Problems removing gas tube
OK. I've got a RRA upper with a barrel I can't stand. I've decided to replace it with something better. Part of my purpose is to get some experience with AR maintenance; I've never changed a barrel before. I've gradually acquired all the tools necessary, but I need some tricks.
I got the gas tube retaining pin out easily and now comes the tube ... which will not budge. I've tried pulling, I've tried clamping with several different sets of pliers and hammering the pliers toward the receiver, I've tried spraying the exterior of the tube at the points where it contacts the FSB and the receiver, and all I have is a scratched up tube that has not shifted one iota.
It appears that the tube is tight in the FSB. Should I remove or loosen the FSB (I wasn't planning to)? Any suggestions or references I should look at?
Thanks for all your suggestions
Thank, guys. I wound up cutting the gas tube and pulling a portion out through the receiver, giving me enough room to apply the armorer's tool to the barrel nut.
I managed to strip the barrel nut on the first pass, and that is all on me. But, now the barrel is removed and I am ready for the next task (when the barrel arrives).
I now have plenty of time to figure out how to extract the tube from the FSB.