I change M14 barrels on a regular basis and the removal does require a barrel vise. Some come out pretty easy, others not so easy but there has not been one that I could not get out using my bench mounted "barrel" vise. M14-1/2s always seem to come out with little difficulty.
The problem is NOT getting the barrel out but getting the replacement back in and centered. They did NOT use "registry" marks so I install a front sight while trying to center the anti-glare serrations with the barrel lettering. I must be doing something right because out of the 30-40 that I have done all shoot/function just fine.
You need to keep in mind that some very late M14 bolts had different bolt face configurations and will not work with some early barrels. Parts on these guns (before serial 110,000) do not readily interchange.............yes some do but if you order a part your chances are 50/50 that it will work in your gun. An exception to that is parts for the 14-1/2 seem to be readily interchangeable.
Barrels on the M14 are pretty much interchangeable if you can find one in the caliber that you desire. Numrich has a few at pretty inflated prices but they are hard to come by.
Jim Peterson
Charlotte, NC
Mod 14 barrel
Re: Mod 14 barrel
Jim Peterson
Re: Mod 14 barrel
You encountered exactly what I spoke of in my original posting.
In one case I just altered the bolt face to fit the barrel, worked for me without a problem, I have an aversion to messing or altering the barrel in any fashion. You are also a "case in point" that when I say your chances of getting the "right" part are about 50/50.
All that being said I have never checked the headspace on ANY of the replacement barrels I have installed. With the amount of effort you have to exert to get them in place I always felt confident that they would shoot just fine and all have done just that.
All ammunition chambered just fine, shot just fine, accuracy just fine, and NO distortion of the cases. This includes barrels of ALL calibers including 38-40 & 44-40.
If I had your barrel on my bench we would probably exchange bolts from my inventory until we found one that would work with your barrel..................but then it also has to work with your action bar!
If you are a stickler for GO.........NO GO guages I think Wisner's has a page detailing some orignals they have and information pertaining to the various calibers.........might be listed under the cartridge stop information (some of which I provided). They make really good and dependable new replacement parts but don't have a huge variety.
Would like to be of more help but in closing I think the best approach is to alter the bolt face. That would be a lot easier if you had another bolt to look at or try in the gun. I have written an "commentary" on the hazards of trying to work on these guns without having a warehouse of parts. The changes made from the beginning of production to the end are so numerous and were mixed with the older parts that "I" maintain "no two of these guns are identical". I have consecutive serial number .30 Calibers and there are several differences between the two.
OH WELL if you were in North Carolina maybe I could be of more help.
Jim
In one case I just altered the bolt face to fit the barrel, worked for me without a problem, I have an aversion to messing or altering the barrel in any fashion. You are also a "case in point" that when I say your chances of getting the "right" part are about 50/50.
All that being said I have never checked the headspace on ANY of the replacement barrels I have installed. With the amount of effort you have to exert to get them in place I always felt confident that they would shoot just fine and all have done just that.
All ammunition chambered just fine, shot just fine, accuracy just fine, and NO distortion of the cases. This includes barrels of ALL calibers including 38-40 & 44-40.
If I had your barrel on my bench we would probably exchange bolts from my inventory until we found one that would work with your barrel..................but then it also has to work with your action bar!
If you are a stickler for GO.........NO GO guages I think Wisner's has a page detailing some orignals they have and information pertaining to the various calibers.........might be listed under the cartridge stop information (some of which I provided). They make really good and dependable new replacement parts but don't have a huge variety.
Would like to be of more help but in closing I think the best approach is to alter the bolt face. That would be a lot easier if you had another bolt to look at or try in the gun. I have written an "commentary" on the hazards of trying to work on these guns without having a warehouse of parts. The changes made from the beginning of production to the end are so numerous and were mixed with the older parts that "I" maintain "no two of these guns are identical". I have consecutive serial number .30 Calibers and there are several differences between the two.
OH WELL if you were in North Carolina maybe I could be of more help.
Jim
Jim Peterson
Re: Mod 14 barrel
Andy!
I am NOT a gunsmith but rather a professional parts swapper.
Where are you located? I don't mind working on your gun, I really could use something to "swear at" for an hour or so.
Contact me direct and we can probably work something out.
nambujim@carolina.rr.com
Jim
I am NOT a gunsmith but rather a professional parts swapper.
Where are you located? I don't mind working on your gun, I really could use something to "swear at" for an hour or so.
Contact me direct and we can probably work something out.
nambujim@carolina.rr.com
Jim
Jim Peterson