Concern about MK22 handguard cracking during first barrel change

[Shawn M]

Hi everyone, I wanted to share my recent experience with the Barrett MK22, because I was honestly surprised and think it’s worth discussing.


I own an MK22 with relatively light use (under 200 rounds). Recently, I purchased a 7.62 barrel conversion kit together with the official MK22 armorer’s tool kit directly from Barrett. When I went to install the new barrel for the very first time, using the supplied 140 in-lbs torque limiter and the Torx Plus T30 bit exactly as marked on the receiver, the handguard cracked while tightening to spec.


This was the first time I ever swapped the barrel, using the correct official tools and following the manual step by step. I didn’t expect something like this to happen on a rifle of this quality.


I’m already reaching out to Barrett for warranty support, but I also wanted to post here to see if other MK22 owners have run into similar problems. Even if it’s a rare defect, I think it’s important to share so others know what to look out for.


Has anyone else experienced this, or heard of MK22 handguards cracking during barrel changes?


Thanks for reading.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

It will be interesting to see what comes of this but I had a practically new All In One Fix-It Sticks torque driver lock up on me so that it was stuck reading a lower torque but it would just let me keep turning. I caught the issue before any damage was done and contacted them for a replacement. I could easily see a similar situation playing out where that 140 in/lbs driver is locked up so it just keeps letting you turn waiting for that click that will never come and then pop, the aluminum gives way. It might be worth touching base with Fix It Sticks to get their thoughts.

Or the Barrett had a defect in it.

 

[rustyinbend]

I have the civilian MRAD version and swap barrels all the time between 300-NM, 300-PRC, and 338-LM. Never seen anything like this ... ever. I do think it's interesting about the whole Fix-It-Stick possibility of a stuck ratchet resulting in potential over-tightening. I use THIS ... one on the reloading bench and one in my range bag ... and it's excellent. Keep us posted on what you learn as you work with Barrett on explaining this. Thanks for sharing!