Gunsmithing Savage smooth barrel nut

[Helidriver]

I'm going to remove the barrel on my Savage that has a smooth barrel nut. I have the tool for the regular keyed barrel nut but not the smooth one. If I clamp the barrel in a barrel vise and use a pipe wrench to remove the smooth nut can I replace it with the other style? I've never had a problem removing the Savage barrels but this is my first smooth nut. I would rather change the nut style than buy the smooth nut tool.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Helidriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I clamp the barrel in a barrel vise and use a pipe wrench to remove the smooth nut can I replace it with the other style? </div></div>

Yep!

 

[geargrinder]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

+1

Pipe wrench is the best tool for those smooth ones.

 

[Helidriver]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

Thanks guys. I'm going to convert this rifle over to the keyed type nut. I don't like that smooth nut. It kind of defeats the purpose of the barrel nut design.

 

[Mark Housel]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

I always wondered why one couldn't cut a couple slots in the smooth barrel nut,
time them to be below the show line of the stock and have the best of both?

 

[geargrinder]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Housel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always wondered why one couldn't cut a couple slots in the smooth barrel nut,
time them to be below the show line of the stock and have the best of both?

</div></div>

A regular nut wrench won't work unless all the slots are there.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

A smooth barrel nut is likely Savage's quick/cheap answer to those who don't like the aesthetics of the regular nut...along with a bottom bolt release..

 

[GasLight]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

I would try a strap wrench first, if not, then go to a higher power. The barrel nut doesn't need a whole lot of torque for it to do it's job of locking up the threads. I think it is somewhere around 35 ft lb, IIRC.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

When I bought my Wheeler barrel nut wrench, it came with a smooth wrench. I've never used it, so I'm not sure how well it works. You can borrow it if you cover shipping both ways. Send me a PM if you're interested.

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GasLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would try a strap wrench first, if not, then go to a higher power. The barrel nut doesn't need a whole lot of torque for it to do it's job of locking up the threads. I think it is somewhere around 35 ft lb, IIRC.

</div></div>

The first Savage barrel nut I took off was from the factory and aparently they had a 800 pound gorilla put it on. Took a barrel vise and action wrench to hold it, and the barrel nut wrench and about 4 whacks with a dead low hammer.

 

[Mark Housel]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: geargrinder</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Housel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always wondered why one couldn't cut a couple slots in the smooth barrel nut,
time them to be below the show line of the stock and have the best of both?

</div></div>

A regular nut wrench won't work unless all the slots are there. </div></div>

Yes, that's true.
I didn't state it very clearly.

If they are put in once you get the thing off the first time hen it's easier from then on.

 

[microsuck]

Re: Savage smooth barrel nut

I have removed several of the smooth nuts using my R700 action wrench. They are the same diameter.