Yugo SKS muzzle brake removal?

[PSLguy]

Got a pretty pristine California model Yugo SKS from a Big 5 black Friday sale 15 years ago or so. It has the Fugly welded muzzle device and I'd like to remove it.

Any suggestions on best way? I've carefully Dremeled off pinned muzzle devices before, but this looks like a substantial weld. Have gunsmith cut barrel and re-crown?

Rifle is still at CA house and if doing so would go against CA gun laws, I'll just bring it to Utah and leave it here.

What to replace it with once done? Prefer something correct vs Bubba

[SkyHawk]

Need pics of the welded area. If the shroud is just welded to the launcher, then you should be in good shape to just remove the launcher and spin on a brake or flash hider.

I quoted a guy here who said he removed his easy, and I also linked to some muzzle devices

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=20422806&postcount=16

Here is my Yugo with the 'Russian Original' style hider from CNC Warrior and knurled jamb nut. It is legal to use a brake, and also legal to use a flash hider since you do not have a removable mag.

[PSLguy]

SkyHawk,

Great info. Thanks. My rifle looks exactly like yours. Near pristine condition with blonde wood.

I edited my original post to hopefully make it clear that the rifle was originally purchased in CA so the grenade launcher was removed and the Fugly muzzle brake was welded on.

It's more substantial than a tack weld but is still just in one spot, maybe 1/4" or so long. I can Dremel that off but it will definitely leave a scar on the barrel. I'd prefer to minimize that, even if it means paying a Smith to touch up the finish that will be damaged.

[SkyHawk]

Many Yugo sold in CA a long time ago just had a sleeve welded over the launcher. Are you sure that is not what you have?

If you are in SoCal I would contact Randall at AR15Barrels for help with this.

Also here is a reference pic of what the barrel looks like with muzzle device removed - maybe it will help guide whoever tackles this project. Note that the factory launcher was also pinned on - so if that it still there it also needs to be removed. You can see where the threads are interrupted on the bottom for the pin

[SVT-40]

If you're outside of California and want an original yugo muzzle device, I think I have a extra one I could part with.

[PSLguy]

If you're outside of California and want an original yugo muzzle device, I think I have a extra one I could part with.

That's very nice of you but for the time being, that rifle will remain in CA. Got to have something to shoot while I'm there. LOL!!