BARREL CHANGING, NUT TIGHTENING,ACTION TURNS

[joeb33050]

Here's the problem. With barrel in a vise, when I get the headspace set and tighten the barrel nut, the action turns-changing = increasing headspace. Hence, I must fiddle about with and hold the headspace and nut. What is needed is a tool to hold the action from turning when tightening the nut. I've been using the BIG screwdriver. A spanner with a pin to fit in the gas escape hole in the action would do the trick. Does anyone make such a spanner? Why wouldn't such a spanner be superior to current action wrenches?
joe b.

[Aircraftmech76]

This is why I use an action block that I made from billet aluminum. It holds the action, as it's really the only thing that needs to be kept from moving; let me explain. As you tighten the barrel nut, it's going to naturally want to turn the barrel in a tightening direction. It can't do this however, because either the case or headspace gauge keeps that from happening.

Kevin

[82boy]

When tighting the nut, I place my hand (That is not tighting the wrench.) over the bolt handel and hold the action, that is all that is needed. You dont have to get the barrel gorrilla tight, just snug is all that is needed.

[dcloco]

I am with 82boy on this as well.

An action block would work as well though.

I DO add a drop of lightweight oil to both mating surfaces of the lug and on the threads of the barrel.

[airaddict]

Why not go to the hardware store amd get a long screw to fit the action screw hole and use it to hold the action still so u can give the nut a few sharp raps w a wooden handle to set the threads.

[Eric in NC]

Why not go to the hardware store amd get a long screw to fit the action screw hole and use it to hold the action still so u can give the nut a few sharp raps w a wooden handle to set the threads.

Easy to distort the bottom of your action that way.

[Blue Avenger]

Why not go to the hardware store amd get a long screw to fit the action screw hole and use it to hold the action still so u can give the nut a few sharp raps w a wooden handle to set the threads.

BECAUSE I MIGHT STRIP OUT THE SCREW IF NOT CAREFUL AND GET REALLY MAD!

[northlander]

An action wrench is designed for the rigid holding of the action when tightening or loosening the barrel nut. This is exactly what these are designed for.

Jim Briggs
NSS

[jake23703]

An action wrench is designed for the rigid holding of the action when tightening or loosening the barrel nut. This is exactly what these are designed for.

Jim Briggs
NSS

+1

I just put a rifle together and I really didn't want to spend the money for an action wrench, but it definitely made the job easy and was well worth the money spent to ensure that the job was done right with no risk of damage to my action.

[FW Conch]

I make my oak blocks for the action, rather than the barrel. With the headspace gauge in, or a case, I've never had a problem...Jim

[dcloco]

Cheap trick #4 - soft, pine 2x4. A little rosin (or talcum powder - cheap trick #12) and a vise will be your new friends. If you find yourself without an action vise, clamp the action in a vise with the soft pine.

NOTE - remove the trigger assembly. It IS possible to break it off!!!!

Hint - you can also leave the one piece scope mount base tightly affixed to the action to help prevent the action from rotating in the soft wood.