How do I remove/replace an M1A barrel?

[bender152]

I've got everything stripped down to just the receiver and barrel. I know the barrel screws into the receiver directly, but it's in there pretty snug.

Do I need any special tools or will a barrel vise and a strap wrench do?

Also, when installing the new barrel, are there specific torque settings?

[Josh]

special barrel vise and wrench are needed.

Theres a minimum torque but the timing of the barrel is more important. If you remove it the barrel shoulder will need to be swagged for the barrel to go back on and time correctly.

The barrel should hand tighten to between 7 and 8 o'clock when viewed from the chamber end.

What barrel are you replacing it with?

[bender152]

Thanks for the info. That's what I was looking for.

I picked up a Springfield NM barrel and was looking at dropping it in. However, my M1A has only ~400 rounds through it, so it's practically new still.

I was hoping this would be as easy as swapping an AR barrel, but it doesn't sound like it. I'll just keep using my current barrel and revisit this project at a later time.

[Hateca]

There is no garentee that when you get the barrel screwed on it will headspace. Unless you have the proper reamer set up taking the barrel off and putting a new one on is only half the issue. Even then you will need the proper receiver wrench and barrel vise.