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Thread: Replace just barrel or entire upper?

  1. #1
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    Replace just barrel or entire upper?

    First let me say that I’m not a DIY gunsmith. I can clean my firearms and do basic things like add optics, but that’s about it.

    My first AR-15 was S&W M&P 15 Sport II. It was a good (relatively) cheap little starter gun before I branched out to more expensive rifles with chrome lined barrels, etc. The original S&W barrel is at the point where it probably needs replacement or will very soon.

    Generally, assuming I would have to pay a gunsmith to do the work to change just a barrel, is it a better idea and just as cheap to buy an upper already assembled and be done? Buy it, ship it, and replace it.

    What have other non-DIY folks done?
    Last edited by neil0311; 01-22-22 at 15:11.

  2. #2
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    How many rounds do you have through the barrel? What indicators are leading you to think it needs replaced?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Inkslinger View Post
    How many rounds do you have through the barrel? What indicators are leading you to think it needs replaced?
    About 6K rounds over 5 years. It’s a cheap barrel listed in the specs as 4140 steel, not chrome lined, with S&W’s version of nitride finish. May not necessarily need to be replaced immediately, but just trying to understand what the best way to do it would be and what others do.

    I know many do their own gunsmith work, but that’s not me.

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    Quote Originally Posted by neil0311 View Post
    About 6K rounds over 5 years. It’s a cheap barrel listed in the specs as 4140 steel, not chrome lined, with S&W’s version of nitride finish. May not necessarily need to be replaced immediately, but just trying to understand what the best way to do it would be and what others do.

    I know many do their own gunsmith work, but that’s not me.
    Unless you’re seeing a degradation in accuracy, I wouldn’t bother. But if you really want to, it’s not difficult. I’m sure there’s a million YouTube videos that can walk you through it. Just use good tools and take your time.

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    When we first got the rifle, my wife and I would go to the range and put about 200 rounds through in an hour. Not mag dumps, but successive 30 round mags without a lot of cooling down.

    So I’m assuming that we’ll need a new barrel at some point soon. I haven’t noticed much issues with accuracy, but I haven’t shot that one in a while, and it’s been used only at an indoor range within 25 yards.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Inkslinger View Post
    Unless you’re seeing a degradation in accuracy, I wouldn’t bother. But if you really want to, it’s not difficult. I’m sure there’s a million YouTube videos that can walk you through it. Just use good tools and take your time.
    Assuming I didn’t do myself, it looks to me like replacing the upper would be close cost-wise when you factor in gunsmith work. Sound about right?

  7. #7
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    Replace just barrel or entire upper?

    Quote Originally Posted by neil0311 View Post
    Assuming I didn’t do myself, it looks to me like replacing the upper would be close cost-wise when you factor in gunsmith work. Sound about right?
    That would depend on the quality and features of the complete upper you replace it with. If you buy from a quality manufacturer, no probably not. Having the barrel replaced will most likely be a little cheaper.
    Last edited by Inkslinger; 01-22-22 at 16:15.

  8. #8
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    Don't you have any friends that can help you out? I've built or re-built for several of my friends. If you are anywhere near NW Oregon/SW Washington shoot me a PM and I rebuild that bitch for you. That said there is nothing wrong with having a spare upper (or rifle for that matter) laying around.
    Gettin' down innagrass.
    Let's Go Brandon!

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    I’d wager 90+% of us were “non-DIY’ers” at one point.
    Barrel swap isn’t difficult.
    A true "Gun Guy" (or gal) should have familiarity and a modicum of proficiency with most all firearms platforms.

  10. #10
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    Thanks everyone. Sounds like the consensus is replace just the barrel when the accuracy is obviously bad. And I hear you on the DIY part, but I know my limitations. 😉

    What I figured most people would recommend.

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