AI AT Barrel & Bolt Position

[jim10801]

The AI AT manual does not say one way or the other but a conversation came about recently about the bolt position when changing a barrel.
I have always had the bolt pulled back (or removed) when changing out/replacing a barrel and then setting the torque on the barrel clamp screw.

Does it matter?

 

[pizfiz]

That's what I do and never have had an issue. You screw the barrel in until it hits flush- hand tight and torque the screw down at 49 pounds (if I remember correctly).

 

[Supersubes]

I dont think it matters. The bolt doesnt contact the barrel unless you dry fire the gun. The nose of the barrel just kisses the breech ring at the same time the shoulder bottoms on the receiver face.

 

[Servo93]

Possibly Tom from AI could verify, but I would think it wouldn't matter. The bolt does not lock into the barrel directly and the bolt should not be contacting the back of the barrel face as far as I know.

 

[mercracing]

I've always done it bolt back just for peace of mind.

 

[GIXXER2000]

I have an AT and PSR as a matter of habit I have the bolt back when changing barrels. If you don't have one get a preset T handle torque wrench. That way you are setting the same torque every time you change barrels.

 

[HH4]

I think they headspace off of the shoulder of the barrel so you shouldn't need the bolt to be forward.

 

[trophyhunter]

Have you seen how far the case sticks out of the barrel ?

The bolt does not come close to the barrel, either will work, open bolt or close bolt. Even with the firing pin decocked


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[Polizei45]

I just switched barrels a few hours ago and had the bolt out. Went from a 308 to a 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[QuietShootr]

I have an AT and PSR as a matter of habit I have the bolt back when changing barrels. If you don't have one get a preset T handle torque wrench. That way you are setting the same torque every time you change barrels.

Isn't there a Fix-it Stick made just for this?

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

It doesn't make any difference, bolt closed or bolt open. With a single barrel system not much can happen once the barrel is installed. With the QD system it never hurts to take a look and clean any debris/dust/dirt etc. that has found it's way into the area. Make sure the shoulder on the barrel and action are clean.

 

[davidwiz]

Isn't there a Fix-it Stick made just for this?

Borka makes a pre-set torque wrench for the AT - works great. They sell just the wrench and a kit. I got just the wrench for about $35 http://www.shooterstools.com/kits.html

 

[scudzuki]

The dedicated Borka wrench is worth every penny, makes changing barrels child's play.