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Posted: 1/13/2014 6:08:07 PM EDT
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I am in the process of rounding up parts for my 723 upper build. I have the APEX M16A1 reannodized upper in hand, looks GREAT. Soaked it with CLP and it looks awesome. I called them a week ago and asked them if the anodizing was black or gray. They told me gray but mine looks close to black, which is perfect since this is going on a black A2 lower. So I have a 14.5 lightweight barrel on the way from JT Distributing, I have the upper vise block and a few other things inbound. The problem is that I screwed up and ordered a PRI barrel wrench, the "full circle" wrench. So I have to either remove the front sight base to use the PRI wrench or order another that doesn't require removing the front sight. Never removed a front sight, I have read that it can be a pain in the rear. So what would y'all do? Remove it or order another wrench. I have a brass rod to knock the pins loose and I have a set of punches to knock them the rest of the way out. I will drill the A2 extended flash suppressor and pin and weld it myself.
ARKAR |
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Keep in mind J&T no longer uses taper pins they use sraight pins as far as I know or the last one I bought was this way. Probably be pretty easy to knock out but could possibly scratch if not careful. Not a fan of messing with straight pins until absolutely necessary. At that point it's a hand reamer and taper pins for me. If buddy has a hydraulic press that would sure be easy and quick. Almost have to wait and see what you get.
I use the USGI wrenches with 1/2" breaker bar usually $10-15. Ray's Surplus has three prong FH USGI copies on e-bay, may find a deal. Armorers wrench is alright for barrel install just pricey for installing a barrel IMO. They do call them armorers wrenches for a reason. Could probably butcher the piece you bought as stated but not my style. If I didn't have the tools which I do I'd simply check hometown for another local member and have at it. Most any local shop would probably have done it for nothing 5 yrs ago but don't know about today. Most everyone is simply struggling to get by and want labor for most anything around here. Good luck. Wish I could be more help. Local shops don't like me building for free but I simply enjoy doing it and it really doesn't take very long. Longer to take tools out to and open garage, than install a barrel. Yes I keep my gunsmith tools in the house climate controlled.. |
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Quoted:
Keep in mind J&T no longer uses taper pins they use sraight pins as far as I know or the last one I bought was this way. Probably be pretty easy to knock out but could possibly scratch if not careful. Not a fan of messing with straight pins until absolutely necessary. At that point it's a hand reamer and taper pins for me. If buddy has a hydraulic press that would sure be easy and quick. Almost have to wait and see what you get. I use the USGI wrenches with 1/2" breaker bar usually $10-15. Ray's Surplus has three prong FH USGI copies on e-bay, may find a deal. Armorers wrench is alright for barrel install just pricey for installing a barrel IMO. They do call them armorers wrenches for a reason. Could probably butcher the piece you bought as stated but not my style. If I didn't have the tools which I do I'd simply check hometown for another local member and have at it. Most any local shop would probably have done it for nothing 5 yrs ago but don't know about today. Most everyone is simply struggling to get by and want labor for most anything around here. Good luck. Wish I could be more help. Local shops don't like me building for free but I simply enjoy doing it and it really doesn't take very long. Longer to take tools out to and open garage, than install a barrel. I also use the GI wrench. Works great, just make sure the pins are seated well prior to really putting a lot of torque on it. Mine was $15 at a gun show. |
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I might just order another wrench instead, I hate to cut up the PRI wrench to tell you the truth. Primary Arms has two in stock at this time, the Tapco and the NC Star. I would rather buy the DPMS but they aren't instock, so which one would y'all buy? NC Star is noted for junk but the reviews I've read haven't been that bad and the price is $14. I can buy a better one if anyone can advise that it would be wiser - usually get what you pay for, right?
Thanks guys! ARKAR |
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$14 is cheap for an armorers wrench. CDNN Investments with $4.99 shipping #TAR-189. Don't know who made it armorers wrench.
Bushmaster F1001969 $13.00 genuine USGI barrel wrench the one that needs the 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar. Has FH wrench. Heck the NC Star will definately work I'd think. Sure hate for one of the lugs to break. I use a BS NC Star bipod that clips onto bayo lug and it hasn't let me down. About the only NC Star I'm gonna risk but it works fine and was less than $30 or half a Harris plus. |
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