Re: Removal and replacement of Badger FTE brake
Normally, I would agree with Mike, but I think you can do this one on your own, IF you know whats going on.
First you need to know what model of FTE you have. There are three that I'm aware of:
5/8 24
3/4 24
3/4 28
And you need to know what R&D brake you have and the threads on it. I only use the FTE so, I don't know what exactly the different models of the R&D are. Its on the forum somewhere because I've read about them before.
If the threads match up, and you are shooting the same caliber projectile through it, it it is clear that the projectile will pass through the brake without touching one of the baffles, you should be able to put it on yourself. My understanding of the R&D is that was kind of the purpose of the way it was made.
Here are the problems you may face:
1. Different Threads
2. Different Calibers
3. It must be timed correctly. That isn't hard with either of these designs.
4. The FTE has a lock collar with a pinch screw that clamps onto a machined part of the barrel. You may remove the FTE and not like the way the barrel is contoured under it. Typically, a small part of the barrel has to be contoured on a lathe to fit the FTE lock collar.
5. If the threads are not centered, or the brake is not reamed out for your caliber, you may have a baffle strike and have MAJOR issues. And I mean MAJOR. Partial face removal MAJOR.
<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="color: #CC0000">If any of what I've typed raises a question in your mind, you don't know the treads, or don't know if the brake is reamed for your caliber, I defer to Mike's post. Let a smith do it.</span> </span>
There was a thread a while back of an improperly installed brake. I believe it had not been reamed for the appropriate caliber. I can't find it now, but it was a epic fail and could have really hurt someone if they were in the way of the pieces that flew off. I don't know who you have for smiths up there in Sactown, but we have Ray Parga here on the central coast. Highly recommend him if you go the smith route. I believe his handle here is Parga, you can PM him and he will help you out.
