Pre 64 M70 Barrel and action
I have a question and hope there is some one who could help me. My problem is I cant unloosen the barrel of this m70 that I am going to blue. I have tried using the wheeler engineering vice barrel blocks in a 20 ton hydraulic jack as my barrel vice. I'm using also the proper barrel wrench. The problem is I've managed to destroy the blocks with the jack, I have used heat to the point I'm afraid I will color the steel. I soaked the receiver for 48+ hours in PB Blaster and the only thing I managed to do was spin the action and barrel around in the resin packed blocks. So does anyone have a suggestion. I really need to get these two pieces apart for bluing since the barrel will be glossy finish and the receiver matte[xx(].
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afolsomb17,
"Collectors prefer the Model 70's manufactured prior to World War II with their fine finish and hand fitted parts even though they did not provide for conventional scope mounting. Bolt design changes and drilling and tapping the rear receiver bridge were performed on the rifles when production resumed following the World War II. Some collectors prefer those early post-war rifles because they retain pre-war quality but at the same time lend themselves to easy mounting of telescope sights."
First, the reason for the above quote is to have you check to see if there are any scope base screws or keepers still in the action which you are trying to remove. This has often been found to be a source of the problem for the removal of stubborn barrels. If the screw holes were added later, it's possible that they may have gone into the threads themselves leaving a burr which is helping to bind the barrel.
In the second place, the Wheeler Engineering stuff is garbage and needs to be replaced with proper barrel bushings made from a material such as aluminum with a tapered hole through the two pieces which matches the taper of the barrel. This 2-piece bushing needs to be used in conjunction with a proper bushing vise, bolts, bearings and springs.
"I'm using also the proper barrel wrench."
Maybe, maybe not. Tell us what it is and let's decide then.
Most barrel wrenches are not suited to actually removing factory barrels from the receiver because of the poor design since the barrels are threaded on over-tight. Winchester has been notorious for this on occasion... By over-tightening the threads, the last thread is usually distorted which can lock up the barrel in the action. These wrenches can also distort the shape of the front ring and create more of a problem right from the start.
Without the proper tools and enough experience so as NOT to wreck the action, you should probably seek the help of a professional gunsmith who does have the right tools and experience.
Best.0 -
I have 2 piece steel bushings for both the standard and featherweight barrels. What I do is insert a thin piece of copper between the barrel and bushing to prevent marking the bluing should the barrel slip in the bushing. So far I've not had to use heat to remove a pre 64 70 barrel 0 -
Mr. nononsence
Your explanation and about the scope inset screws were right on the money. I never thought that scope mount holse would contain these screws. As to the wrench it is a Winchester M70/Weatherby from Brownells.0 -
I like to use powdered rosin in properly fitted split bushings in the barrel vice and thin copper foil in the action wrench. Salt free lard or sperm whale oil for reassembly (I learned old school). 0 -
just to note, the barrel and action were blued as a unit. the action was 'matt' finished, and the barrel polished; they were then assembled and blued. you can do this with out dis-assembling them. 0
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