Gunsmithing Barrel removal help...aargghh!

[steelcomp]

I have a commercial FN M98 action I'm trying to get the old barrel off of, and this thing just won't budge! I built my own barrel vise and action wrench, which seem to both be working. I'm using more force on this than I ever would have imagined, and nothing.
Here are a few pics of my set up. Maybe someone can offer some suggestions?
TIA

I've tried heat, PB Blaster, beating it with a 2lb hammer, a 4' cheater bar, and nothing. I've actually gotten it tight enough that the barrel won't spin, which took some effort. Those are 3/4" G8 bolts on the brrel vise, and the jaws are 1x2 steel barstock. The soft "collets" are oak. The white stuff is rosin.

 

[MAGUA]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

I would try heat and the cheater again . A big fat friend would come in very handy at this time

 

[Cigarcop]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

I've seen a smith take that same action wrench, point it topside and smack the handle with a 4x4, action came loose every time.

 

[Gettn2]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MAGUA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> A big fat friend would come in very handy at this time

</div></div>

ROFL ...

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

some kroil or penetrating oil, inside the receiver and at the barrel/receiver joint.
Then heat the front of the receiver with a propane torch until you see the oil bubble/smoke at the barrel/receiver joint.....

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

I've had better results with one BIG FAST blow-than a SLOOW lever assist pull.A 10 pound hammer would be much better than a 2 pounder. They are put on with thread locker and a bitch to get off. Nice barrel vise BTW.

 

[RMPSTRAT]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

you might have to make a relief cut just forward of the shoulder

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

Thanks for all the suggestions, I appreciate it. I tried heat and the PB blaster...I'll see if I can get ahold of some Kroil...it IS magic stuff.

I've worked with mechanical stuff all my life...heavy equipment, racing, machine work and fabrication...I can swing a mean hammer and I mean to say, for the surface area in contact on this thing, I'm purely amazed at the energy I'm delivering for it not to break loose. The handle is a solid piece of 1" round bar stock that I threaded on the end to fit in the action wrench head...I'm hitting that handle so hard it's bent, and the threaded stud has stretched to the point where I'm afraid it's going to break.
On the relief cut...it's my understanding that Mauser barrels seat on an inner ring, not on the face of the receiver. I'm hoping not to ruin the barrel, but if I have to, I guess it's not the end of the world.
Maybe if I clamp the vise to a steel table it'll help not absorb some of the energy? I'll try more heat too.
Thanks again for the ideas.

 

[gamma]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Parga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you might have to make a relief cut just forward of the shoulder </div></div>
Ya, definitely this will do it.

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

relief cut just in front of action. thats if your going to trash the barrel.

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

"FN M98 action"

Thats a left hand threaded action to counter the right hand rifling twist of the barrel. Try going the other way

Just kidding its not left handed, try throwing it in the freezer overnight. Its worked for me before. freeze, heat, freeze, heat and eventually it might break loose. If it is bottomed out on the inside removing the outer shoulder wont help.

Watch how much pressure you put on the clamp going around the action for your handle. If you clamp it too tight and have it around the outside of the threads it will compress the action and make them just that much tighter.

 

[HPitts]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

I have used an action wrench that slides inside the bolt raceways and a outside wrench like you have . I get my brother in law to twist on the inside wrench while I hit the outside wrench with an 8lb hammer .

Also slide your wrench back about .500 from the front of the action . I think that if you are all the way to the front of the action you are making the action tighter on the barrel.

Hope this helps , Howard

 

[smack]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

Put the action wrench handle at the 12 0'clock position and get a good full swing on it with a much heavier hammer. I watched a local smith do it to mine years age, he didn't play nice like I do with the Remington's. He hit it HARD and it broke loose, he just grinned when he saw the look on my face just as he was lining it up for the big swing.

 

[gamma]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

How did you ever get on with this problem you had, did you get it off in the end. Ive got a similar one myself now with a Remmy 700, its got an overnight bath in penetrating oil. I already broke 2 Surgeon action wrenches on it. Im going to make a wraparound wrench tomorrow and see how that goes. Im getting really worried that it wont move, never saw a Remmy so badly stuck, it was rebarreled by the big guy from the Green mile I think. Any input here other than relief cut on the barrel.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

im curious too. i agree with what one person said. put the wrench in the 12 oclock position, grab a 4x4 and swing like a juiced up ball player, that sharp impact might be what it takes

 

[Jkob]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gamma</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Parga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you might have to make a relief cut just forward of the shoulder </div></div>
Ya, definitely this will do it. </div></div>

How does this bullshit keep propogating? The barrel shoulders on the inside. All you are doing is ruining the barrel. "Left hand thread" I hope you are joking.

 

[Bigbrotheretter]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

A 10lb sledge?

 

[microsuck]

Re: Barrel removal help...aargghh!

My wrench has a 3 foot handle on it. Kroil for a few hours, then warm with torch and they ALWAYS come off. I also have aluminum bushings. I'm supprised its not turning in those wood ones.