Gunsmithing M&P 15-22 flash hider removal

[Tempest 455]

I specifically bought the threaded barrel w/ flash hider model so I could install my can.

First off, I'm not a stranger to mechanical things, so I did what I usually would in this situation with any threaded, stuck part. I first used some pentrating oil, heated it up w/ a torch more than I was comfortable with (smoking hot) with the barrel in a vise and a foot long 3/4 open end and it did not budge.

Rather than constant tension of a wrench, I used a rubber mallet to "impact" it off. That usually works for me. However, nothing. The gun did turn in the vise which did not help. My concern was over clamping and distorting the integrity of the barrel.

I'm not certain how tight you can clamp these barrels?

I'm at the point of letting a smith tackle this. Anyone have an idea how tight you can clamp one of these 15-22 barrels?

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: M&P 15-22 flash hider removal

How are you clamping it? In a barrel vise or just a flat jaw vise?

I had this problem once with an AR, turned out it was pinned and I didnt realize it... I dont know if Smith would have pinned any for sale in restricted states or not, but may be something to think about.

 

[Tempest 455]

Re: M&P 15-22 flash hider removal

They are not pinned.

 

[mscott]

Re: M&P 15-22 flash hider removal

15-22s are not pinned and there was no thread locker on mine, but it was REALLY torqued on there. I had aluminum jaws to match the barrel, but still had to really crank on the vise.

 

[Loopm5]

Re: M&P 15-22 flash hider removal

We have had 2 in the shop that the customer spun the barrel in the receiver damaging the gun. We use heavy leather wrapped around the barrel only. And I have since moved to aluminum jaws contoured to the barrel. I use a AR wrench made by local company that is longer than normal. Ruger is the same way.