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Gunsmithing Barrel vise

Ratbert

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 18, 2007
2,341
1
48
Concord, NC
I'm in the market for a barrel vise. Can anyone tell me how well the Ken Farrell vise works? I like the no-insert design, but I wonder how it adapts for different barrel contours. Will I need to make sure I grab the barrel by the shank with this or does it have some method of holding a tapered barrel with contact on more than just the leading (largest diameter) edge? Do the jaws the mar the finish of the barrel pretty significantly?

52-1000_a-p.jpg
 
Re: Barrel vise

If the picture depicts the Farrell barrel vise, then he's using 2 simple Vee blocks to clamp around the barrel. This is fine on a straight barrel but would only contact at the larger side with a small piece of the Vee block.
 
Re: Barrel vise

This vice is meant for removal of benchrest type barrels that need very little torque. This type is not meant to remove factory barrels or barrels that you plan on installing with sufficient torque.
 
Re: Barrel vise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HateCA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This vice is meant for removal of benchrest type barrels that need very little torque. This type is not meant to remove factory barrels or barrels that you plan on installing with sufficient torque.</div></div>

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. What vise do you use R?

I'll go take a look at the Tubb vise.
 
Re: Barrel vise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ratbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HateCA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This vice is meant for removal of benchrest type barrels that need very little torque. This type is not meant to remove factory barrels or barrels that you plan on installing with sufficient torque.</div></div>

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. What vise do you use R?

I'll go take a look at the Tubb vise.
</div></div>

I use one very simular to this one. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=934/Product/BARREL_VISE
 
Re: Barrel vise

I use the brownells with the aluminum insert #7 for the AIAW -

If you use a strip of manila folder about 12" long and wrap that around the barrel it wont mar the finish. Standard sheet paper is not enough.

I've done this on multiple barrels that were factory and also KG Coated and you cant even see where the jaw was placed.

You do however have to apply ALLOT of torque on the bolts of the vise to ensure that the barrel wont turn during the process.

Best,

John~
 
Re: Barrel vise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JFG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">placed.

You do however have to apply ALLOT of torque on the bolts of the vise to ensure that the barrel wont turn during the process.

</div></div>

I can attest to this. while I have not used these types, I mostly deal with ARs. I use a couple of sets of these:

l_795015100_1.jpg


I have them in a 6" machine vise and have a 30" tube on the handle to clamp down. now for the most part I am just doing barrels in the white. and yes, a lot of pressure is needed since I torque barrel extension on with 150 ft/lbs of force.

Once the barrel starts to turn in Aluminum jaws, you are screwed. this may be more so with barrels in the white though. you need to clean off the barrel and jaws before you attempt to try it again.