This looks to be a minor job, but wanted to make sure I'm not getting in over my head.
Is removal of the barrel easy? Does the nut every freeze, requiring a lot of force to remove? Will I need to reset headspace afterwards if I install a replacement?
My second question involves replacing a broken stock bushing, the one with the rachet teeth. I'm having a devil of a time removing the small pins that secure the shoulder piece. The animated breakdown video found online show the pins being driven from inside the arm to out. Because of the clearance, there is no way I can get my punch at that angle. Can I punch the pins through in the opposite direction, starting from outside the arms and going inward?