Another 'How to remove M&P22 Compact barrel nut' Thread

[McE]

I have an M&P22 Compact, original version (barrel+adapter flush to slide).

I don't have the S&W wrench to remove the barrel nut. I've tried a few methods that have failed. Placed some hex keys along the flats to give a wrench a flat surface to wrench on. No go.

I'm not going to pay 20-some dollars for a fixed one-trick-pony wrench. If anything, I'd pick up something like this which should pay for itself off eventually.

I'm tool shopping for other things tomorrow, if I find a thin wrench set, should I go metric or SAE? The barrel nut flats measure 10.55mm/ .415" which I'm not sure if an 11mm socket wrench would do the job or if they even make a 27/64" wrench.

But even if I buy that, I'm still facing one heckuva tight barrel nut. Has anyone confirmed what they did at the factory? Red loctite so heat should be used? Or has anyone used PB blaster type stuff with good results?

 

[McE]

Nm, stuck it in the freezer for a couple hours then it broke free with some effort.

My observation- there's a decent amount of brown rusty colored stuff on the threads. Maybe all of these stuck adapter issues are caused by the adapter rusting a little.

 

[Indynick]

What size wrench did you use?

 

[McE]

I used a couple of allen wrenches to lay along the flats, then used an adjustable wrench to clamp onto it (contacting only the allen/hex wrenches), then loosened it.

 

[gatekeeper]

Posted this earlier today on another entry before I saw this post. Thought I would copy and paste that post here concerning the subject is the same.

Got my M&P 22 Compact a few months ago, was wondering why it didn't come with a "spanner" like the Walther P22, which is similar in construction. So I called S&W customer service, they told me that it wasn't supplied because the barrel wasn't to be removed, puzzled me. Made me wonder about the cleaning process. The construction is similar to the Walther P22 but that spanner is small and will not fit the M&P 22 Compact.

 

[gofastscottb]

See this

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...remove-thread-protector-m-p-compact-22-a.html

 

[hoc9sw]

Mine was an early version, did not come with a wrench, but then I don't know of any in the standard config that did have a wrench.

I bought the EWK wrench, and do use it more than I expected, as I prefer not to have the adapter mounted if I'm not using the suppressor. So I do put the original cap back on at times.

I wasted a lot more time looking for an alternate solution than what the wrench cost.

Never heard that the cap wasn't intended to be removed. If so, why was that (the threaded barrel) advertised as a feature? I suspect you got an agent who was tired and wanted to go home

 

[Saudade]

Never heard that the cap wasn't intended to be removed. If so, why was that (the threaded barrel) advertised as a feature? I suspect you got an agent who was tired and wanted to go home

Threaded barrels on pistols with detachable mags are a no-no in CA. (becomes an assault weapon). The M&P22CA that used to be offered here had caps with no slots and thread locked on. They are no longer on the roster though.

 

[gofastscottb]

As long as it is a private party transfer, you are ok.

 

[hoc9sw]

OK, understood. When I bought mine, it was not yet allowed for CA. They may have made a special version of not-quite-threaded barrel.

 

[Saudade]

The M&P22 CA (Blk) SKU 122002 was removed from the CA roster last year. (5/10/2014). You can still buy one via a Private Party transfer if you can find one local. It also came with 10 round mags.

And that's correct, the flatless cap, thread locked on, eliminates the "threaded barrel". All other models are "assault weapons".

Removing the cap while the barrel is still attached to the firearm, while still in the state of CA creates an assault weapon under CA PC 12276.1(a)(4)(A). For most of us in CA, this would be a felony.

 

[gatekeeper]

I have just called S&W customer service and for $40.00 a kit containing wrench, threaded suppressor adapter replacement and thread protector is available.

 

[RockyTop1911]

Just wanted to say the New M&P 22 Compacts are still very hard to remove barrel nut. Broke the supplied wrench. Called S&W CS and they are sending me a new wrench. He said I just need to tap the wrench / nut lightly with a hammer to remove it. I guess I will give that a try when I get the new wrench. Just purchased this firearm yesterday and wanted to field strip it. If that does not work, I will try the freezer option.

 

[RockyTop1911]

Broke the supplied wrench included with the Compact 22. I was only using my hands and it snapped one of the edges right off. Called S&W and they are sending new wrench. S&W rep said to tap lightly with hammer. Did more research and one said to put in freezer and I did for about 10 minutes. This may have helped. Found video, where a guy made his on wrench by grinding down a 11 mm cheapo Husky. Had a Harbor Freight Pittsburgh wrench so I thought I would try that. I did and it fit much better and was much stronger than the S&W wrench. Put my M&P Compact in the vice and used the wrench and hammer tapping method. Nothing was giving. Finally just used brute force and cranked on it with all my strength and it popped and broke free.