Resistance on reassembly of barrel nut

[cantgrowup]

I just bought a nice 1926 Model 8 in .35 Rem (SN 516xx), and as I do with all my Model 8/81s before I shoot them, I tore it completely down to inspect/clean/lubricate. When I took the muzzle nut off initially, I heard and felt the clicks of the teeth against the serrated barrel nut washer and the nut turned freely. After cleaning everything, when putting the muzzle nut back on (with lubrication), I ran into resistance halfway on... and never heard or felt the teeth engaging the washer. I took the barrel assembly back off and inspected the barrel threads and muzzle nut threads, which looked fine. I tried the muzzle nut on the bare barrel threads and it went on easily all the way to the bottom.

When reassembling the barrel both times, I made sure that the washer nub was lined up on the barrel groove and made sure the spring was clear of the barrel threads or the washer. On the second assembly I put some anti-seize grease to prevent any possible galling. Once again, the muzzle nut had resistance and did not make any noise when engaging the washer.

Based on my description, do you see what the problem might be? The gun is perfectly clean and lubricated now, so I don't ever see the need to disassemble the barrel shroud again... but being OCD, this bothers me that there was resistance where before there wasn't. Any technical advice you could share is greatly appreciated.

[1913Model8]

Hi there, I understand what you are saying. The only time I have had resistance is the old spring I had was broken (didn't know it at the time) on one end and it would get under the washer and put resistance on threading the barrel nut cap on. For the sound not being there that's a new one to me. Only thing I can say is making sure the washer is facing the right way. (I'm sure you have it right) There is a nice guy on EBAY that sells new long recoil springs for all calibers that have nice finished coiled ends to prevent the binding, dare I say will not happen. for $17 dollars it well worth the money to replace an old worn spring and have the correct length installed.

Try taking the barrel out of the barrel jacket and see if by holing it in your hand or a vise if you can repeat the problem minus the jacket so you can see completely what is going on.

[cantgrowup]

Thanks. I know the washer is facing the correct way and I made sure that the recoil spring was installed with the smaller coiled end near the washer, and the open end inside the plug. But I will try disassembling it again to make sure.

[chas1949]

I have had a similar issue once and found that the nub on the washer was a lttle small and would try to spin out of barrel groove and bind