HELP CHANGING THE FOREARM ON TACTIAL MODEL #81198

[UNCLE PAULY]

Just bought the tactical model # 81198 yesterday and swapped out the stock for a Blackhawk Knoxx SpecOps Gen 2 adjustable stock. The package came with a forearm replacement also. I like the Remington forearm that comes on the tactical model but thought I try out the one from Blackhawk.

So I remove the forearm assembly and using needle nose pliers I try to loosen the fore-end tube nut. This were I run into trouble. I bent up the end of the fore-end tube that protrudes into the two slots of the fore-end nut. The nut would not move at all and I just bent the end of the tube more. I was able to successfully bend and reshape the fore-end tube back to its original shape.

Upon inspection with a very bright light and my best glasses, it looks to as if the fore-end tube is glued to the forearm and that the two shell latches are glued to the forearm at the back end. Also the end of the fore-end tube that was visible in the nut slots did not seem to have threads on it.

Question - has anyone removed the forearm from the fore-end tube on the tactical models #81198 or #81204 or #81404? All three share the same forearm.
If you have been successful please let me know how you did it. I do not have the fore-end nut removal tool, but will buy one if needed.

Thanks, Paul

[Synchronizor]

The action bars are brazed or soldered to the rear end of the fore-end tube, but the nut should just be threaded on. I have a #25077 model, which has the same SpeedFeed fore-end as the #81198. When I remove my fore-end, I just use my Leatherman like you described, taking care to keep the jaws in the outer parts of the notches and away from the tube. It may take a little torque to break the nut loose, but that shouldn't be a problem as long as you have proper engagement with your pliers.

Really, pliers work exactly the same way an "official" fore-end removal tool does, the specialized tool is just more idiot-proof. If you think someone may have really reefed on your fore-end nut, or glued it on, you may want to have a professional look at it instead of ordering some specialized tool.

[Vitaly]

Here is my post on how to change the forearm on Remington 870: http://www.rem870.com/2012/11/15/reming ... placement/. It has photos of changing the forearm using the special tool and also video with pliers.

Hope this helps.