FN DMR II advice

[BigBC]

Hey all, got a myself a dilemma. I have a 6.5CM AR now for DMR purposes and am not sure how to re-purpose the FN DMR II for a 14.5 barrel.

Do I get a new barrel/gas system/gas block, sell the originals or:

sell the upper completely and buy a new upper or:

have a gunsmith do a chop on the barrel.

It's currently an 18" match grade 1:7 twist, mid length gas system, pinned non adj gas block.

I think selling it is the easiest route, however right now it appears the market isn't good for used 556 DMR uppers. I don't have much experience with barrel chops but from what I heard from a local gunsmith it might be the least expensive route if I keep the upper.

I've never changed out a barrel before, so I would probably have to seek a gunsmith for that as well. Unknown what that could run on top of the cost of the new parts.

Thanks all for any advice.

 

[aslrookie]

Since it's a mid length gas system, it shouldn't have any issues cycling after cutting it down to 14.5". That would be your cheapest route. Any competent gunsmith should be able to remove the barrel for threading. If not, you definitely don't want that person threading your barrel. I would check to make sure the FN upper doesn't use a proprietary barrel nut wrench vs a standard milspec barrel nut. That would be the only barrier you could run into that way.

If you can take the rail off and snap a picture of the barrel nut, that would help. Most gunsmiths charge $100 + or - some for chopping and re-threading.

 

[BigBC]

Since it's a mid length gas system, it shouldn't have any issues cycling after cutting it down to 14.5". That would be your cheapest route. Any competent gunsmith should be able to remove the barrel for threading. If not, you definitely don't want that person threading your barrel. I would check to make sure the FN upper doesn't use a proprietary barrel nut wrench vs a standard milspec barrel nut. That would be the only barrier you could run into that way.

If you can take the rail off and snap a picture of the barrel nut, that would help. Most gunsmiths charge $100 + or - some for chopping and re-threading.

I'll look into the barrel nut mounting online/in the nomenclature. I don't have a bench or the tools to remove the handguard. Unfortunately I have yet to find a gunsmith locally that will do a chop. Anyone that you can recommend to send it to?

 

[aslrookie]

I just had my bolt gun barrel chopped from 26" to 18.5" by a local smith that's known in Western Washington state by local PRS shooters. He did great work on my barrel and had it done when he said it would be which is also important. Some people say a week and then three weeks later it's still not done. This is his wesbite: https://www.pnwgreysteel.com/product-category/actions

His contact info is at the bottom. I would just give him a call instead of email. He's a one man shop, so it might take a while to get a hold of him via email.

 

[BigBC]

Ok thanks I will give him a call. As of now the manuals say nothing about the barrel mounting. I haven't found anything online yet either.

 

[aslrookie]

I would send an email to their tech/gunsmith person or call and ask.

 

[BigBC]

Did both ha. We shall see after the weekend. Thanks again.

 

[Merle]

If you are in the Phoenix area I'll remove and replace your barrel for free. Piece of cake!

 

[BigBC]

If you are in the Phoenix area I'll remove and replace your barrel for free. Piece of cake!

Hey thanks I ended up sending the upper to the above mentioned smith for work. Much appreciated though! I do take alot of training out at Casa Grande PD range. If I have the need and am close I will send ya message.

 

[BigBC]

?‍ it's a rifle length gas system. I just realized my typo up top. No matter though, from the photo I was sent, Grey Steel did a sick job on the chop. Went with a BCM Comp Mod 1 on it and can't wait to get it back.

 

[BigBC]

I just had my bolt gun barrel chopped from 26" to 18.5" by a local smith that's known in Western Washington state by local PRS shooters. He did great work on my barrel and had it done when he said it would be which is also important. Some people say a week and then three weeks later it's still not done. This is his wesbite: https://www.pnwgreysteel.com/product-category/actions

His contact info is at the bottom. I would just give him a call instead of email. He's a one man shop, so it might take a while to get a hold of him via email.

Got the upper back. It looks bad ass. Grey Steel highly recommended. Excellent price and turnaround. Communication was great too. Very happy.