Is a barrel vise necessary for removal of Savage barrels?

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Hey all! I understand that this isn't the proper spot in the forum for this thread but, I figured it would get more attention here as opposed to the project and gunsmithing spot! Is a barrel vise necessary for removal of a Savage barrel? Getting the necessary tools around to change the barrel on my Savage and was wondering if a barrel vise is necessary and if not necessary, would it make the job easier? I know theres alot of guys on here that switch barrels on Savages so i figured I would get the answer here! Thanks in advance!

Mike

 

[trappst]

Necessary? No but it can be kinda handy. I use mine to hold the barreled action in place while the action/nut wrenches do all the work. If you don't already have one (I did) you can easily make a jig out of wood or whatever to do the same thing.

Pics speak a thousand words:

 

[NorCalMikie]

I havn't used mine since the barrel was off the first time. "First time was a bear". After that, piece of cake. Wrap a rag around the barrel a couple of times, chuck it in a vice and brake the nut loose. Blocks can come in handy sometimes.

 

[MarkS]

CanusLatransSnpr,

It is nice to have. You can use blocks of wood. A action wrench and barrel nut wrench do all the work. I did my first with blocks of wood and a nut wrench only, it made it tuff job.

Mark Schronce

 

[jo191145]

I use just the blocks of wood and a nut wrench. Works just fine for me.
If its a factory fit you'll need to whack that wrench pretty hard with a hammer to pop the nut.
I still use a hammer for loosening and tightening. Just don't need to whack it so hard
No problem setting the headspace either. Often I'll be using two rifles in the same caliber.
Seems easy enough to get within .001" headspace to use the same FL die for both.

 

[NorCalMikie]

First time removing the nut, smack the wrench with a steel hammer. The "shock" will brake the nut loose rather than pulling your guts out trying to get it to move. And when you go back on, it doesn't need to be "that" tight. Snug and a slight tap will keep it from moving. Mark the action and nut with a felt tip pen so you'll know if it ever moves. Never had one come loose. And be sure to lube the barrel shank and nut with grease and you'll never have a problem. Works for me. ;D

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Guys thanks for all the advice! For some reason, I haven't been able to access the forum for a few days. Mark, where does one acquire an action wrench for a Savage? I was looking in my Sinclair book and I don't see any advertised for Savages. I know I can get a nut wrench from SSS, unless anyone knows where I can get one cheaper? Thinking I will invest the money on a nice barrel vise, cry once you know. Thanks again guys!

Mike