Removing a barrel

[perry owens]

Finally got my export licence so I can now ship the barrel of my 1890 vintage Winchester 1873 to a gunsmith in Switzerland for a reline. The barrel has been in place for 124 years so I don't suppose it will give up without a fight. I have made an action wrench and am working on some aluminium vice inserts for octagon barrels but I have a question for you guys who have done this - is the barrel thread right-hand?

Perry Owens

[Dusty Texian]

Hey Perry Owens,Yes the barrel threads on an original 1873 Winchester are cut right hand. I have removed the barrels on many antique Winchester 1873 and 1876 Winchesters.Most were very easy to break free and then the barrel threads off very easy. I am sure others have had the one with the stuck , stubborn barrel ,guess I have just been lucky.

[BrentD]

Perry, I second the righthand threads, but more helpful perhaps, you can get away with hardwood or plywood blocks in a vice. Cut a groove in them with a 45degree table saw blade and you will engage 4 of the 8 sides. I've never had a barre lthat gave me a problem with that set up.

[Sixgun]

And it does not hurt to heat up the part of the receiver that the barrel screws into. Not smokin' red hot.....just a little more than the hands can take.----6

[Chuck 100 yd]

What those guys said +1 Good info!!

[firefuzz]

Soak the threads in Kroil overnight before you take it loose. Best break-'er-loose I've ever found.

Rob

[perry owens]

Guys, with your help the barrel is now off. Can't get Kroil in the UK so I soaked it overnight in a 50/50 mixture of auto transmission fluid and acetone. The 45 degree angle block tip worked a treat and held it fast while I slipped a 4ft length of pipe over the action wrench handle and heaved. Guess this was one of the tougher ones.
Thanks again.

Perry owens