How to Make a Barrel Wrench for a 1903A3

The M1903A3 Springfield rifle, otherwise referred to as the United States Rifle, Caliber .30-06, was a service rifle issued to U.S. troops from 1905 to 1937. The 1903A3 is a bolt-action, clip-fed rifle with an effective range of 650 yards. With such a rich American history, the rifle is often collected by military surplus enthusiasts. As with all weapons, periodic maintenance is essential in order for the rifle to remain in optimal condition. This may include removing the barrel from the receiver. A barrel wrench -- if not available -- can be made from scratch with appropriate machine tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Padded gun vise
  • Screwdrivers
  • Brass bar stock
  • End nose mill
  • Sanding drum or file
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload all ammunition from the weapon. Pull the bolt to the rear. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure no live ammunition is present.

    • 2

      Place the bolt-stop in between the fire and safe position. Grab the bolt handle. Remove the bolt from the receiver.

    • 3

      Remove the stock screws from behind the trigger guard and from in front of the magazine floor-plate. Pull on the trigger guard to remove the trigger assembly from the receiver.

    • 4

      Separate the stock from the barrel and receiver. Secure the barrel/receiver assembly in a padded gun vise.

    • 5

      Measure the dimensions of the barrel lug at its connection point on the receiver. Transfer the dimensions to a piece of brass stock in a wrench shape.

    • 6

      Run the brass stock through a mill. Remove all unneeded material until the brass conforms to the barrel lug dimensions. True up the both sides of the rough wrench until smooth. Deburr the edges using a sanding drum or file.