Help changing barrels on an AR type rifle

[wgungho]

I have a new Bushmaster A3 16" flattop in .308. I'm new to AR type rifles. I want to change to a 24" heavy barrel, and I have no idea what's involved. Are all or some of the manufactuer barrels interchangeable, or some of them? Do I need parts other than a barrel? Obviously a gas block for the heavier barrel, but anything else? How difficult is it to float the barrel, and what hand guard should I use? Is this a job for the smith, or can someone who is semi-competent do the job? Any answers to the questions I didn't ask are greatly appreciated, too!
Thanks
Thom

 

[NMshooter]

First you will need some special tools. An armorer's action block, which is a two piece plastic block that fits around the upper receiver. Then you will need a barrel wrench, preferably one that engages most of the barrel nut teeth. You will also need a drift punch and a large hammer to remove the front sight base and an appropriate wrench for the flash suppressor if one is not built into the armorer's wrench. And a smaller drift punch for the gas tube pin.

Then I would recommend getting a copy of the tech manual for the M-16A2, which will cover complete disassembly and assembly of the rifle, including all necessary specifications. Although you could go to ar15.com and look at the threads in the build your own section and find some pretty good information.

As far as a fore end for a heavy barreled target type rifle, I would recommend looking at PRI and similar products. You will be looking at free float tubes made of carbon fiber or fiberglass, some of them available with picatinny rails for mounting accessories.

You have a lot of research to do, hopefully this will help you get started.

 

[codlinjr]

A couple months ago I switched mine out and it wasn't overly complicated. It was the first time I had ever done it but the information on AR15.com was all I used- it was very in depth. I bought the tools from Midway USA. If a knucklehead like me can do it, I'm sure most anyone else can as well