removing tight fit barrel

**tb-av** · 02-20-17, 10:19

I have a BCM blem upper receiver and want to do some test fitting. The barrel I have gets pretty tight about 1/2 way in. As did a different barrel by a different manufacturer.

I understand BMC recommends to tap the barrel in with a rubber mallet if need be. But my question is, how exactly do you -remove- a barrel, especially not a worn one where you wouldn't care if it got damaged or not.

It seems like it would be impossible to just pull out. Can you just use a big wooden dowel? Is there anything you specifically don't want to do.

I'm 99% certain I can just install this and will leave it but would like to know the best way to remove one safely.

TB

**Wayne Dobbs** · 02-20-17, 10:37

Originally Posted by tb-av

I have a BCM blem upper receiver and want to do some test fitting. The barrel I have gets pretty tight about 1/2 way in. As did a different barrel by a different manufacturer.

I understand BMC recommends to tap the barrel in with a rubber mallet if need be. But my question is, how exactly do you -remove- a barrel, especially not a worn one where you wouldn't care if it got damaged or not.

It seems like it would be impossible to just pull out. Can you just use a big wooden dowel? Is there anything you specifically don't want to do.

I'm 99% certain I can just install this and will leave it but would like to know the best way to remove one safely.

TB

Wooden or Delrin dowel tapped on barrel extension from the rear.

**pyrotechnic** · 02-20-17, 11:07

You can throw the upper in your oven at 200 degrees for a bit. The aluminum will expand more than the steel making removal a bit easier.

**elephantrider** · 02-20-17, 11:12

Heat gun (or hair dryer if you don't have a heat gun). Heat the area of the receiver where the barrel extension sits. It might take a few minutes, but eventually you will be able to pull the barrel out with little to no resistance. The BCM M4 uppers are intentionally tight and typically need to be heated to get the barrel extension in or out.

**sig1473** · 02-20-17, 13:34

I used a wooden dowel rod on a BCM upper like suggested above. A couple good whacks and you're there.

**tb-av** · 02-20-17, 15:30

Fantastic, thanks. Never thought about the heat. Glad to know it's ok to use the dowel treatment.

**Iraqgunz** · 02-20-17, 17:16

I use a Reaction Rod and it makes it an easy task.

**Stickman** · 02-20-17, 19:24

Lacking the "proper" tool for this, I take a screw driver with a polymer handle which fits into the upper receiver, lock the receiver in a vise, and tap it out. For some strange reason I have a screw driver with a handle that fits perfectly for this task.

I'll add, I would rather have a tight fit, than a loose one with the barrel to receiver engagement.