Savage Factory Barrel Beasts Strike Again!

[hnts4fun]

I had about broken my right arm patting myself on the back for buying an unfired 111. Got a good deal on a 308 barrel and was looking forward to a smooth swap of both barrel and stock. My buddy and I dug out my Savage action wrench and barrel nut wrench and got after it. It soon became apparent that this barrel nut was not going to budge on my kitchen floor. Buddy took it home, applied penetrating fluids, let it set and still no luck. Day 3 became a family affair with his son standing on the bar attached to the action wrench, and my buddy putting a 34 inch cheater bar to work on the barrel nut wrench. Well the good news is that the barrel finally broke loose from the action; revealing some brown cruddy stuff on the threads that had contributed holding the barrel in place. A minor irritation is that the barrel nut never did move. It is still attached to the barrel! My buddy is dousing it more penetrating oil, but for now the path is clear for the barrel swap:). Much has been written in posts on this subject but man oh man it just seems like the newer the rifle is the harder it is to get the barrel off. Onward and upward!

[strut64]

I had one of those with a 270 win barrel once. Took a dremel with metal cutting wheel to it. The barrel was ruined before the dremel work, with about 2 threads stripped. The barrel only had mediocre accuracy so I didnt loose much. Hope you have better luck

[hnts4fun]

So far the barrel is unscathed. Since there is no real rush to get the barrel nut off we can give the penetrating fluid all the time in the world work. Major PIA but so far no harm done. I did, however, order a go/no go gauge from Reamer Rental's and they will be here any day so I'm glad we got the barrel off!

[Dave Hoback]

Yes, these more difficult barrel nuts always do better with the use of a heavy duty bench vise and mini sledge. One good “smack” usually makes quick work of even the toughest jobs! Then if the barrel nut is seized on the barrel, a barrel vice comes in handy. I’m gonna make a barrel vise at some point. Just haven’t gotten around to it

[varget204]

The factory is glueing barrels and barrel nuts,i have found a little heat on barrel nut helps,if you can't move b nut,cut it off,get a precision barrel nut and precision recoil lug,you will be glad you did.Northland Shooters Supply has them

[hnts4fun]

I have NSS on speed dial...Good stuff!