[RDFabsRep]

Well, if anyone saw my last post, I'm going to be picking up a Century Arms C15 Sporter (AR-15) in exchange for my base model Ruger Mini-14.

The only thing I detest about that rifle is the barrel/handguard length. My plan is to swap over to a 16" barrel and--subsequently--a shorter handguard.

My question is...when you swap out barrels, do you also have to change to a shorter gas tube? Also, any other tips you guys could offer for the swap? Anything to watch out for? I did a bunch of reading and it seems easy enough, but I always like to hear what others have to say.

Lastlly, if anyone has a barrel for sale, let me know

 

[98pointsix]

I have nothing to add other than nice trade wish I could come across a deal like that. Best of luck on the build from what I hear AR's are a bottomless pit of upgrading and configuration changing fun.

 

[Silicon Wolverine]

just buy a complete upper in the configuration you want and sell or keep the other. then you dont have to fart around checking headspacing and such. if you buy a built upper the spacing is set and you drop ina bolt and go. headspacing can really be a bear to get right, BTDT. its not just swap and go.

SW

 

[s0b3]

Well, if anyone saw my last post, I'm going to be picking up a Century Arms C15 Sporter (AR-15) in exchange for my base model Ruger Mini-14.

The only thing I detest about that rifle is the barrel/handguard length. My plan is to swap over to a 16" barrel and--subsequently--a shorter handguard.

My question is...when you swap out barrels, do you also have to change to a shorter gas tube? Also, any other tips you guys could offer for the swap? Anything to watch out for? I did a bunch of reading and it seems easy enough, but I always like to hear what others have to say.

Lastlly, if anyone has a barrel for sale, let me know

you need some tools to get it done right. there is an upper receiver block that you put the upper in and in your vise. then you have to use a barrel wrench to break the barrel nut free after you remove the gas tube. you will need a carbine length gas tube. headspace isn't really an issue if you get a new barrel. if you're really paranoid, a smith can check it out for you.

basically if you only plan to swap 1 barrel in your life, pay and have someone do it. if you have a lotta ars, it's worth it to invest in the tools.

 

[Guest]

I have gathered all the AR tools that I can, and have all those tools, but I lack the knowledge to do so.

I will have to mimic SW on this: Just keep it and find one that suits you, or sell it and use profits to find one that you like.

 

[JOHN E]

Headspace is not an issue when building an AR-15, follow the instructions found here and you'll be fine.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

 

[RDFabsRep]

Thanks for all the input so far, guys. Lots of good points were made, so let's see if I can hit some of them.

*I have a lead on all the tools--they're available at my local shop

*I've read mixed reviews on the headspace--I'll have to do some more research.

*SW: a complete upper would be nice, yes. But what it comes down to is a price difference of about 200-250 which I'd love to spend elsewhere. Also, some of these rifles already came with Panther uppers, so I'm not sure if I should even swap a good upper out.

*I've been fabricating for years now and love to do things myself. I'm all for giving this a shot and from what I read, it shouldn't be too bad at all.



****The biggest problem I'm facing right now is that barrels, uppers and lowers are soooo back-ordered right now. Anywhere from 8-12 weeks to 12-14 months. I'm going to hope and pray I can find one at the gun show next month.

 

[Silicon Wolverine]

go on gunbroker or the equipment exchange on arfcom. plenty of them there.

SW

 

[JOHN E]

*I have a lead on all the tools--they're available at my local shop

You pay shipping both ways and I'll let you borrow all the tools needed. It's a simple job, any idiot that can turn a wrench can do it.........as an example.....I've done six of them