Toth Tools for pressing barrels--alignment

[bodiebill]

When aligning the barrel with the front trunnion we have installed the retainer in the barrel groove and used the top flat surface of the retainer for alignment with the the front trunnion.
The disadvantage is that the two all thread rods do not have much space between them for the retainer, and the top of the retainer is a short surface for alignment.
I have seen where a drill rod is clamped in the retainer groove and used for alignment.
Which is the preferred method?
The object is to get the retainer groove horizontal in alignment with the front trunnion.

[ar15barrels]

I just eyeball the retainer square to the trunion and give the barrel a good knock into the trunion with a nylon hammer.
Then, I press it in.
Sometimes the barrels slide in straight and sometimes they spin slightly while pressing in.
Luck of the draw...

[Oldmandan]

i do it just like Randall, but stop about halfway through, take one side of the allthread off and check the retainer, it's its to my liking I continue.

Depending on the kit you are building, some of the retainers have some side to side play.

[ar15barrels]

i do it just like Randall, but stop about halfway through, take one side of the allthread off and check the retainer, it's its to my liking I continue.

I don't use the toth barrel pressing kit.
I was just commenting on how I initially align the barrel to the trunion.
I use my shop press to do the actual pressing.

[ford63man]

Nice press! Now get to work taping that seam on the drywall. and where is the wall plate and box cover for that electrical. Just kidding

[ar15barrels]

Nice press! Now get to work taping that seam on the drywall. and where is the wall plate and box cover for that electrical. Just kidding

That's my wall access panel.
If I taped the seam, it would not be nearly as easy to get inside the wall and add air or power outlets when I want to...