Today I figured I'd attempt my first swap, taking a factory 204 barrel off a 12FV and replacing it with a factory takeoff 223 12FV barrel.

I got some oak blocks, drilled a hole, put the barrel nut wrench on the nut (Wheeler wrench from Midway required "coaxing" to go on my 12FV nut) secured the barrel in a shop vise with the blocks, and proceeded to try to loosen it.

And tried.

And tried.

Using my own weight/strength and even a deadblow hammer on the wrench, I cannot get the barrel nut to budge - the whole assembly just twists in the blocks on the vise.

So I figured I'd try removing the factory 270 sporterbarrel from the 110 that I plan to use for my 260 build. Different style barrel nut than the 12FV (rounded slots vs. square) and the wrench went on really easy...but again, the nut wouldn't break loose - just the whole assembly spinning in the blocks.

I'd prefer to not have to buy an action wrench or proper barrel vise...so for those who have been here before, what would you advise?