Removing the barrel extension on a Browning auto-5

[MBiz]

Hello everyone,
I would like to remove the barrel extension on one of my Auto-5. Is they some jig or some way to do it beside going to the gunsmith. Thank you for your help

 

[Blastattack]

Barrel extension? The part that goes into the receiver? It unscrews, but I wouldn’t attempt it without proper tooling. They’re not meant to come off. Why do you want to remove it?

 

[MBiz]

I am restoring an old 3 inches magnum. I intend to install an English stock and replace the non ventilated rib barrel by one that is ribbed. However the one that is ribbed doesn’t have a barrel extension, therefore I have to switch the barrel extension. A few years ago, I thought I read a post on this forum where someone made a jig to just that?
Thank you for helping.

 

[guntech]

If one were able to obtain another extension I think it would be wise to do so...

 

[MBiz]

Thank you Guntech,
As an experienced gunsmith, would you tell me were are the challenge.
Cordially

 

[guntech]

I have never done one... the trick would be not damaging it when removing from the existing barrel... quite possibly they are installed with a locking compound... so if at first it does not unthread with a fair amount of torque, heat would need to be applied. Not enough heat that would change the colour of polished steel... the heat treat would not be harmed if you did get it hot enough to a light straw colour, but less should be all you need. Above a light straw colour will most likely affect the original heat treatment.

So something solid is required to hold the barrel, an insert made be required in the bore so it does not collapse when the barrel is clamped hard... and some form of wrench made that will not damage the extension...

 

[kamlooky]

I figured Larry Potterfield would be the expert, but alas, no L.P. video awf such a chore.

I've removed a bawrill by welding a bigg'un nut on the bawrill end, clamping the receiver
into a vice and using an electric 3/4" impact on the nut.

Bubbahahlahlewky.
Not proud, but it had to be done...………………………………….