Installing Muzzle Brake

jackrabbit000

jackrabbit000

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Is there an easy way to install a muzzle brake without a torque wrench? I think it's supposed to be torqued to 20 ft/lbs. What about Rocksett? If you put this on, if you had to, how hard is it to remove the brake after?
 
Yes you should torque it and some brakes need to be timed. A good idea is to use a reaction rod so that there is no flex on the barrel when your applying torque
 
I don't think you want to use Rocksett if you plan on eventually changing it later or if you sell/replace your barrel and wish to keep the brake. Most folks will use grease on the threads as opposed to a thread locker. You'll need a crush washer or shim kit or lock nut. The easiest, no fuss would be the lock nut option, just set the brake to the proper orientation then snug the lock nut to the brake and you're done.

Pitbull made a solid point. Depending on the brake/comp, it may need to be timed.

PitBull1973 said:
Yes you should torque it and some brakes need to be timed. A good idea is to use a reaction rod so that there is no flex on the barrel when your applying torque
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I think you meant to say torque the upper receiver not barrel. A barrel clamp or good vise blocks will work as well. A Reaction Rod or Magpul BEV are nice to have for sure but aren't really necessary. Armourers have been installing muzzle brakes/comps for decades before those came out.
 
I meant torque the brake. All 7 of my ARs have brakes on them and are torqued to manufacture specs. Your right about what armourors did years ago but that was then. If your in this game for a long time then get the right tools. Cheers
 
The brake came with a shim kit and does need to be timed. I do have some crush washers, is there a preference between the shims and the crush washer?
 
I prefer shim kits. They're reusable and easier IMHO but lock nut is even easier. Find the shims that will orient the brake to roughly 10 o'clock position when hand tightened, then torque to 12 o'clock. That will probably be around the 30 foot pounds range.
 
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while were here, had my brake installed by a gunsmith and its not 100% timed correctly. its just a tiny hair off. Not very noticeable unless you really take a good look at it. My question is, will it have any effects if its not 100% timed?
 
Some brakes, the manufacturers suggest starting off timing it at the 12 o'clock position but can be fine tuned left or right of that for more directional bias depending on the shooter. I don't know if one can tell if a brake is off by a hair. Best thing to do is shoot the rifle freehand and note how muzzle reacts and adjust the brake's timing to your preference?
 
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