Changing muzzle device without tools

[freethemouse]

Hi all. I recently built an AR (built lower + bought complete upper) and was hoping to switch out the flash hider with a muzzle brake.

I don't have a vise or sturdy table/workbench, and I was wondering if there's a good way to swap out the muzzle device without a vise or barrel clamp. Does anyone have any tips on how to brace the rifle without damaging it? I know there are some risks, but how high is that risk?

FWIW, the current flash hider is attached with a crush washer (I think) and the muzzle brake (Miculek Compensator) will use a lock nut thingy.

EDIT: I have an armorer's wrench, but no torque wrench. I am a little worried about over-torquing but, as I understand it, there's less chance of doing so with a lock nut.

[JamesY]

1. Buy a thighmaster from a goodwill store
2. Work out for 6 weeks
3. Clamp rifle between thighs
4. Remove FH

Seriously , just find someone with the tools. Many CGers like to help.

[Nicoman]

I've took an A2 flash hider off with a set of channel locks, wasn't easy and ended up having the gunsmith at ammo bros put my Battlecomp on for me. He charged me $5

[Mossy Man]

I just used a cheap $20 vice and some leftover door molding to fit the contour of the barrel, and a wrench

[Mossy Man]

If it has milspec anodizing, any wood marks will clean off with oil

[russ69]

Barrel clamp and vise. Otherwise, it may be best to let someone else do it. If you get a real tough one, it takes some effort. You wont know until you try but don't use the receiver as the load bearing part.

[riokid]

The muzzle brake has to be indexed to work properly. Since you are in SoCal, give Riflegear a call and check out how much the would charge. I would venture a guess that if you buy your part from them that they might not even charge for the work.

[r1ghtw1ng]

Put an old leather belt over the FSB, and grip that with a channel lock. Then use a crescent wrench to remove the A2 FH. Remember to eat your wheaties that morning.

[freethemouse]

Well, if I wanted to buy the tools, I'd buy a vise and some 2x4's, use 2 pieces of wood to clamp the vise onto my desk, then use another 2 pieces, cut out a divet and use those to clamp the barrel. But I'm wondering it this will work.

It seems as though the consensus is to go to someone who knows wtf they are doing. I guess I'll look into it.

[dyson]

I'd bring it to a gunsmith, it shouldnt cost that much.

[freethemouse]

I'd bring it to a gunsmith, it shouldnt cost that much.

Anyone know a good gunsmith near DTLA? =)

[Mossy Man]

Sacramento is pretty lame... the only one i found was attached to just guns

And he wanted $50 to change out a muzzle device and ut would take a week.

So i did it myself

[freethemouse]

Sacramento is pretty lame... the only one i found was attached to just guns

And he wanted $50 to change out a muzzle device and ut would take a week.

So i did it myself

This is kind of what i'm afraid of too. i'd like to know how to do it myself, and save some money in the process.

[Merc1138]

This is kind of what i'm afraid of too. i'd like to know how to do it myself, and save some money in the process.

Contact ar15barrels(that's his username here on the forum). He'll probably do it dirt cheap, and fast(if you're local or can get to him) without some insane wait since he can do it while you're standing there.

[static808]

Contact ar15barrels(that's his username here on the forum). He'll probably do it dirt cheap, and fast(if you're local or can get to him) without some insane wait since he can do it while you're standing there.

+1

permanently installed a couple of battlecomps for me. easy peasy.