Changing an AR barrel

[NFD9]

I am looking to swap out the barrel of my Colt sporter.
Can anyone give me a heads up on changing it?
Is this something that I can do with the propper tools?
Does the "head space" change, if so does it need to be checked by an armorer/gunsmith?
Is it better/easier to stick with another Colt barrel?
TIA
Gary

 

[cdkayak]

This is the best how-to I've seen on AR building.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782&page=1

 

[Wildweasel]

yes this is something you can do with a barrel wrench, and either a barrel clamp or an action clamp. You will need a bench vise and a tourqe wrench.

You can use any barrel but you will need to check the headspace unless you buy a bolt that is checked with your new barrel and extension.
you can check the head space with a gauge from Brownells or other sources.
(usally with new bolts and barrels the headspace is good but it is always a good idea to check it.

 

[NFD9]

Cdkayak & Wildweasel,

Thanks, to the both of you for the great info.
I'm off to find some tools.
Gary

 

[GaryO]

I built my AR using AR15.com and found that it was one of the most useful sites I have seen so far!

 

[Gammon]

All you really need is a barrel wrench; you can use wood blocks to pad the upper in a vise. A torque wrench sounds like a good idea, but really isn't necessary. You simply tighten the barrel nut down and then screw it on further, until the slot for the gas tube is lined up. This alignment determines the amount of torque, not a reading on a wrench. It is a good idea to use a little anti-seize compound on the threads.

 

[NFD9]

Thanks for the replies