the air compressor, you can get some very quiet ones or you could use an air tank which can be filled from a gas station or tire shop. .
You can buy small ones for airbrushing. I have a two gal. one that works great.
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Old 10-14-2012, 07:17 PM
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I guess I will look into the small compressor idea. Seems like it would work good. Honestly I didn't think this barrel nut wrench topic would cause such a debate. I thought It was a handy tool to have in my tool bag for maintenance of this rifle. I see a couple agree but I guess I was wrong overall?
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Old 10-14-2012, 07:21 PM
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Quote:
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I guess I will look into the small compressor idea. Seems like it would work good. Honestly I didn't think this barrel nut wrench topic would cause such a debate. I thought It was a handy tool to have in my tool bag for maintenance of this rifle. I see a couple agree but I guess I was wrong overall?
Sure, a good tool to have. But at the cost, or availability, one I can do without. I don't intend to COMPLETELY disassemble ANY of my pistols or rifle, so don't really feel the need to have a gunsmithing shop in my home to do that. Heck, even screwdrivers should be very special for use on firearms, and while I have some quality woodworking screwdrivers, I don't have all the sizes and types required for complete work.
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Old 10-14-2012, 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by ironruger View Post
I guess I will look into the small compressor idea. Seems like it would work good. Honestly I didn't think this barrel nut wrench topic would cause such a debate. I thought It was a handy tool to have in my tool bag for maintenance of this rifle. I see a couple agree but I guess I was wrong overall?
It is a good idea but also is the adapter for the vice as the barrel is in a plastic housing when you need to use the wrench you also have to clamp the barrel or it will cause damage to the housing and bolt as one person found out on the forum when a shop did his.You also need the vice adapter if you want to remove the flash suppressor same reason.
Some people can work on their rifles to varying degrees. I am mechanically inclined but some things I would take to a reputable gunsmith like NDI ect.

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Old 10-14-2012, 09:07 PM
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The nut on my gun was finger tight at best. Barrel was moving around, accuracy suffered. Bought the wrench, tightened the barrel, accuracy and repeat ability improved dramatically.
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Old 10-14-2012, 10:08 PM
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Ok I am new to the 15/22 style .22 and I dont understand why they will sell the gun without the tools to remove the barrel? Is there a reason that S&W would not like the barrel taken off or is it a marketing scam to get people to buy more stuff.
What would a normal person need to remove the barrel for? Routine cleaning and maintenance be performed without removing it.

I've never known a manufacturer to include any tools to completely disassemble a firearm. That's what gunsmiths have traditionally been for.

EDIT: I see that you want to completely strip the weapon down for a detailed cleaning.

Last edited by tracksol; 10-14-2012 at 11:24 PM.
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Old 10-14-2012, 10:17 PM
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What would a normal person need to remove the barrel for? Routine cleaning and maintenance be performed without removing it.

I've never known a manufacturer to include any tools to completely disassemble a firearm. That's what gunsmith's have traditionally been for.

EDIT: I see that you want to completely strip the weapon down for a detailed cleaning.
I wont always be breaking it down for a detailed cleaning but I like to do it once and awhile for the guns that I am able to do it on. Honestly though like I said before I truly thought this was a common purchase, I guess I thought wrong
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Old 10-15-2012, 10:01 AM
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If you want one get it. It sounds cheaper than an air compressor. Tacticool22 is one this site all the time. Seems like good people. I'd go with them.
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Old 10-15-2012, 12:25 PM
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If you want one get it. It sounds cheaper than an air compressor. Tacticool22 is one this site all the time. Seems like good people. I'd go with them.
Apples and oranges comparison.

The barrel wrench is a "one trick pony" whereas a compressor has a multitude of uses. One removes or tightens a barrel nut on rare occasions; a compressor can have weekly, if not everyday uses. A typical 3-gallon compressor is under $100.

Having both is the best idea.
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Old 10-15-2012, 12:42 PM
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ironruger,

If your 15-22 has the bird cage flash hider you will need to remove it in order to take the quad rail end cap off sos you can use the barrel nut wrench. The crush washer at the rear of the flash hider will need to be replaced when reinstal it. A better option would be to use a peel washer as it's reusable.

Get or make a vice jaw clamp to hold the barrel before working on the flash hider or barrel nut or you will buger up the upper receiver when the barrel spins.

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Old 10-15-2012, 02:53 PM
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Well I bought the wrench but I might look into a small compressor in tge next couple months or better yet maybe the girlfriend will take a hint.
I have the standard threadless barrel with no flash hider or anything so I don't have to worry about that coming off. Now since I don't have the flash hider should I still buy or make a vise jaw clamp?
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:02 PM
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I think this is on topic. How to do you tighten and then loosen one of those fake suppressors that fit an inch or so under the handguard. I do have a threaded barrel.

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Old 10-15-2012, 03:08 PM
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Well I bought the wrench but I might look into a small compressor in tge next couple months or better yet maybe the girlfriend will take a hint.
I have the standard threadless barrel with no flash hider or anything so I don't have to worry about that coming off. Now since I don't have the flash hider should I still buy or make a vise jaw clamp?
I think you'll be fine. The nut is only supposed to be torqued something like 20lbs. Most folks get into trouble trying to take their flash suppressor off. Instead of using a wrench and a sharp whack to break it loose, some will try to torque it off and end up turing the barrel inside the receiver.

Suggest taking the nut off with the muzzle pointed down, then slip the upper off the barrel. Otherwise, if you're holding the receiver with the muzzle pointed up, the barrel can fall right through the receiver and the ejector may harpoon your foot.
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:12 PM
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Well I bought the wrench but I might look into a small compressor in tge next couple months or better yet maybe the girlfriend will take a hint.
That's one thing girl friends are good for.

Real bottom of the compressor line is Chicago Tools. Next is the Husky from Home Depot and whatever name Lowes is using for their house brand. I have the Husky and use it for lots of carpenter stuff primarily. Blowing out gun actions is a bonus.

Quote:
I have the standard threadless barrel with no flash hider or anything so I don't have to worry about that coming off. Now since I don't have the flash hider should I still buy or make a vise jaw clamp?
Whether you have anything attached to the barrel or not, you MUST use something to clamp the barrel (NOT THE RECEIVER) in a vice. The polymer receiver will not take the torsional stress.
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:12 PM
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I think this is on topic. How to do you tighten and then loosen one of those fake suppressors that fit an inch or so under the handguard. I do have a threaded barrel.

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By hand. I use one can on several different .22s and only hand tighten all the muzzle devices. While at the range I'll check a time or two.
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:37 PM
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That's one thing girl friends are good for.

Real bottom of the compressor line is Chicago Tools. Next is the Husky from Home Depot and whatever name Lowes is using for their house brand. I have the Husky and use it for lots of carpenter stuff primarily. Blowing out gun actions is a bonus.



Whether you have anything attached to the barrel or not, you MUST use something to clamp the barrel (NOT THE RECEIVER) in a vice. The polymer receiver will not take the torsional stress.

Thanks I appreciate the heads up on the barrel clamp. After much debate and reading I most likely will NOT remove the barrel because of the possibility of messing the threads up, but I will keep the barrel wrench incase the barrel gets loose like some have reported and use it just to tighten it back down. As for the compressor I will look at home depot to see what they have, I dont need anything crazy. Even though I live in an apartment I dont think a small compressor will create that much noise. It will prove a very usefull tool when I clean my pistols aswell.
MajorlK: on a side note I didnt take your previous post to this thread as an insult. I have a very thick skin but I will dish it back, my outlook is if one dishes it one can take it. No hard feelings I hope
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:44 PM
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Honestly I didn't think this barrel nut wrench topic would cause such a debate.
hahaha... making a mountain out of molehill is half the fun of these projects!

Don't sweat it, you'll find out it's no big deal. Keep in mind that before there were metal wrenches for sale we were using a piece of PVC and cut the fingers out to fit the grooves in the barrel nut. It worked. So... that will give you an idea of how little effort is required to remove and replace the barrel nut. Here's a How-to link for those who might be interested. Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 - 5
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:44 PM
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MajorlK: on a side note I didnt take your previous post to this thread as an insult. I have a very thick skin but I will dish it back, my outlook is if one dishes it one can take it. No hard feelings I hope
Hey, it's all good. A thick skin is pretty much a prerequisite for posting on Internet forums!

Just a note on compressor noise - there's no such thing as a quiet compressor. Mine's in the basement and it can be heard running on the second floor - not TOO obnoxious but you can tell it's on.
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Old 10-15-2012, 03:54 PM
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Hey, it's all good. A thick skin is pretty much a prerequisite for posting on Internet forums!

Just a note on compressor noise - there's no such thing as a quiet compressor. Mine's in the basement and it can be heard running on the second floor - not TOO obnoxious but you can tell it's on.
Well I guess my neighbors will have to deal with it every so often.
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Old 10-15-2012, 05:30 PM
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I spoke to soon my barrel is loose again so yes I would say its important lol
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Old 10-15-2012, 07:42 PM
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You can get an air bomb and fill it at the gas station, no compressor noise at your house. I think the one I owned was 10 gallon size. As for removing the barrel for routine maintenance, not really sure that's a good practice.

If your barrel comes loose that's a different story. Then it sounds like you need to buy a wrench. A new crush washer if indicated should be used everytime the barrel is removed, they are not reusable.

If the barrel comes from the factory finger tight, WOW, the quality control/inspection department needs jacking up I think, someones not doing their job properly.

Good luck whatever you decide and have fun with your new toy!!
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Old 10-15-2012, 07:54 PM
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I bought the Shooboy wrench so that I could swap out the handguard for an M4 style. My homemade PVC pipe wrench didn't work. Once you get the tacticool adapter, you can put anything you want on it. Now mine looks just like an M&P 15, and it might have helped, but I never used a vice...

BTW, it's a TOOL! Of course you need it! Just like you need a vice...
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Old 10-15-2012, 08:39 PM
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I bought the Shooboy wrench so that I could swap out the handguard for an M4 style. My homemade PVC pipe wrench didn't work. Once you get the tacticool adapter, you can put anything you want on it. Now mine looks just like an M&P 15, and it might have helped, but I never used a vice...

BTW, it's a TOOL! Of course you need it! Just like you need a vice...
I did buy it for that case of when and if I ever need it
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Old 10-15-2012, 11:49 PM
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I think this is on topic. How to do you tighten and then loosen one of those fake suppressors that fit an inch or so under the handguard. I do have a threaded barrel.

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They just thread on your barrel where the FH was. Use a strap wrench or just your hands. If you use a crush washer it will lock down even better.
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Old 10-16-2012, 09:10 AM
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So lets say the barrel gets a little loose like some have mentioned here. Do I need to have the vise clamps to tighten the barrel back down or can I just give it a little turn with the wrench to tighten the barrel?
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Old 10-17-2012, 02:49 PM
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You need to clamp on the barrel or you risk spinning the little ears on the breech block in the upper. It is a recoverable condition, but it takes a new upper to fix it.
Just ask Brett248Vista about that.
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Old 10-17-2012, 07:57 PM
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So lets say the barrel gets a little loose like some have mentioned here. Do I need to have the vise clamps to tighten the barrel back down or can I just give it a little turn with the wrench to tighten the barrel?
There is a torque setting in inch pounds for putting the nut back on. So,you'll also need a torque wrench that does inch pounds. There is a U-Tube video about taking the barrel off that is handy if you can get this link to work. Don't know if the video is still up but it was very helpful.

http://youtu.be/0hez1P4tOzO 0 is the number zero.
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Old 10-17-2012, 08:12 PM
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Just a note on compressor noise - there's no such thing as a quiet compressor. Mine's in the basement and it can be heard running on the second floor - not TOO obnoxious but you can tell it's on.
Might have a helpful hint. If you need to get into tight little nooks & crannies. Take the stem fitting used to fill basket/socker balls and file the tip off and "round out" the hole. Depending on your handnozzle type,unscrew the tip and the "stem" should slide in and fit perfect (might have to file the edges if it has a nut style thread and shorten up the threads a bit,to fit),careful so the stem don't slide into the hand piece. Mine does,but pops right back up with air pressure. That add-on long stem will get you into tight places and better pressure to BLAST out almost anything. Great for blowing dust off iron sights too.
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Old 10-17-2012, 08:23 PM
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Good tip! Thanks!
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Old 10-19-2012, 01:34 AM
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They just thread on your barrel where the FH was. Use a strap wrench or just your hands. If you use a crush washer it will lock down even better.
I am just afraid that it will end up staying too well, and if it does, then I wouldn't have a way of loosening it without spinning the barrel because the shroud would be underneath the handguard. BTW, I really like the look of the shrouds that fit inside the handguard. I wish the handguard was easily removed. I would change mine, but I have the APG version of the rifle. If I had the black version of our rifle, I would have chucked the handguard by now and replaced it with an M4 type handguard.
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Old 10-19-2012, 09:59 PM
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I wont always be breaking it down for a detailed cleaning but I like to do it once and awhile for the guns that I am able to do it on. Honestly though like I said before I truly thought this was a common purchase, I guess I thought wrong
I wouldn't get too worried about it. I buy everything (tool wise)I need to strip,take down or do what's ever needed to take care of my weapons. Buy extra "moving/wear" parts,springs,fireing pins.... I live in the "boondocks" and it's a long drive for fixes. I grew up around guns,have friends that are gunsmiths and have learned/been taught to do almost everything to keep my weapons working. Not everyone is handy or "nervy" enough to strip a weapon down to it's last part and re-assemble.
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