Replacing the barrel on a 1903 RIA

[DEB]

I am looking to replace the barrel on my 1903 RIA. I have been reading up on how to accomplish this and have a barrel coming in a few days. Has anyone done this before? If so, what are some possible problems I might encounter along with possible fixes. Is there an equipment rental area around the Austin area? I am specifically looking for an Action Wrench. I really don't want to have to purchase one, costs around 90 dollars, and I am kind of leery of attempting the removal without one. Or have anyone of you all, done a removal without an Action Wrench. I sure would appreciate the assistance. The barrel on my RIA is so shot out that it is possible to drop a 30.06 round from top to bottom without it touching the side of the barrel.

[MoJo]

You do realize this is not a drop in part? After installing the barrel you have to check headspace and possibly hand ream the final few thousands. Add headspace gages and a finish reamer to the list of tools you need. If there is a REAL gunsmith in the area you live in maybe it would be worth the money to have the barrel installed.

[brhalltx]

The barrel on my RIA is so shot out that it is possible to drop a 30.06 round from top to bottom without it touching the side of the barrel.

The round, or the bullet?

I'd prefer to buy the tools and do it myself, but you probably won't save anything in this case unless you have other rifles needing work.

[TheCytochromeC]

The barrel on my RIA is so shot out that it is possible to drop a 30.06 round from top to bottom without it touching the side of the barrel.

The round, or the bullet?

I'd prefer to buy the tools and do it myself, but you probably won't save anything in this case unless you have other rifles needing work.

Agreed. But if you do buy the stuff to do it, I'm saving your contact info and for future reference

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm just curious for academic purposes..... do you have any idea of how many rounds it took to shoot out that barrel, or was it already pretty well shot out when you bought it?

By the way..... too bad you're not closer to DFW. The gunstore in Keller where my son works happens to sell—and work on—a lot of collectible antique firearms, including '03 Springfields, M1917 rifles, Kraags, etc., etc. They would likely be able to do the work you need done, and already have the tools to do it with.

[brhalltx]

Agreed. But if you do buy the stuff to do it, I'm saving your contact info and for future reference

I probably have enough tools to do it, short of a barrel wrench and reamers. ;)

[DEB]

You do realize this is not a drop in part? After installing the barrel you have to check headspace and possibly hand ream the final few thousands. Add headspace gages and a finish reamer to the list of tools you need. If there is a REAL gunsmith in the area you live in maybe it would be worth the money to have the barrel installed.

Thanks and yes I do realize it is not a drop in part. I can rent the chamber reamers off the internet, just have not been able to locate a barrel wrench, for rent that is. As far as REAL gunsmiths, I have not been able to locate one that is willing to work on older firearms with at least some kind of reasonable offer and with an assurance they know what they are talking about. For instance, one was willing to check my M1 Garand for serviceability, when I received it, if I was willing to pay $300. So, I am willing to put the barrel in, ream it if necessary and give it a go. I have several friends who retired as weapon specialists from the Army who are also providing assistance.

[DEB]

I'm just curious for academic purposes..... do you have any idea of how many rounds it took to shoot out that barrel, or was it already pretty well shot out when you bought it?

By the way..... too bad you're not closer to DFW. The gunstore in Keller where my son works happens to sell—and work on—a lot of collectible antique firearms, including '03 Springfields, M1917 rifles, Kraags, etc., etc. They would likely be able to do the work you need done, and already have the tools to do it with.

No Sir I do not. It has a 1942 barrel with a weapon number electro penciled on the bolt and receiver. One older gentleman from the VFW stated that it probably was a Marine Corps rebuild?

[DEB]

The barrel on my RIA is so shot out that it is possible to drop a 30.06 round from top to bottom without it touching the side of the barrel.

The round, or the bullet?

I'd prefer to buy the tools and do it myself, but you probably won't save anything in this case unless you have other rifles needing work.

This is me right now. I was real interested at first in finding a Gunsmith, but now I am really interested in doing this myself.

[brhalltx]

This is me right now. I was real interested at first in finding a Gunsmith, but now I am really interested in doing this myself.

You might check the CMP Custom Shop price; I'm not sure they'll use your barrel (if you have one), but they do sell new barrels, and I did see something about them installing used barrels but there is a disclaimer:

"New and used GI barrels can also be installed, but due to high headspace failure rate, fee will apply whether successful or not."

http://thecmp.org/sales/customshop.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MoJo]

A suitable action wrench can be improvised with a "U" bolt of proper size and a piece of angle iron about 2 feet long. My father used to change barrels using a bar through the action rails it worked for him but, it's a good way to twist your action or break it. A barrel vise can also be improvised from a block of hardwood (Oak, Hickory, Maple work best) drill a hole the size of the barrel then split it making two pieces of wood with half the hole in each. Rosin the inside of the wood clamp the barrel very firmly in a stout bench vise and unscrew the barrel.

[DEB]

A suitable action wrench can be improvised with a "U" bolt of proper size and a piece of angle iron about 2 feet long. My father used to change barrels using a bar through the action rails it worked for him but, it's a good way to twist your action or break it. A barrel vise can also be improvised from a block of hardwood (Oak, Hickory, Maple work best) drill a hole the size of the barrel then split it making two pieces of wood with half the hole in each. Rosin the inside of the wood clamp the barrel very firmly in a stout bench vise and unscrew the barrel.

Thank you Sir. I also had seen an old video where someone placed a piece of hardwood in the action and unscrewed it from the barrel. I am very scared of this, as this is an early serial numbered RIA, serial numbered to 1913, and could be brittle. Although someone/bodies were able to shoot out the barrel, many might have been blanks/corrosive ammo and never properly cleaned. The U bolt method seems very viable. Again appreciate all the assistance.