Mini 30 Barrel change

[gary@r&g]

I am sure this has been covered before but my searchs havent turned up anything. How difficult is it to change a Mini 30 Mini 14 barrel? Anyone know where I can find instructions?

 

[bigbulls1k]

did you ever find out? let me know

 

[gary@r&g]

bbl change

still curious. looks simple enough. Wondering about headspace etc. is this something that can be done in the garage or should I send it to a smith.

 

[Jim Watson]

Well, headspace does need to be right.

I have never seen even an advertisement for a replacement Mini barrel ready to install. If you could find one you would have to have action wrench, barrel vise, headspace gauges, and finish reamer. I doubt it would be timed so you would have to locate and drill the gas port then install the gas block.

There are a few gunsmiths who specialize in them. I had a Rancher rebarrelled by ARS. It shoots much more accurately, but the barrel and trigger job cost nearly as much as the rifle did to start with.
http://www.homestead.com/accuracyriflesystems3/

There are some alternatives. I have read that just shortening the barrel by an inch or so will change the harmonics enough to improve accuracy. Adding a muzzle brake would increase the effect. You can get sleeves to give a maximum stabilizing effect on the factory barrel. I do NOT know how well they really work, but they are sold by ARS, too.