10-22 charging handle disassembly/removal

[bassman]

I am rebarreling a 10-22 with a .17M2 barrel. I have a weighted charging handle that came with the barrel but can't figure out how to get the factory handle off and slip the new weighted handle on...I'm sure it's easy and that I'm missing something but just can't seem to make it work. The end of the guide rod has a groove and a slight bend in it about 1/8" from the end. I presume this is meant to hold the spring and charging handle in place. So how do I remove the handle? Thx for any help.

 

[lineofsight]

Remove the bolt from the receiver to free the charging handle.

 

[Wham-O]

• Remove bolt stop pin (or bolt buffer)
• Push bolt back toward to rear of your receiver
• When the bolt is back as far as it can go, pull it up and out of receiver
• Charging handle, spring and rod should be the only thing left in your receiver.
• Remove through the side charging slot.

Good luck

 

[Jahred.F]

are you changing out the assembly, or replacing just the charging handle and reusing the guide rod and spring?

if the latter, find a way to hold compress the spring and hold it as such. file the peen on the end of the guide rod so it is the same diameter as the rest of the guide rod, and don't let any of the pieces go uncontrolled, as they will fly directly for your face!

when reassembling, it is not nessecary to peen the rod again, just be wary of it when you take the gun apart for cleaning.

i've heard of some people drilling the rod and slipping a pin through to hold the assembly together when they disassemble for cleaning, but the guide rod is hard stuff!

 

[bassman]

are you changing out the assembly, or replacing just the charging handle and reusing the guide rod and spring?

if the latter, find a way to hold compress the spring and hold it as such. file the peen on the end of the guide rod so it is the same diameter as the rest of the guide rod, and don't let any of the pieces go uncontrolled, as they will fly directly for your face!

when reassembling, it is not nessecary to peen the rod again, just be wary of it when you take the gun apart for cleaning.

i've heard of some people drilling the rod and slipping a pin through to hold the assembly together when they disassemble for cleaning, but the guide rod is hard stuff!

Bingo, exactly what I'm looking for. I guess I didn't explain well enough in the OP. I have the assembly out, just trying to change out the handle for one weighted specifically for the .17M2.

Thanks.

 

[Wham-O]

Bingo, exactly what I'm looking for. I guess I didn't explain well enough in the OP. I have the assembly out, just trying to change out the handle for one weighted specifically for the .17M2.

Thanks.

ooops Now I see what you mean.

Just like Jahred said....
It IS hard to do somewhat because you need 3 hands to get r done.
I compress my spring and handle on a table (standing up), then have a piece of pre-cut electrical tape to wrap around the guide rod (3 or 4 wraps) in front of the handle.
I then quickly snap a small set of vise grips on the tape (NOT too tight!!!) and take the rod to a bench grinder with a fine wheel.
I then grind off the peen with a few quick swipes and release the vise grips when done.
This is where you MUST be careful, as things can go south here quickly with parts flying everywhere.
JUST GO SLOW AND STEADY.
If you happen to mark the guide rod with your vise grips, just buff it up with some 600 grit sandpaper and steel wool.
Good luck!

 

[bassman]

ooops Now I see what you mean.

Just like Jahred said....
It IS hard to do somewhat because you need 3 hands to get r done.
I compress my spring and handle on a table (standing up), then have a piece of pre-cut electrical tape to wrap around the guide rod (3 or 4 wraps) in front of the handle.
I then quickly snap a small set of vise grips on the tape (NOT too tight!!!) and take the rod to a bench grinder with a fine wheel.
I then grind off the peen with a few quick swipes and release the vise grips when done.
This is where you MUST be careful, as things can go south here quickly with parts flying everywhere.
JUST GO SLOW AND STEADY.
If you happen to mark the guide rod with your vise grips, just buff it up with some 600 grit sandpaper and steel wool.
Good luck!

thx. Got it done this afternoon, just used a small flat file. I found the most complicated part was trying to get the guide rod/oversized handle back together into the receiver- needed 3 hands for that one.