Vices and wrenches for barrel & reciever changing

[maxinumarmor]

Well the first thing I will tell you guys is get a good barrel vise I will almost say it can't be done without it but I have done it but don't care to do it that way again because lets just say I got lucky and got it done would never do it again. As a Heavy Duty Technician and fabricator we have to get inventive at times but with all the tools out there now there is no reason for it I will get into the rest on a later time not something I would recommend but it got the job done. Tools are the way to go find the best you can get.

 

[Ian Robertson]

I use a barrel vise that I made, similar to the Max vise a few posts ago. I only use epoxy bushings that I mould to a barrel. Once you get a few on the shelf you can often find one that fits well enough so you don't have too make one for every barrel you do. Once made and cleaned I paint some rosin on them (dissolve rosin in acetone) and they never slip even without a four foot bar to tighten (I use a standard 1/2" ratchet). Never slipped yet and doesn't damage the finish. The last #4 took a three foot pipe on the wrench but came off no problem. I have a #4 wrench that was made by AJP or PH, old but good from when that was the TR gun. I don't use the Brownells epoxy bushing kit, far too complex.

 

[gunrunner8]

I use my own made in my shop barrel vise similar to allready posted with internal action wrench and IMHO high density PVC electrical conduit works best as a barrel bushing material with either rosin or much cheaper powdered sugar as a friction help. No need for acetone, water will clean it up very nicelly.

 

[guntech]

Home made steel vise and steel bushings. I use powdered rosin. Bought a jug of it cheap from Brownell's 40 years ago, haven't used 1/2 of it...

Home made wrench for most different actions

Home made integral wrench for 700's and similar

Never had a wrench for Lee Enfields, never will...

 

[maxinumarmor]

That homemade wrench you got there would work on a Lee Enfield as long as the hole handle side is big/deep enough yes it would work just fine.

Home made steel vise and steel bushings. I use powdered rosin. Bought a jug of it cheap from Brownell's 40 years ago, haven't used 1/2 of it...

Home made wrench for most different actions

Home made integral wrench for 700's and similar

Never had a wrench for Lee Enfields, never will...

 

[maxinumarmor]

In most cases you need a least a 3 or 4 foot pipe or wrench handle to get enough pull to get it cracked loose putting it on it is only 60FLBs anyone can pull that.
Getting it off can be some trouble but 3 or 4 feet of pipe or wrench handle like I said gets it done in a good barrel vise. Tools make it much easier.

I use a barrel vise that I made, similar to the Max vise a few posts ago. I only use epoxy bushings that I mould to a barrel. Once you get a few on the shelf you can often find one that fits well enough so you don't have too make one for every barrel you do. Once made and cleaned I paint some rosin on them (dissolve rosin in acetone) and they never slip even without a four foot bar to tighten (I use a standard 1/2" ratchet). Never slipped yet and doesn't damage the finish. The last #4 took a three foot pipe on the wrench but came off no problem. I have a #4 wrench that was made by AJP or PH, old but good from when that was the TR gun. I don't use the Brownells epoxy bushing kit, far too complex.

 

[purple]

I use a floor mounted 12 ton shop press to clamp my barrel vises. This works well, but you need to install some cross braces to stabilize it against sideways torque. Has anyone used the Brownells action wrench with the head made for the No4 LE action? I've used a form fitting receiver wrench for the No4/CNo7 in the past and also have seen a bar inserted from the rear which worked well.

 

[maxinumarmor]

Sorry it has been awhile bizzy at work. Pictured above and below is my barrel vice the receiver wrench I went with is for a L1A1/FN Fal rifle but I have found it fits the Lee Enfield NO 4 & NO1 receivers well you will also need a 3/4 drive ratchet & a 3 to 4 foot pipe both tools clamped tight I had to lean on the pipe and ratchet with a few but they did crack loose without any problems or damage very happy with these tools to say the leased. Good luck with your projects. max

 

[maxinumarmor]

btt