New build... 30-06 to 35 Whelen (just because)

I posted a few months back, but I'm just now getting to work on my build. I got an Axis in 30-06 (stainless) for a steal, but I've already got a 30-06!

I bought an ER Shaw barrel online and it came with a nut wrench plus go and no go gauges. Maybe not the best, but it's good enough for my first attempt. I've also got an Action Wrench.

The barrel popped off with a slight tap on the nut wrench with the action wrench held down by my Bench vise.

Here's my questions going forward:
1) the nut did not come loose at all from the barrel and the barrel/barrel nut are off the rifle but firmly holding onto one another. Any advice for removal/separation? Or should I just buy an aftermarket nut anyway?

2) I've built ar's from various parts before and have some experience installing those barrels. Anything to be warry of with the Boltgun? (I've Been reading but figure I'd throw it out there vaguely to the gurus just in case)

3) Once I'm able to screw in my barrel and nut, and the bolt properly closes on the "Go" and doesn't close on the "No-Go", is there anything else I need to be checking? Ready to shoot? Any other safety issues/concerns/tips?

Anyway. I'll work on the nut or buy a new one... Then I'll post more!

One of my first builds was based on a 110 in 270 Win. Had the same issue with the nut seized on the barrel. I ended up taking a Dremel tool to the nut and split it. The threads were galled with bluing salts. Obviously ruined the nut but stripped about 2 threads out of the barrel shank thread. Ended up scrapping the 270 barrel. It had never shot well anyway. You still have a 30-06 so it would cost you 60 to 80 bucks to replace in todays market. if the receiver came out undamaged you are still good to go. Get a new nut and drive on.

One thing to ponder is , does your recoil lug have a little bump that fit's into a slot on your action ?? IF not you might consider a new recoil lug that has the "bump". It will save trying to get the recoil lug centered to your action when you go to tighten up the nut

The axis doesn't have a barrel attached recoil lug. The recoil lug is mounted in the stock. I'm not sure if that helps.

Once you break the nut loose, apply a penetrating oil and start turning
it back and forth with your wrench. You will find a gritty material in the
threads as you do this. Keep applying oil and cleaning the threads and
gradually work it off of the barrel. This all assumes that you have a vise
or other method to secure the barrel.

I created a vise from some oak blocks and my bench vise. Worked fine. I got it about half way off and it just stopped. I'll have to spend more time on it soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bill2905

Once you break the nut loose, apply a penetrating oil and start turning
it back and forth with your wrench. You will find a gritty material in the
threads as you do this. Keep applying oil and cleaning the threads and
gradually work it off of the barrel. This all assumes that you have a vise
or other method to secure the barrel.

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Prophetic