Dominion Arms DA556 replacement barrel

[lakeside]

I need to replace the original 14.5" barrel on my DA556. I have an obstruction in the bore about 1" from the muzzle that simply won't come out and I've tried everything I can think of.

I have a couple of questions. Should I simply go with a replacement DA556 barrel or should I look at another, perhaps longer barrel? If I go with another barrel, are all AR barrels interchangeable and will I need a new gas block to go with another brand of barrel??

If I go with a longer barrel, I'll need another gas tube and fore stocks though.

Lastly, is replacing an AR barrel something someone who's very familiar with firearms and with tools should do, or should I get a professional to do the swap? Youtube videos are good but sometimes you need to know when to say when!

 

[notsorichguy]

Replacing an AR barrel is fairly straight forward, with the correct tools. Checking headspace is dead simple as well. The issues creep up when the headspace is incorrect..... For that, I recommend a smiths input if not intervention.

As for the barrel to replace it with, I would defiantly start with the same barrel length you have now, I assume it's a 14.5. Then all your parts will swap out. A 16" will probably work about the same.

If a longer or shorter barrel is desired you may need to replace the gas tube, FSB or gas block, fore end, etc. at that point it would almost be cheaper to source a complete upper.....

Just out of curiosity, what caused the obstruction?

Cheers!

 

[Travis Bickle]

I put on my own barrel for the first time when I built my last AR.
It's idiot simple. You just need a torgue wrench and the barrel nut torque key.
I did mine in a vice in my basement. Don't forget to slather the threads with any old cheap anti sieze you can find. It's really not hard at all. The biggest pain is getting everything to stay lined up for the gas tube while torquing it to the "right spec". You can use a spare wood dowel or any piece of steel that is aprox the same diamter as the tube and come in from the inside of the reciever to at least hold the spring and delta ring in place. Then you just need to focus on the barrel nut and keeping the tension within your arcs on the torque wrench.
I would stick with a 14.5" barrel.
I personally prefer the full size 20" AR15 but if you like a short handy rifle then stick with the 14.5" and a carbine gas system. They are very available and that way you may be able to reuse your gas tube, gas block (if you can get it off) and handguards.
If you need to get a new gas block because the Norc won't budge they are dirt cheap anyway and most barrels come with it. Hell I'd get the barrel and block complete used off the EE to save even more money.
Now before you do all that, I would take the barrel off with the obstruction and try and pound that f**ker out with the hammer of Thor. Is it a projectile? If you get it out and the barrel is not destroyed, then just put it right back on.
The Norinco barrels are actually suppsoedly cold hammer forged. They seem to be of solid quality.
If that doesn't work then onto finding a new barrel and borrowing a barrel nut key off someone.
Where are you located? I could help if you go that route.

 

[bigdaddyeo]

Is it the DA with the thin profile barrel? If it is, then your gas block is a .625 and it seems that in Canada the majority of barrels available are .750. Swapping barrels is extremely easy, just be aware that you will most likely need some additional parts unless you replace with the exact same barrel size, length etc.

 

[D-Boy]

I need to replace the original 14.5" barrel on my DA556. I have an obstruction in the bore about 1" from the muzzle that simply won't come out and I've tried everything I can think of.

Ask a gunsmith , they remove obstruction in barrel every day. it's a 10$ job

 

[lakeside]

I have to fess up. I borrowed a laser bore alignment tool and all went well for the first three five groups until I forgot to remove it. The rod end and one projectile are in the barrel and the obstruction extends for about 1".

I'm going to order a 14.5 in barrel and then sneak into Gunco with a brown paper bag over my head. I might even pay in cash (small used bills) so I can remain anonymous....

 

[notsorichguy]

I have to fess up. I borrowed a laser bore alignment tool and all went well for the first three five groups until I forgot to remove it. The rod end and one projectile are in the barrel and the obstruction extends for about 1".

I'm going to order a 14.5 in barrel and then sneak into Gunco with a brown paper bag over my head. I might even pay in cash (small used bills) so I can remain anonymous....

Ouch. Thats a tough lesson....

At least you are able to tell the tale!

Good luck with your repair!

 

[Corps]

I know Canada Ammo has some on their ArmsBargain site, might be worth checking out.

 

[notsorichguy]

I know Canada Ammo has some on their ArmsBargain site, might be worth checking out.

That's a good option for ya, and only $150 if I read the site properly.... Do this right and you could be up and running early next week!

I utilized a nork take off 14.5 on a build of mine with a 7.5" FFHG..... It's a pretty good shooter, considering I built the upper from used parts out of the parts bin! It shoots the cheap nork bulk crap like a champ!

Cheers!

 

[Benito]

Just for $h1t$ and giggles, I would love to see a Norc fitted with a match barrel from Noveske/KAC/Lothar Walther. If it shoots well, you can win matches and rub salt in the wound by beating people with a Norinco.