barrel nut wrench

[ironruger]

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

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

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 http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/138079-15-22-specific-classifieds.html. 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- http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/166153-notable-thread-index.html

 

[ironruger]

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 http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/138079-15-22-specific-classifieds.html. 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- http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/166153-notable-thread-index.html

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.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

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.

 

[ironruger]

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?

 

[rraisley]

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.

 

[ironruger]

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.

 

[w0ady]

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.

 

[ironruger]

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?

 

[GMC man]

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

 

[Majorlk]

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.

 

[Majorlk]

I just dont like haveing dirt under the hand gaurd.

Can you spell compressed air?

 

[ironruger]

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....

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Let's keep this thread focused on the subject.

 

[Majorlk]

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!

 

[ironruger]

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.

 

[ironruger]

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

 

[Zax]

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.

 

[ironruger]

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.

 

[Maddmax]

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.