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Gunsmithing Muzzle Brake Options

IPSC

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 22, 2012
58
0
70
Galivants Ferry, SC
Need some advice / help.

I am thinking of adding a muzzle brake to this Howa 1500 barrel-->

- muzzle OD = 0.885"
- heavy barrel, taper is about 0.006"/inch of barrel length ( obviously getting fatter at this rate going towards the receiver).

The question-->
- like other firearms where this was done, I was hoping to use a home-system to cut the barrel threads, using a TAT and cutting die with a centering rod. Something like this as used by the AK-47 guys when they thread barrels, with a die--->

http://preciseinnovationsllc.com/old%20pages/threadingkits.htm

However, with a muzzle OD of 0.885", this is way too much material to remove with a die ( assuming a 5/8"-24 thread). Even as we go up in size ( 11/16-24 or even 13/16-24), this won't be easily do-able by the home 'smith.

I'd like to get the excellent brake offered by member RWS on this board (search for link), but I'm afraid this will be a gunsmith-only proposition to cut and fit. Is there a way to do this from a DIY viewpoint?

Going further... if it *must* be done by a machinest or gunsmith, is there a way to thread the barrel without removing the barrel from the receiver?
 
Re: Muzzle Brake Options

Forget about some kind of DIY muzzle threading technique for your precision rifle... Unless "DIY" includes a lathe, proper precision indication off the bore, and a single-point cutter.

There are lots of reputable 'smiths here on the 'hide. Choose one and send your rifle off to them.

It's the only way to fly, if you don't have the lathe and the skills to use it.
 
Re: Muzzle Brake Options

...and +1 on the Badger Ordnance "thruster". Nice little brake, very effective, and priced right.
 
Re: Muzzle Brake Options

the tap-and-die method won't work well. i tried that on my Mosin Nagant, and the threads were WAY too loose. also, i had the barreled action in a lathe and turned the diameter down a bunch, and threaded it in the lathe. the only way to fix the brake where i wanted was to drill and tap ANOTHER hole, this one for a set screw. pretty tacky

send it off to someone who knows what they are doing