The barrel and the bolt are the same quality as earlier T99 rifles. As the bolt lockes into the rear of the barrel, I see no way to improvise with a regular TR99 barrel. If you take it out of the stock most likely you will see one or two screws at about 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock that are set screws to hold the barrel screwed in. If you take these out you can screw the barrel out with your hands. As far as the lock up is concerned I would not be afraid to shoot it but all the screws on mine fit so sloppy I'm afraid it would fall apart. riceone.