action wrench?

[tommyt]

What is the best action wrench to use to take off factory barrels from Remington 700 actions? Looking at the one Midway sells by Wheeler engineering or the one Brownell's sell. Thanks

 

[NateHaler]

At least as important as the action wrench is the bbl vise. Were it me, I'd call Brownells and get advice from their tech staff.

If you're removing the factory-installed bbl as a one-time necessity, I'd be inclined to have a smith do it. Then, if you'll change after-market barrels, i.e. that aren't factory installed as tight as rusted-on lug nuts on an old truck, then get yourself a lighter duty action wrench and a good barrel vise that you can use at the range, etc.

Sinclair International has a decent selection of these products too.

 

[FALPhil]

Nate is right; the barrel vise is just as important. Personally, I prefer the wrench that fits over the front of the receiver, snugged up against the recoil lug. I think that it puts less torque on the receiver body. However, there is a risk that it will mar the finish on the receiver, which is why some people prefer the kind of wrench that fits into the lug raceways. Since I refinish my rifles anyway, it is not a concern to me.

I have a Wheeler I use on Remingtons and Savages,got it in a trade), and a Brownells that I use on Mausers, which I bought new. I can see no real difference in function between the two.

I am only a hobbyist and not a professional gunsmith.

 

[7C15]

I'm no pro smith so I made one one time for Rem700 that clamps outside the action and uses the screw hole to help drive it. You can't clamp it too tight because it squeezes the action over the threads. For the barrel I just bored a hardwood block out to fit and cut in half added Brownell's rosin and clamped into my giant 6'' vice mounted to a strong bench. I know those factory sure are a beach to remove.