How many times can a rec be barreled?

[Slugger]

Just wondering if this is even an issue. If I needed to remove a bbl to refinish or to change out a bbl, would this affect either the bbl or the receiver?

[W.E.G.]

As long as the barrel comes off, you can put another on. The problem seems to be the incident where the receiver just won't let go of the old barrel. No way to predict when, or if, that will happen. I'd say the odds are greater if you put it on with 500 ft-lbs. of torque. Keep it 100 ft-lbs. or less, and you can probably re-barrel to your heart's content.

[Slugger]

OK, how about the Aliminum receivers? Will these be the same story?

[Radio]

Well... the classic "your mileage may vary," but I've always used anti-seize when barreling, exactly with the thought in mind of future re-barreling. Everyone seems to agree that these barrels sorta glue their way into a receiver over time... just look how hard it is to unscrew a receiver stub. I even used anti-seize on an Izzy HB after re-threading, although I did purposely crunch it into the receiver a bit harder than any of my others.

When I build my aluminum receivers? YOU BET I'm going to use anti-seize!! And maybe a breaching washer to protect the front of the receiver as well!

--Radio

[Bullet]

I have hand fit a stg barrel to an imbel at about 10:00 position. I tightned it to about 11:30, then loosened it and it hand tightened to about10:30. After timing the barrel at the 12:00 oclock postion I realized that I have left off the handgaurd retainer. I removed the barrel, installed the handguard retainer and the barrel hand tightened to the 11:00 postion and then I timed it to the 12:00 oclock postion. No material was ever removed from the barrel.

So, after torquing a barrel and then removing it will cause it to hand tightend somewhat closer to the 12:00.

[Slugger]

I have not run much through my first build yet (maybe 2-300rnds). I was wondering because I didn't use any anti-seize. Sounds like I might still be able to get away with a removal/re-install if necessary.

I'm also thinking of posibly shortening however, I can get away with leaving the bbl on for that.

Thanks for the input. I think I'll make it a point to use anti-seize from now on as gospel.