M305 18.5" replacing 9/16x28 thread Vortex w/other muzzle brake?

S

Steiner

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
231   0   0
Location
MB
I've got a 18.5" barrelled M305 done by Jeff at Valley Gun. I believe the Vortex installed is threaded at 9/16 x 28. For some of my forays I find the Vortex snags on bush and scrub alot, so I'd like to replace it with something 'smother'. Any suggestions?

I like the Smith Ent 'coast guard' muzzle brake. Something along those lines would be nice.
http://www.smithenterprise.com/spec/M14_USCG_Muzzle_Brake.pdf
 
Steiner said:
Niko,

How you going to mount it? Yours a standard length barrel or 18.5"?
Click to expand...

I've got the same Vortex on my shortie also done by Jeff. I have the Smith brake on another one, though it is not threaded on. It uses splines on the original barrel. I believe it's possible for a skilled machinist to modify a shortened barrel to have the proper setup.
 
Sharkson said:
I believe it's possible for a skilled machinist to modify a shortened barrel to have the proper setup.
Click to expand...


If you do, make sure to check that there is enough meat on the barrel at the parting point for 80% or better thread engagement. Specs for original M14 threads as per US Ordnance blueprints as follows:

.595” -32NS 3A threads
Major dia. .5950”-.0060
Minor dia. .5567” max

I've seen many a barrel (including american made ones) where there is not enough meat for even 50% thread engagment. I've also seen some flash hiders travel downrange on M305s owned by folks who elected not to heed the warning. When you get out the micrometer it's easier to understand why: the average norinco barrel O.D (that I've personally measured across more than a half dozen guns) at 18.6 inches is 0.571"...sure 0.004" worth of threads will allow you to attach that flash hider onto the barrel but IMHO you sure are rolling the dice regarding how long it will stay attached...:( For those considering the operation, pay your money and take your chances!

Good luck!

Brobee
 
What Brobee said.
[ .571" average for Chinese barrels @ approx 18 - 19" ]
[;{)

If you are using a Chinese barrel, you will be very close to 9/16" for your OD, [ .5625" ] and 9/16" seems like a lot simpler and better way to go. In theory, 9/16" would be a better fit on an M-14 barrel than the more common AR-15 1/2 X28 TPI, but 9/16" threaded muzzle accessories are not as easy to find.

I have used the 1/2" X 28 [ AR 15 style ] for several M-14 shorties, GI and Chinese, and haven't yet had one come off, or degrade accuracy.

BUT of course, there is more work=time=money turning down the barrel to 1/2".
LAZ 1
 
I've redone several M-14 shorties to use the 1/2 X 28 TPI AR 15 FLASHIDERS.
A flashider is a LOT different than a muzzle brake, in terms of the stress ... with a muzzle brake the gas actually tries to pull the silly thing off the front end of the barrel.

For M-14 shorty flashiders, I have had success with a Choate Mini 14 combo front sight/FH, turned to an ID that fits the Norc barrel, and then held on with RED loctite, and the single set screw.

Of course,
YMMV
[;{)
LAZ 1
 
Thanks for that L'2000.
I actually just finished firing off an email to Rodger at DARK in regards to the 5.56 MB option....
I'm aware of the increased forces associated w/ an MB install...one of the reasons I'd be leery of that .004" engagement w/ the full size Coast Guard MB from Smith installed on an 18.5" chopmod.

Stress on the 'bored out' path...is that where you think the problem might arise?

I'm looking for all the info I can get here...
 
WooHoo..!
When you tryin' that puppy out..!?
I would love to know how it works out, 'cause I'm looking to get somthing soon, and that looks a lot better then the standard 'flash hiders' I don't want to have to fall back on...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom