su16A barrel threading..

[matt1840]

Ive seen over on the Ktog forums for kel-tec owners that some have had the barrel of the su16A threaded for a brake or supressor. Has anyone on the forum had this work done??? I myself dont like the look of the front site on the barrel and am just going to convert to a reddot.

Anywhere local (sacramento) that would ossibly be able to do this job???

[railroader]

I have seen some people just cut off the plastic part of the front sight. The metal part under the sight doesn't look bad. What diameter is the end of the barrel? Wouldn't it have to be the correct diameter to start with for the brake? Mark

[matt1840]

Well ive seen several threads over on Ktog about people threaded the barrel of the A model for compensators and what not so im assuming its the same diameter. I just dont want to attempt this myself..

http://dragunov.us/misc/su16/sufs.htm

[ar15barrels]

I have threaded a couple.
It's a pain taking the whole thing apart...

[PaintItBlack]

SU-16A

I also truly hated the kel-tec sight so I cut it off and thought about threading the barrel. But then I found a muzzle brake that doesn't need threads, just screw on 4 set screws. I've fired a few hundred rounds threw it already and it works perfect, doesn't come loose at all. So that is also an option for you.

[freakshow10mm]

Correct way is to thread it on a lathe.

Quick and dirty is to buy a die and use that.

[miguel]

Use a thread alignment tool or TAT and the correct die, I think it was 1x28, you'll be good to go. Go slow and start as wide as you can use lots of oil half or quarter turn then back it out blow it with compressed air to clean, keep going. I used a home shortened bravo sight and phantom brake. looks fine. I do not have a computer camera to show pics. Best advice is to go slow and be patient do lots of research or have a gunsmith do it. You will sign you name to it if you DIY. Good luck and stay safe.

[ar15barrels]

Use a thread alignment tool or TAT and the correct die

How do those tools account for the barrel diameter being far too large to cut the proper threads?
Is there some hand-turned tool that turns the diameter down to 1/2" before you try to thread it?

[freakshow10mm]

12 pack and a dremel.

[ar15barrels]

12 pack and a dremel.

[miguel]

Hey its true to be worthless without pics, if i can get to another computer thats not on dial up, and camera I will post. As far as the 1/2 inch on the su 16 alpha you do have to use a dremel to remove the bushing used to hold on the original sight, a dremel to a firearm is foolish but the best of two evils to me as i did not feel comfortable heating the locktite with a torch to get it off. Once it is off the diameter was just right if the die was open as wide as you could get it. I had one from dpms. Started with shallow threads, checked it with the brake. Went deeper till it worked just fine. As for the sight, I figured if I messed it up I would be out 50 bucks. I did have the 12 pack afterwards!! If you are at all worried check with a caliper it measures out. Hope this helps, if it sounds too weird dont do it. It worked for me.

[ar15barrels]

Hey its true to be worthless without pics, if i can get to another computer thats not on dial up, and camera I will post. As far as the 1/2 inch on the su 16 alpha you do have to use a dremel to remove the bushing used to hold on the original sight, a dremel to a firearm is foolish but the best of two evils to me as i did not feel comfortable heating the locktite with a torch to get it off. Once it is off the diameter was just right if the die was open as wide as you could get it. I had one from dpms. Started with shallow threads, checked it with the brake. Went deeper till it worked just fine. As for the sight, I figured if I messed it up I would be out 50 bucks. I did have the 12 pack afterwards!! If you are at all worried check with a caliper it measures out. Hope this helps, if it sounds too weird dont do it. It worked for me.

I know the TAT, but that whole idea of aligning a die only works when the barrel is already the right diameter to start.
Many barrels are not the right diameter to start.

[miguel]

Perhaps I was just lucky, before I set it all in stone and got ready to test fire I did check for clearance visually, and felt for tangible clearance using a dowel that both fit into the muzzle clearing the brake. You could also tap on the crowning all around in the brake, they are overbored so it fit like a charm. Shoot, before you go through all the trouble and expense it might be worth it to just buy the ca su16, they have the thicker and treaded barrel. Nicer sights too. I had the Alpha so I had to "play the stick I had". Great learning and so far it has been treating me better than when i first got it, now it shoots like the rifle I thought I was buying.

[botsdots]

My understanding is that the barrel itself *is* the correct diameter to start. My understanding is also that there are three layers on the end of the barrel. First the barrel itself, then a kind of spacer which is attached to the barrel with loctite (removed with a torch), then the sight. I have an su16ca and am wanting to add a muzzle brake, but I'm having a tough time finding someone to do it as I'm chicken, and the TAT and die are not cheap for a one and done DIY project.

[miguel]

Hey bro. if you have the "ca" it is already threaded, only the "a" model will give the grief of having to customize. take off the thread protector and be merry with ar 15 compatible brakes.