I'm looking for the least expensive way to safely puul the barrels from military Mausers. I'm not too concerned about the barrels, I just don't want to bend the receivers.

I've seen some on ebay that seem to be made by an individual for direct sale to the end user.

Action Wrench

I suppose I can use a pipe wrench but let's say I didn't want to screw up the barrel, any recommendations for a barrel vise also?

I'll be a casual user of this stuff, maybe a few a year.

Thanks, Rob

[ 06-09-2003, 01:22: Message edited by: Recoil Rob ]

I used a copy of three ways wrench for a good number of years (30 years). Brownells now sells their copy of it. However after I twisted and crushed a P14 and a M 96, about 15 years ago. I quit using it as much, now just use it for the odd ones or flat actions.

The best is the one piece type that Dunlap shows in his book. Basically use 1 1/4" x 2 1/2"x 4" long mild steel and mill a recess to match the reciever ring cross section OD + .020. I drilled and tapped a 7/8" NF thread in the bottom, and have a 24" handle 1" in diameter.

This wrench slides over the front ring and bears against the side and bottom of the recoil lug of the reciever. This transfers the torque radially against the lug vs the threads, and will not crush a front ring.

If you are not planning on saving the old military barrel then you could use a pipe wrench. But be carefull, I have broken a 24" pipe wrench once taking a barrel off, using Dunlaps wrench on the action. Its not fun when that happens.

Otherwise the Brownells or Midway barrel vises are a good buy for the time it takes to make one.

RR,

Whether you're only going to use it once or over a lifetime, you want a good one that will support the action without imparting unnecessary torque in the wrong places. The one you linked to looks like it would work fine. You can go to <www.Brownells.com> And look at what they have available for those who make a living using them. They have barrel vises as well.

Good luck,

Malm

Thank you, I couldn't ask for answers from more experienced men.

BTW, I see that Brownells sells their wrench as a complete unit and just the heads. Is the handle simply a threaded piece of pipe or is it worth spending the extra bucks for?

Thanks, Rob

Here is one I built a few years ago using primitive tools, Has worked excellent for mauser's and flat bottom receivers.

All this talk of wrenches seems so strange. My first Yugo reworked 98 was so easy I put a 10" pipe wrench on the barrel and held the action with my hand!

Gotta git lucky once in a while!

Mike

Recoil Bob. The Brownells action wrench is a good tool and used properly will not cause damage.
the handle is more than a threaded pipe and is actually the base section for all the heads to attach too using screws. We have been using there wrench in the shop for about 20 years. While it has gotten a little pricey it is well worth the money if you are in the business.

been using one made by wheeler(wrench and vice) for several years hade no trouble. use powderd rosin? and a dead blow hammer for tough removals.
midwayusa.com sells them ,price is ok.