How to change a barrel on a crossman vantage

[buddyb]

The original barrel is bent is why I'm performing the switch.

I have the new barrel but am having difficulty getting the screw loose that holds the barrel to the compression tube. I've tried 2 hands on the screwdriver but that thing won't budge. Are you supposed to put heat to it?

How do you get the lever pin out as well? I have small punches but should I use a hammer to drive it out, it doesn't move by applying pressure with the punch?

Buddyb

[Roadworthy]

If the screw won't turn, try a bit with as good a fit as your can manage in an impact driver.  Be sure it's set to turn the correct direction - you probably don't want to accidentally tighten it.  As far as the pin goes, you may just want to order a new pin.  Driving it out doesn't usually turn out well.  You may be able to reuse the cocking arm.

[DanD]

I used a screwdriver similar to this, but bigger
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Magnetic-1-4-in-Slotted-Screwdriver/50158895
to get my stubborn Gamo pivot loose.
I  secured the action and leaned hard on the screwdriver with one hand and turned it with a wrench on the hex part of the shaft with the other.

[DRose]

The original barrel is bent is why I'm performing the switch.

I have the new barrel but am having difficulty getting the screw loose that holds the barrel to the compression tube. I've tried 2 hands on the screwdriver but that thing won't budge. Are you supposed to put heat to it?

How do you get the lever pin out as well? I have small punches but should I use a hammer to drive it out, it doesn't move by applying pressure with the punch?

Buddyb

Check the end of the fork. I had a Crosman Phantom that had a set screw I had overlooked while trying to remove that screw. Dave

[buddyb]

Thanks guys for your input. The screwdriver and wrench worked great..thanks DanD

Buddyb

[DanD]

Thanks guys for your input. The screwdriver and wrench worked great..thanks DanD

Buddyb

You're welcome- full disclosure I must credit NCEd for sharing that method on a Gamo thread long ago!
-
Dan

[buddyb]

Now, is there a simple way to get the lever pin out? I'm not sure if I should hit it hard with a hammer and punch or not. I don't want to damage the gun.

BuddyB

[Roadworthy]

You have succeeded in your initial goal.  Congratulations.  You are now stating a new goal.  If you don't get any responses you may wish to consider initiating a new thread.  As far as damaging the gun, that's not likely to happen.  The cocking lever is easily removed from the piston at this point making the barrel/cocking lever a separate piece away from the gun.  I've never removed that pin but have read it cannot be reused.  If you can't get it out you may wish to consider ordering a new cocking lever as well.  Happy tinkering.

[RBQChicken]

I believe when you buy a new barrel from Crosman it comes without that cocking lever. You are better off buying a new lever and the pin that goes with it than trying to get your old one apart.  They are cheap to buy.  The new pin has to be peened over on one side to get it to stay in place.

[buddyb]

I've never peened a pin before hopefully it isn't too difficult.

Looks like I'll need to get a new pin for sure.

Buddyb

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

I've never peened a pin before hopefully it isn't too difficult.

Looks like I'll need to get a new pin for sure.

Buddyb

Buddy

To peen a pin or other soft metal object you use the other end of a Ball Peen mechanics hammer. (the rounded side) It is fairly easy to do just be careful doing it. You don't have to strike real hard... just do it in a Controlled Fashion.  Several hammer strikes to the center of the pin and slowly work your way out.  Stay on the pin and don't strike the gun or the edges of the hole.

Have you tried an Arbor Press to get the pin out ?  You can do a makeshift press with a strong C-clamp. Put a larger socket on the back side to receive the pin and press with a slightly smaller hardened dowel pin.


Best Wishes - Tom

[RBQChicken]

If using a ball-peen hammer, put the round side on the pin (as Tom suggested) and hit the flat side with another hammer.  Seems a little easier to control the blows that way (at least it was for me).

Another way of doing it that I read about (never tried it) is to drill a slight dent in the end of the pin you're going to peen over, and then use a steel bearing on top of that dent and compress it down with a vise or something to peen the edges over.  Someone else may be better able to expand on that idea.  I didn't read about it until after I did mine with the hammer, and I didn't have any bearings of the correct size, or a way to squeeze it down.

[buddyb]

Tom I just thought of the c-clamp method this evening myself but your idea of using a socket is better. I was going to drill a hole in a 2x4 but the socket will work much better. Thanks.

Tom and RBQchicken that peening thing has me a little nervous.

Buddyb

[buddyb]

Here's what I used to remove the lever pin from the barrel. I bought it from harbor freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-chain-breaker-66488.html?_br_psugg_q=chain+breaker

Here's where I got the idea from: https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/cant-remove-cocking-lever-to-breech-block-pin/

This thing worked like a charm with a socket wrench.

Buddyb

[buddyb]

Ok now I have all the parts off of the old barrel assembly. Should I go ahead and continue with a tune up of the piston seal or put the gun back together?

Buddyb

[mac]

That chain breaker is a really good idea. I opened up my Vantage only to find out it really didn’t need it. The seal was okay and it was lubed pretty good from the factory. I would say if it was shooting well just put it together and try the new barrel. Check the breech pivot washers and make sure they’re in good order.

[buddyb]

Ok, next question, what parts on re-assembly need to be lubricated and what should I use if they do?

Buddyb

[mac]

I was waiting for someone else with more experience to answer but I’ll tell you what I do/use. If you’re talking about just putting the new barrel on then lightly lube the washers/shims on the barrel where the pivot bolt goes through and also the pivot bolt. I use moly but if you don’t have any I would think any quality grease would work at those two points. I also put a very light smear on the spring loaded wedge that locks the barrel.

[Insanity]

Wished I seen this sooner on my benjaman trail the pin was tapered.

[buddyb]

Thanks Mac. Does anything need to go on the lever pin?

Buddy