Pinning/welding muzzle device - set screw as pin

[Junkie]

I saw someone recommend this somewhere and wanted to make sure it seems reasonable.

Drill and tap the muzzle device, clock it on the barrel, start the hole, remove muzzle device, enlarge hole to at least major diameter, install muzzle device, tighten down the screw, grind or file any that sticks out, weld over the top.

This seems like a decent way to me, is there any reason not to do it?

[ar15barrels]

It will work.
It's WAY more work than a standard pin/weld job.
It's also more difficult to undo in the future.

[Junkie]

I hadn't thought about it being more difficult to undo. It seems like it'd be convenient in that the pin would hold itself in while I'm welding over it (I'm currently MIG or stick only and I've had things move).

[Junkie]

What diameter pin do you generally use?

[ar15barrels]

I hadn't thought about it being more difficult to undo. It seems like it'd be convenient in that the pin would hold itself in while I'm welding over it (I'm currently MIG or stick only and I've had things move).

If you are worried about the pin moving, peen it so it goes into the hole tight before you weld it.

I use 3/32" diameter dowel pins when I am drilling a new hole through the muzzle device.
I always drill the hole through the muzzle device and into the threads on the barrel after the muzzle device is clocked on the barrel.
Some muzzle devices come pre-drilled and this causes a welding problem in that there is finish inside the hole.
I drill those out to 1/8" so I have completely raw/clean metal to weld.

I chamfer the top of the hole with a 5/32" or 3/16" drill bit to give me some clean base metal around the pin for the fusion weld.
With a properly fitted pin and hole prep, there is no need to add any filler.

[Junkie]

That makes sense, thanks.

If I had a TIG I'd go autogenous, but I don't.

[buruli]

I use a 6 32 set screw set into a dimple in the barrel. Take a small sliver of brass shim stock and drop it in on top of the set screw. Then weld over the top. If the muzzle device ever needs removal or replacement, I mill out the weld until I see brass. Then pick out the brass with a pick, then remove the set screw. You have replaceable but also compliant muzzle device.

[Bad80]

Not to troll but If I may step up on to my soap box. This law is so stupid and insignificant, which I'm sure you all agree. No regular police officer will care or even notice as long as it is the proper length. Personally, I have never been pulled over and searched or even pulled over carrying my "equipment" and I shoot every weekend(for over a decade now). I personally just weld. That's it. We shouldn't even have to do that but it's "permanent" and shows intent. I'd like to see one report of a federal agent hacking away at someones rifle to make sure it was also pinned because they were skeptical of it. lol

[Junkie]

You mean you just do a tiny weld bead on the muzzle device, with nothing under it? Or you weld the muzzle device to the barrel?

I'd rather not weld on the barrel if I can avoid it, which is why I pin and weld instead.