Barrel Vises vs Action wrench

[cowtownup]

Preparing to change barrels on my Stevens 200 and want to buy tools. Would a quality barrel vise with the different barrel inserts have an advantage over an action wrench? Would the barrel vise serve other roles that the action wrench would not? Just trying to make an educated decision on which tools to get... Thanks...

[FW Conch]

If your gonna get one or the other, get the Action Wrench.

JMHO.....:-))

[geargrinder]

If your gonna get one or the other, get the Action Wrench.

JMHO.....:-))

+1

Action vise is the only way to go for Savage actions.

The only reason I also have a barrel vise is because sometimes I swap barrels on non-Savage actions.

[barrel-nut]

If your gonna get one or the other, get the Action Wrench.

JMHO.....:-))

+2. But if you can afford to, get both. I've done swaps both with, and without using the barrel vise, and I like it better with the barrel vise. Gives a little extra measure of control when setting the headspace and tightening the nut. It stops the barrel from spinning with the nut when you really tighten it down.

[BillPa]

I use an action wrench (ring style) and a nut wench for removing factory installed barrels. After the removing the factory installed barrels I use a rear entry action wrench and a modified open ended nut wrench. With those I can swap barrels without removing the scope/mounts.

I don't use a barrel vise, a torque wrench or hammers!

Bill

[LongRange]

ive never used an action wrench to change a savage barrel only a barrel vise...this is the one i have http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/vises-accessories/barrel-vises/davidson-barrel-vise-prod36757.aspx

[cowtownup]

I decided to go with the action wrench... I appreciate the suggestions...

[LongRange]

Be careful and make sure the action wrench is on your action correctly....ive seen a few twisted actions with tight factory barrels and action wrenches.

[BillPa]

ive seen a few twisted actions with tight factory barrels and action wrenches.

I'm not sure how you would twist an action with a ring style action wrench, a rear entry if not used correctly for sure, but not one that clamps around the ring. If it was the case there would be a lot of twisted 700, 70 and 98 actions.


As a matter of fact here is my setup to remove factory installed Savage barrels. I haven't twisted one yet.
http://i33.tinypic.com/3ggat.jpg


Bill.

[foxx]

I use an action wrench (ring style) and a nut wench for removing factory installed barrels. After the removing the factory installed barrels I use a rear entry action wrench and a modified open ended nut wrench. With those I can swap barrels without removing the scope/mounts.

I don't use a barrel vise, a torque wrench or hammers!

Bill

You're famous for that rear entry wrench, Bill, and I'd like one, but where did you get it? Did you make it?

[geargrinder]

It isn't rear entry. It is a jig that holds the action straight as well as the nut wrench while he pulls on the action wrench.

[foxx]

Yeah, geargrinder, I've seen his jig. It's slick. (there's a pic in this thread). But he also has a rear entry action wrench... Brownells sells one, but they say it's for the "old style." I don't know what that would be.

[geargrinder]

I made one with a piece of bar stock an an old 3/8" drive socket.

I also have a 12" length of the barstock that I can put in the vise for yet another rear entry wrench.

[LoneWolf]

I've also used my action wrench as a barrel vise by wrapping the barrel in duct tape thick enough to crimp it down. Good trick for that barrel nut if it gets stuck on the barrel.

[foxx]

Slick, LW. I have also had the nut stuck on the barrel.

So for the rear-entry wrench, just grind/mill the bar stock to fit snug in the rails? You gonna make me one?

[BillPa]

You're famous for that rear entry wrench, Bill, and I'd like one, but where did you get it? Did you make it?

I made that one years ago when I was shooting Rem switch barrel guns. Hart and Davidson make them for 700s and "should" fit Savage actions. The Hart is available from Midway.
http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/933563/r-w-hart-standard-action-wrench-remington-700-and-custom-clones?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Bill

[LongRange]

I'm not sure how you would twist an action with a ring style action wrench, a rear entry if not used correctly for sure, but not one that clamps around the ring. If it was the case there would be a lot of twisted 700, 70 and 98 actions.


As a matter of fact here is my setup to remove factory installed Savage barrels. I haven't twisted one yet.
http://i33.tinypic.com/3ggat.jpg


Bill.

Nice set up...and yes I was talking about the rear entry wrench...I've never had a barrel nut that wouldn't come off with a little heat an nut wrench and a good barrel vise but then again a lot of you guys have been doing this a lot longer than I have.

[BillPa]

Yep, use a rear entry wrench anywhere but in the ring you'll have a corkscrew for an action, but they can be used to uncorkscrew'm too!:p

Here it is in action with my open ended spanner.
http://i42.tinypic.com/2hz7sli.jpg http://i40.tinypic.com/20iwen6.jpg

I don't recommend using them to remove factory installs, only swaps post undoing Igor's handwork..

Bill

[upSLIDEdown]

I don't recommend using them to remove factory installs, only swaps post undoing Igor's handwork..


Seriously. My Axis came apart fairly easily, but the 111 I just did yesterday was a BEAST.

[Steelhead]

If your gonna get one or the other, get the Action Wrench.

JMHO.....:-))

This!