Bren 2 Muzzle Removal Help

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LtPlissken

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Hey !
Quick question... I want to replace the standard flash hider on my Bren 2 to a Surefire compensator. I like to think of myself as fairly handy and resourceful but I am just running into a wall trying to get the flash hider off. I've read online and it doesn't seem to have Loctite or anything along those lines but I cannot seem to get it loose. My local gunsmith has refused to do it; they felt it was on "too tight" and didn't want to force anything. My local range said they wouldn't touch it for liability reasons.
Am I overlooking something? Has anyone had any luck removing one of these?

Apologies if this is not the correct forum, new member.
 
A gunsmith that refused to remove a muzzle device is no gunsmith, find someone competent . It is very likely just tight, ive heard of people using boiling water, ive also heard of people mag dumping it until its screaming hot. Either way it will come off and a gunsmith should be capable.
 
Thanks for the replies! Chad, the gunsmith in question is a large retailer and indoor range that everyone local to me has always recommended. I was a bit taken back when they said they couldn't do it and recommended another store that is taking appointments well into next year. Super disappointing...

Shmoo you are correct, the only thing I can confirm is the threads are left handed. The manual refers to the left hand threaded model having a separate flash hider nut and flash hider which I am certain mine has. I just cannot seem to get them separated...

Also I made the mistake of buying a 5/8x24 flash hider as the previous owner said he had it on a Bren but possibly a different model? Does anyone know why this is? USA vs European imports?

https://imgur.com/Jvw7ZFZ
 
Why would they make some with left hand thread and some with right hand? Are you sure yours is l/h, can you see any of the thread past the jam nut behind the flash hider? Did you try to break the jam nut free of the FH before trying to turn both off? Pictures would be very helpful and I gotta say I am very curious about this. 25 Nm is about 18 ft-lb not too crazy but enough when you don’t want to strip thread or slip off a nut and mark the piece.
 
What wrench’s are you using to remove? Apparently the l/h thread use 17/19 mm wrench’s and the other 1/2 x 28 or 5/8 x 24 r/h thread flash hider nut would probably be sized for imperial sized wrench’s.
 
Hey 270,
I just got the rifle back together but I will try to get some photos up when I can. There is some thread behind the jam nut, I cannot seem to break the jam nut free from the muzzle.
I was using a 3/4 wrench as another Bren forum had recommended it but I will try the 17/19mm to see if they fit tighter.

I really appreciate all the help, thank you!
 
LtPlissken said:
The manual refers to the left hand threaded model having a separate flash hider nut and flash hider which I am certain mine has.
Click to expand...
This doesn't sound like you are certain at all. It either has a lock nut or it doesn't and this should be immediately obvious.

IF it has a lock nut then you need to use two wrenches, turned against each other. You will not be able to turn one without also turning the other. Thats how lock nuts work.

When dealing with a tight locknut you can try to set up the wrenches so you squeeze the two together (careful not to pinch your hand between them) or you can set the wrenches opposite to one another and push both in the same direction (away from you). Sometimes a hammer can help break them loose. Hold one and whack the other.

I found the X95 lock nut to be very tight. It took a lot of force to loosen. I used the wrenches set opposite to each other. Placed the muzzle device on a wood block on the floor and then pushed downward with all my weight.
 
LtPlissken said:
I will try the 17/19mm to see if they fit tighter.

I really appreciate all the help, thank you!
Click to expand...
19mm equals .748".
Most combination wrenches have about 10 thou of clearance, so I doubt you'll be able to see a difference.
If you haven't heated it up to spit-sizzling temps yet, followed by a douse of penetrating oil, you're missing out on the best secret weapon out there.
If something like Rocksett was used, heat won't do anything. Boiling water is apparently of some help.
 
Finally got around to removing it, thank you to everyone on here! The locking nut took an unbelievable amount of force to break free and even then the muzzle device was holding on for dear life. Heat is what did it... I had a lot of boiling water constantly going and it was the high heat that finally helped it give. There was some residue on the end of the barrel that leaves me to believe something like Rocksett would have been used. What a fun experience all around, I was also quite surprised to discover it is not a 5/8 x 24 barrel thread, I'm guessing it would be a 1/2 x 28?

I need to source a new compensator but there's not rush to that... Here's to new projects this year and hopefully a new government/leadership soon to follow.
Thank you again.
 
I Dont Care About You said:
This doesn't sound like you are certain at all. It either has a lock nut or it doesn't and this should be immediately obvious.

IF it has a lock nut then you need to use two wrenches, turned against each other. You will not be able to turn one without also turning the other. Thats how lock nuts work.

When dealing with a tight locknut you can try to set up the wrenches so you squeeze the two together (careful not to pinch your hand between them) or you can set the wrenches opposite to one another and push both in the same direction (away from you). Sometimes a hammer can help break them loose. Hold one and whack the other.

I found the X95 lock nut to be very tight. It took a lot of force to loosen. I used the wrenches set opposite to each other. Placed the muzzle device on a wood block on the floor and then pushed downward with all my weight.
Click to expand...
This is how we used to get drill pipe apart. And come-alongs haha
 
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