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Thread: Why don't barrels have wrench flats machined near the muzzle?

  1. #21
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    Awe heck,......just use vice grips!

  2. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by hk_shootr View Post
    Awe heck,......just use vice grips!
    Don't. Use a Geissele Reaction Rod.

  3. #23
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    Again, I own the proper tools, I just look at this and say "Why should I have to use specialized tools when a tiny bit of machining would let me use an ordinary wrench?"

    I have no idea what fraction of the user base changes muzzle devices. But many aspects of the AR design are for ease of assembly or maintenance, and are not the only way it could be done - like attaching barrel to upper with a big nut, instead of just using friction fit + pin like on an AKM. I don't know what it would cost to machine flats, but I can't imagine it would be much. (I'm guessing the biggest part would probably be the time involved to place the barrel in a mill or something other than a lathe.)

    Anyway, I'm not proposing this for military contract barrels. I'm proposing it for barrels sold as separate pieces to the civilian market, where a gunsmith, hobbyist, or maybe a LE armorer will be installing them. To me it just looks like tiny cost for significant reward. And did I mention that the FN-FAL barrel has wrench flats for installation? The FN-FAL that was designed long before there was any rifle-assembly hobby anywhere, and when skilled machinists were about a million times more common than computer programmers?
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  4. #24
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    I have all the tools - from the reaction rod to upper receiver blocks - and would rather see flats out at the end of the barrel. I worked as a mechanic for 25 years and always look at how easy it to service something and it does not get any easier than flats at the end of the barrel.

    One thing that has popped in my head is how much does the barrel twist torsionally when using a reaction rod and could this reduce the life of the plating on the bore.

  5. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by TAZ View Post
    Looks like Colt may have beaten you to the punch. Pic from article about Colt winning gov contract to update M4 barrels to M4A1 profile. Looks like the new barrel has flats on it. Attachment 24369
    I see no reason you can't put a wrench on the M203 flats on the M4A1 barrel for muzzle work.
    'Evil Minds That Plot Destruction'

  6. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by DreadPirateMoyer View Post
    Don't. Use a Geissele Reaction Rod.
    Poor attempt at humor? Geissele Reaction Rod or a barrel block works just fine for me.

  7. #27
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    If you're set on 'needing' flats-
    A $8 file , a couple dozen strokes & black rattle can would seem to scar up your barrel plenty.
    Last edited by Leaveammoforme; 03-13-14 at 20:02.

  8. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by hk_shootr View Post
    Poor attempt at humor? Geissele Reaction Rod or a barrel block works just fine for me.
    I believe DreadPirateMoyer was saying, Don't use visegrips. Use the Reaction Rod instead.

  9. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3 AE View Post
    I believe DreadPirateMoyer was saying, Don't use visegrips. Use the Reaction Rod instead.
    Yep.........my comment about using vice grips was the humor.

    I guess you missed, "Geissele Reaction Rod or a barrel block works just fine for me".
    Last edited by hk_shootr; 03-13-14 at 23:10.

  10. #30
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    Quote Originally Posted by hk_shootr View Post
    Yep.........my comment about using vice grips was the humor.

    I guess you missed, "Geissele Reaction Rod or a barrel block works just fine for me".
    You're right! Sometimes it's just so hard to catch the true meaning through someone's post on the internet versus a face to face verbal exchange. I stand corrected and hang my head in shame.

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