swapping brakes on rifle

[timelinex]

So I'm getting a thunderbeast suppressor and I just got my thunderbeast brakes for both my 308 and 338 savage. Both of them already have brakes that came from the factory.

Do I need to bring them to a smith to put on the new brakes correctly or can I do it at home just as well.

I understand it can be as easy as screw one off and screw the other one in. But I've heard the term 'timing' throw around before, which I assume means lining up the baffles perfectly horizontal...

Any recommendations? tips/tricks....

 

[hondo1312]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

The TBAC brakes include crush washers and are timed by having the flat spots on top and bottom of the brake horizontal. That being said, I had a local smith do mine because I wasn't sure I had the tools to removed the old brake. It took my local smith all of 30 minutes to do.

 

[timelinex]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

Speaking of removing the old ones...Is there a recommended way of doing this without marring the finishes?

Also, do I use blue or red loctite on the new brakes threading?

 

[Mn_Shooter]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

As soon as I get to a free state, me thinks a 30P-1 is in my future. In the mean time, is it possible to pick up the brake and protector for my AAC?

Anyone have a picture of that set up?

(Sorry for the hijack...)

 

[timelinex]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

Start a new thread for that question!

Anyone have any recommendations on whether to use loctite and which color?

 

[B3dlam]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

You should be able to install it yourself as long as your are at least slightly mechanically inclined. As far as removing it it depends on which break you currently have installed.

 

[Topstrap]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

FORGET the loctite. you will want to take that brake off and clean the muzzle occasionally. You loctite that brake on and when your groups start opening up check that muzzle crown first. It will get a buildup on it and has to be cleaned occasionally. Then you'll be on here asking how to get the brake off after you have used loctite on it. Anything you want to stay on but maybe someday want to remove again use Blue, if it's gonna be on forever use Red or have a good heat source nearby.

A lot of gunsmiths will use loctite or other similiar product on customers gun that really don't shoot them much. Someone who competes or shoots a lot will find a buildup on their crowns and they have to be cleaned. My buddy that is the Smith for for a highly recognized custom shop still will use loctite on the brakes they make and install. Most of their customers don't put the rounds downrange that we do.

Topstrap

 

[timelinex]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

That's a good point... I have over 1000 rounds on my 308 ( maybe even over 2000, have it written in log book) and I have never taken off the brake to clean the crown. It's gotta be bad under there....

 

[Proarc]

Re: swapping brakes on rifle

Use a product called "Rock Set". it is not effected by heat, but if you need to remove brake just soak in water and it will loosen